Weston College’s Year 1 Protective Services students enjoyed an exhilarating day of outdoor adventure at the stunning Wimbleball Lake, where they took part in an action-packed program designed to challenge both their physical and mental abilities. 

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the lake, students had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities that pushed them to test their skills and build camaraderie with their peers. The day included thrilling canoeing sessions, high ropes challenges, and hands-on navigation training. These activities, specifically designed to enhance their team building, problem-solving, and resilience skills, are crucial for their development in protective services training. 

After a day of adventure and learning, the group gathered for a much-needed barbecue to refuel, relax, and celebrate their achievements. 

"We’re incredibly proud of our Year 1 students for embracing the challenges and showing great determination throughout the day," said David, Head of Public Services. "This experience is not only about building essential skills for their future careers in protective services but also about creating unforgettable memories and strong bonds within the group." 

Interested in protective services? Find out more information and apply for our courses here.

Meet Ryan, a young and ambitious footballer who’s already making waves.

At just 16, he scored his first goal for Weston-super-Mare AFC, in their recent pre-season friendly against Tiverton Town.

Ryan's journey is a testament to his passion for football and his commitment to growing as both an athlete and a student.

Ryan’s Football Journey

Ryan's love for football started early—he's been playing "since I could walk," he says. His talent and drive saw him train twice a week and play up to two matches regularly. Before joining the Seagulls, Ryan played for the Bristol Rovers Academy, where he was offered an early scholarship. However, he made a bold decision to turn it down and join us at Weston College, saying, "I had a lot of Premier League interest but I left to develop in a men’s environment and study sports coaching."

Making His Mark

Ryan’s first goal in pre-season for the Seagulls was a moment of pride: "It felt really good to get off the mark for Weston." His early success is just a glimpse of what’s to come as he continues to develop his skills with the team.

Balancing Football and Education

While pursuing his football career, Ryan is also preparing for his future off the field. He's enrolled in a Sports Coaching course, which perfectly complements his athletic ambitions. "Studying sports coaching will keep me around football and within the sport," he says.

World-Class Sports Facilities at Weston College

Weston College offers exceptional sports facilities, giving students like Ryan the resources they need to excel in their studies and training. Ryan speaks highly of the facilities: "The facilities are good at the college and give loads of options for when to use them."

Ryan’s story is an inspiration for young athletes looking to take their skills to the next level while maintaining a strong academic foundation. Weston College provides the perfect environment for balancing education with sporting aspirations, offering a range of courses, support, and top-notch facilities for students keen on a career in sports.

If you're passionate about sport and want to take your game to the next level, you can study one of our sport courses. Click here to find out more. 

Our Sport courses are part of the Sports Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.

Photo credit Mark Stainer/WsMAFC 

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending the Somerset Business Awards 2025 Launch Event at The Mount Somerset in Taunton. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow sponsors and judges, while gaining valuable insights into what the awards, scheduled for March 2025, will involve.

At University Centre Weston (UCW), we are passionate about the transformative power of apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships, both for individuals and organisations. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award, in recognition of outstanding apprenticeship achievements across Somerset. 

A degree apprenticeship combines full-time paid work with part-time level 6 university study, with a split of roughly 80% of your time being in the workplace, and 20% in the classroom. At UCW, we offer degree apprenticeships in Engineering, Environmental Health, Digital and Technology Solutions, Project Management and Digital User Experience. 

Entries for the Somerset Business Awards 2025 are now open, and we encourage all our employer partners to enter. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your business’s accomplishments and network with fellow businesses across a plethora of sectors. With free entry and 14 diverse categories, there’s something for businesses, organisations, and charities of all sizes. 

Click here to learn more and start your entry.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.