Weston College has finished joint-second in a table of every further education college in the UK.

The FE Week NICDEX rankings gives each college a mark out of ten in four categories – learner satisfaction, employer satisfaction, 16-to-18 positive progression and adults into employment. These are then added together to give an overall score.

Weston College was awarded 34 out of 40 – level with Newcastle and Stafford, and two behind PETROC.

The rankings were devised in 2016 by Nick Linford FE Week’s editor and a former director of performance at Lewisham College. They are based on satisfaction and progression criteria published by the Department for Education.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted with this fantastic achievement, we always put our learners first.

“We work extremely hard to make sure our learners enjoy their time with us, developing themselves holistically and progressing to further/higher education or employment. We are continually building strong relationships with all of our employer partners and stakeholders to ensure we are creating relevant training and qualifications that lead to meaningful employment for our learners.

“To be ranked second in the country show we’re definitely doing something right!”

Weston Town Council with Weston-super-Mare Civic Society have put up a plaque dedicated to architect Hans Fowler Price on the former School of Science and Art, in Lower Church Road, which is owned by Weston College. The plaque was unveiled on Monday 10th December 2018 at 12.00.

The building is one of many designed by Mr Price. As an architect he is responsible for much of Weston’s Victorian development. The Blakehay Theatre on Wadham Street which used to be a Baptist Church, also the Bristol Road Baptist Church, large parts of the Boulevard including the Mercury office, Walliscote School, and the former Library and Royal Hospital. He designed his own home in Trewartha Park where he died.

Hans Fowler Price (1835-1912) blue plaque was unveiled at Weston College by Dr Paul Phillips CBE Ph.D D.Litt Ed.D Principal and Chief Executive. Councillor John Crockford-Hawley who Chairs the Town Council's Museum Working Party and The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare were in attendance.

Dr Phillips commented; “This is a stunning Victorian architectural gem which has cost Weston College £1.64 million to completely refurbish.

“It was sensitively transformed in 2011 into a 21st century conference and event facility. Specialist stone masons, carpenters, joiners and engineers were drafted in to re-structure the cramped internal layout into large spacious rooms over three floors and replace all mechanical and electrical services.

“It was important the refurbishment was sympathetic to the original design and we have incorporated many original features. Stonework and tiling have been restored, while impressive stone pillars, archways, woodwork, roof beams and window handles have been retained. Hans Fowler Price was responsible for many treasures in the town during the Victorian era and we are delighted to own one of these properties and celebrate his work.”

Only businesses with an annual wage bill of £3 million pay into the levy

It is widely believed that all businesses pay into the apprenticeship levy, but this isn’t the case. Only employers that have an annual wage bill of more than £3 million pay into the apprenticeship levy. Organisations that meet this criteria must pay 0.5% of their wage bill into the levy, and this can only be retrieved by investing in apprenticeships.

For every £1 that a levy-paying organisation invests in an apprentice, the government adds 10p. If you don’t pay into the levy, the government will fund 90% of apprenticeship training costs!

Even business that don’t hire an apprentices are paying into the levy

Some businesses believe that you only pay into the levy if you hire an apprentice. But that’s not true. ALL BUSINESSES with a wage bill over £3 million pay into the levy.

So, by choosing not to train an apprentice, many businesses missing put on a share of the pot they’ve contributed to.

The levy can be used to train all employees - regardless of age

The levy doesn’t have to be used to train school leavers or new recruits. It can go towards the training of existing staff – regardless of age.

The levy can be used to provide members of staff with industry-specific or transferable skills, like team leading. Apprenticeships also cover a range of levels, including degree level. This is an effective way of developing existing staff and strengthening your work force.

The levy gives businesses more control over their apprenticeship programme

Another misconception is that businesses have less control over apprenticeships that are funded by the levy. That’s not true. In fact, the levy has actually made it easier for employers to choose bespoke packages that meet the needs of their business.

If you’re confused about the levy, or not sure how it can be used to benefit your business, get in touch with our Training Solutions team.

You can email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk or call 01934 411 594.

Alternatively, you can find out more on the team’s webpage.