On Thursday 11 June, Weston-super-Mare’s iconic Winter Gardens provided the perfect setting for the highly anticipated Weston College Business Awards 2026. 

The annual event celebrated the outstanding partnerships between Weston College and employers across the region, recognising learners and businesses who have worked together to create meaningful opportunities through apprenticeships, training programmes, industry placements, and community initiatives. 

Guests were treated to a delicious two-course meal, expertly prepared and served by Weston College Hospitality and Catering students, before the awards ceremony began. 

Throughout the evening, finalist showcase videos highlighted the inspiring achievements of nominees before winners were announced and welcomed to the stage to enthusiastic applause from family, friends, colleagues, and distinguished guests. Awards were presented by Weston College Principal and Chief Executive Pat Jones alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq. 

With such a strong field of nominations, the judging process was one of the most competitive yet. The exceptional quality across all categories meant every finalist should be incredibly proud of their achievements. Weston College extends its sincere thanks to the judging panel – Principal and CEO Pat Jones, Chair of Governors Dr Jane Hadfield MBE, Councillor Mike Bell, and Student Governor and former Business Awards finalist Jack Biggs – for their time, expertise and careful consideration in selecting this year’s winners. 

This year’s winners demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and collaboration, with each award recognising both the learner and their employer partner: 

Work Experience Partnership Award: Tobias Olson and Victoria Park Community Centre 

Adult Training Partnership Award: Mark Taiani and Bakers Dolphin 

Industry Placement Partnership Award: Rosie Palmer and Funny Bunnies Preschool 

Into Work Partnership Award: Emily Plumley and Haywood Village Academy 

Apprenticeship Partnership Award: Hannah Taylor and Airbus 

University Centre Weston Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Award: Charlie Eldergill and Ministry of Defence 

Career Excellence Hub Partnership Award: Access Your Care 

Community Project Award: Jobcentre Takeover Day in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions 

Alumni Impact Laureate Award: Jack Billingham, Alun Griffiths 

The evening also celebrated the achievements of Business and Travel & Tourism learners who took part in the Weston Hospicecare Business Enterprise Challenge. Supported by local business mentors who provided guidance and investment, learners developed and ran their own ventures, generating profits that were donated to Weston Hospicecare. 

As a result of their outstanding efforts, Weston College proudly presented Weston Hospicecare with a cheque for £6,062.13, raised entirely by learners through the challenge. 

Speaking after the event, Principal and Chief Executive Pat Jones said: 

“The Weston College Business Awards was a wonderful celebration of the talent, ambition and partnerships that help our learners succeed. 

Behind every award is a learner who has shown determination, an employer who has invested in their potential, dedicated staff who have supported their journey, and family and friends who have encouraged them along the way. Achievement is never a solo effort. 

The strength of this year’s nominations reflects the outstanding partnerships between the College and our employer community, and every finalist should be incredibly proud of their achievements. 

Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. Your success is inspiring, and I look forward to seeing where your journeys take you next.” 

Weston College would like to extend its sincere thanks to headline sponsor Alun Griffiths, drinks sponsor Bristol Airport, Alumni Impact Laureate Award sponsor Octavius, Apprenticeship Partnership Award sponsor Mindful Education, and publication sponsor Pace. Their continued support and partnership help make events such as the Weston College Business Awards possible and ensure the ongoing celebration of learner and employer success across the region.

Last month, learners from our SEND provision took part in a 10-day trip to Canada through the Turing Scheme, giving them the opportunity to experience a different culture, visit some of Ontario’s most well-known attractions, and spend time together outside the classroom. 

During the trip, students visited a range of locations across Ontario, including the South Simcoe Railway, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Amazon Fulfilment Centre. They also spent time in Algonquin Provincial Park, where they enjoyed a picnic before continuing their journey to Niagara Falls. 

A major highlight of the trip was the visit to Niagara Falls. Students travelled on the Falls Incline Railway before taking part in Journey Behind the Falls, which offers visitors a unique view of the waterfalls from tunnels carved into the rock behind them. They also explored the Niagara Parks Power Station and learned more about the area's history and hydroelectric power generation. 

The group continued to explore the Niagara region with a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car, which crosses above the Niagara Whirlpool and rapids, followed by the White Water Walk, where students were able to experience the force of the river from a close distance. They also took a boat tour to the base of the falls, providing a different perspective of one of Canada’s most famous landmarks. 

Other activities included a visit to the Maple Leaf Chocolate Factory Educational Experience, a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the CN Tower Experience in Toronto, where students enjoyed panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. 

The Turing Scheme provides an invaluable opportunity for our students to participate in international educational experiences that promote inclusion, independence, and personal growth. A trip to Canada allows students from our SEND provision to develop confidence by navigating new environments, engaging with different cultures, and taking part in activities that may be outside their usual comfort zone. These experiences help students build resilience, improve communication and social skills, and develop a greater sense of self-belief in their abilities. 

For many SEND students, opportunities to travel abroad can be limited, but thanks to the funding and support available through the Turing Scheme, it has helped to remove these barriers and ensure that international mobility is accessible to all learners.  

By participating in a structured and supported overseas programme, students gain valuable life and employability skills, increase their independence, and broaden their understanding of the world. The experience also helps to raise aspirations, encouraging students to pursue their course, training, and employment opportunities with greater confidence. 

Well done to the students who went on this trip and stepped out of their comfort zone to take part in the various activities, and thank you to the staff who supervised the trip, it wouldn’t have been possible without your support. 

This curriculum trip forms part of the SEND 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.

Weston College recently celebrated the achievements of students who completed the Bristol Airport Take Off Programme, an 11-week initiative delivered in partnership with Bristol Airport and North Somerset Council. The programme has successfully supported adults who were not in employment, education or training, helping them to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to progress into meaningful employment opportunities.

Over the course of the programme, students benefited from mentoring, employability workshops and tailored skills development designed to prepare them for the workplace. Students gained valuable hands-on experience through work placements at Centreline – Aviation Services, Boots, WHSmiths and Apcoa Car Park. The students also had an industry talk from Easyjet, a tour of Bristol Airport, and received personalised one-to-one support and took part in mock interviews with employers, helping them to build confidence, improve their communication skills and gain a greater understanding of employer expectations.

The programme provided training in customer service, employability and industry-specific skills, alongside confidence-building activities that enabled students to recognise their strengths and aspirations. As a result, students left the programme with enhanced workplace skills, increased self-belief and improved prospects for securing employment, including opportunities with Bristol Airport's Business Partners and other local employers.

The positive impact of the programme has already been demonstrated through its employment outcomes, with 25% of the cohort successfully offered employment, and we are continuing to support the remaining learners in preparing for further work experience and interviews. This achievement reflects both the dedication of the students and the effectiveness of the support provided throughout the programme, helping participants take an important step towards sustainable employment and future career success.

The achievements of the students were celebrated at a graduation event held at the Winter Gardens, where students, partners and supporters came together to recognise the progress made throughout the programme and the positive impact it has had on the lives of those involved.

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: "We are delighted to partner with Bristol Airport on the Take Off Programme. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing inclusive education and training opportunities, ensuring individuals from all backgrounds can develop the skills needed to thrive in the workforce."