Weston College is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted for two highly respected categories at this year’s Apprenticeship and Training Awards. The nominations recognise outstanding innovation, collaboration and impact across the College’s apprenticeship provision:

• Best Partnership in Training – highlighting the College’s exceptional collaborative work with Thatchers Cider 
• Best New Apprenticeship Programme – recognising the success of the Project Management Degree Apprenticeship

These nominations celebrate the dedication and expertise of staff from across the Weston College Group, as well as the commitment of the learners and employer partners who help drive the College’s mission to create brighter futures and meet industry needs across the UK.

The winners will be announced at the Apprenticeships and Training Conference Gala Dinner in Liverpool on 3rd March.

Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal - Apprenticeships and Skills at Weston College, said:

“Being shortlisted for two national Apprenticeship and Training Awards is a tremendous honour and a testament to the passion, innovation and teamwork that underpin everything we do at Weston College.

“Our partnership with Thatchers Cider is an outstanding example of how employers and education providers can work together to create high-quality, industry-focused training that truly benefits local people and businesses.

“We are equally proud of our new Project Management Degree Apprenticeship, which has quickly established itself as a transformative programme for organisations and learners across the country. Its success reflects the forward-thinking approach of our curriculum teams and the ambition of our apprentices.

“I would like to congratulate all of our staff and learners whose hard work, expertise and commitment have made this recognition possible. These nominations shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent within the Weston College community, and we could not be prouder.”

If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships, please click here.

As part of our celebration of Supporting the Power of Specialist Further Education (1st–5th December), we asked Caitlin and her family to reflect on her time at Weston College so far.

Caitlin studies Pathways to Supported Adulthood at the College, and since joining us she has made outstanding progress - personally, socially and in her independence. Transitioning from Briarwood Special School in Bristol, Caitlin and her family chose Weston College as the next step in her journey, a decision that has led to transformative growth across every aspect of her life. She has also been recognised as the 2025 Celebration of Success Winner for the Pathways to Supported Adulthood programme, an award that celebrates exceptional achievement, progress and resilience.

One of Caitlin’s most significant areas of development has been her communication. Through dedication and determination, she has built a strong and effective system of expressive tools, including signing and a high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device. These skills have empowered her to express herself with clarity and confidence.

Caitlin began college with a high level of support, receiving 2:1 assistance across much of her curriculum. As her confidence, independence and self-regulation grew, this support was gradually reduced. She now accesses community-based learning with 1:1 and group support, demonstrating her increased autonomy and readiness for the next phase of adulthood.

Throughout her time at Weston College, Caitlin has also worked hard to build meaningful and trusting relationships with both staff and peers. She now leaves college equipped with the social skills to form and maintain friendships and professional connections, an achievement that will support her as she moves forward into adulthood.

Caitlin’s journey is a powerful reflection of her strength, resilience and determination. Her achievements show just how much she has grown, and she is truly deserving of her Celebration of Success recognition. Weston College is incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished and excited for the opportunities ahead of her.

Last week, our Year 2 Level 3 Travel and Tourism learners had the fantastic opportunity to visit Bristol Airport for an immersive experience focused on careers in aviation.  

The trip began with a guided tour of the main terminal, where students explored the passenger journey from check-in to boarding. This gave them a real insight into the operational side of the airport and the variety of roles involved in ensuring smooth travel for thousands of passengers every day. 

Students then got the opportunity to access the staff-only Aviation House, a behind-the-scenes area that most travellers never see. Here, learners discovered the coordination required between different departments, from security to ground handling, and learned about the skills and qualifications required for these roles.  

Following this, the group attended a lesson in Lulsgate House, where airport staff delivered an engaging session on career pathways, progression opportunities, and the importance of customer service in the aviation industry. 

One of the highlights of the day was visiting the roof deck, where students watched planes take off and land. This experience brought classroom learning to life, allowing them to see the scale and complexity of airport operations in action.

The focus of this visit was on career opportunities, showcasing roles such as airside operations, terminal management, customer service, and specialist positions within aviation security and logistics. This allowed learners to gain a deeper understanding of the different employment pathways available after college and the general expectations and requirements needed to pursue careers in the aviation industry. 

Students networked with staff, gained invaluable insight from industry professionals, and came away with a clearer understanding of the diverse employment options available within the travel and tourism sector. 

A big thank you to Harry Ellis at Bristol Airport for another fantastic visit and taking the time to engage with our Travel and Tourism students.  

This curriculum trip forms part of the Travel and Tourism Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

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.