Leadership isn’t really about job titles. It’s about making good decisions under pressure, bringing people with you, and turning plans into day-to-day action. In a fast-moving labour market, those skills don’t develop by accident. They need time, practice and real responsibility. That idea underpins how Weston College approaches leadership and management training.

Too often, management training is treated as a one-off course or a perk that comes with promotion. In reality, people grow into leadership over time. Weston College’s apprenticeships are built to reflect that, supporting managers as they learn on the job, with real teams and real challenges.

For new managers and supervisors, Level 3 programmes cover the essentials: leading teams, managing performance, communicating clearly and making sound decisions. These programmes are widely used in sectors such as hospitality, retail, health and social care, and small to medium-sized businesses, where managers are often promoted from within.

Level 5 programmes are aimed at more experienced leaders, including operational and departmental managers with responsibility for people, projects and budgets. Here, the focus shifts to strategic thinking, managing change and delivering results through others.

The structure matters as much as the content. Leadership apprenticeships usually run for 12 to 24 months and combine day-to-day work with protected learning time. This means new skills are applied straight away, rather than being learned in isolation and forgotten.

Although based in the South West, Weston College works with employers across the UK. The leadership challenges faced by organisations are often similar, whether they’re in Somerset, the Midlands or elsewhere. Delivery is therefore flexible, with face-to-face, blended and remote options, and the ability to tailor programmes where employers want specific skills built in.

A wide range of organisations work with Weston College, including the NHS, Wessex Water, Thatchers, Muller, ICTS, Rhoper Rhodes and Bristol Port. What they have in common is an understanding that strong leadership has a direct impact on performance, retention and workplace culture.  

Why Apprenticeships Make Business Sense

For employers, leadership apprenticeships offer both short and long-term benefits.

In the short term, they provide a practical way to address skills gaps. Apprentices are employees from day one, developing leadership capability while contributing to the organisation. With government funding and free recruitment support available, the financial barrier is much lower than many expect.

Over time, the benefits go further. Apprenticeships help organisations develop leaders who already understand their systems, values and people. This supports succession planning, improves retention and reduces the need for external recruitment. Weston College sees consistently high completion rates and strong progression into permanent roles, demonstrating clear value for employers.

For learners, leadership apprenticeships offer something traditional training routes often can’t: momentum. Apprentices earn a salary while gaining recognised qualifications, hands-on leadership experience and ongoing support.

Many learners move through multiple levels, progressing from team leadership into senior operational roles or degree-level study. Along the way, they build confidence, professional credibility and skills that are valued across the labour market.

Clear Guidance on Funding and Support

Apprenticeship funding can feel complex, particularly for small and medium-sized employers. While levy-paying organisations use their apprenticeship accounts, recent changes have made funding more accessible for SMEs, especially those developing new or younger managers.

Because the rules change regularly, clarity matters. Weston College’s apprenticeship team works closely with employers to explain funding options, levy transfers and any available incentives, helping organisations make informed decisions with confidence.

Just as importantly, Weston College works as a partner rather than simply a training provider. Employers are supported with recruitment, programme design, regular reviews and end-point assessment planning. Apprenticeships are built into workforce planning, not treated as an add-on.

As organisations face growing pressure to deliver more with fewer resources, leadership quality becomes even more important. Developing managers from within is no longer a “nice to have” - it’s essential.

By combining real work, structured learning and close employer support, leadership and management apprenticeships at Weston College offer a practical way to build the leaders organisations need, now and in the years ahead.

This week, Level 2 Electrical students visited the Avon Fire and Rescue Fire Station, providing them with invaluable real-world insight into fire safety, emergency response, and the critical role that firefighters play in protecting the community.

As aspiring electricians, there was an emphasis on Health and Safety, with students learning how to respond effectively to electrical fires, the correct protocols to follow in an emergency, and how to call for help. This knowledge is directly transferable to their future careers, reinforcing the importance of safe working practices and responsible behaviour on site.

During the visit, students were also given a tour of the fire station, where firefighters explained their roles and responsibilities, shift patterns, involvement within the community, and the benefits and challenges of the profession. This provided learners with a realistic understanding of emergency service careers and the importance of teamwork, resilience, and quick decision-making under pressure.

Students were introduced to specialist emergency vehicles such as fire engines and a hovercraft, broadening their awareness of the wide range of situations firefighters respond to. Not only this, students took part in practical demonstrations and activities to gain first-hand experience of essential operational procedures.

The students also observed and practised how firefighters access a fire hydrant to obtain a larger water supply during an incident. Working in teams, they repeated the process in a timed challenge, developing communication, problem-solving skills, and confidence under pressure. Firefighters further demonstrated the use of different stretchers, with students experiencing both patient and responder roles, enhancing their understanding of casualty care and safety.

During their visit, a memorable event occurred when all fire engines were called out to an emergency, leaving the station largely empty. Upon their return, students assisted by helping to clean one of the fire engines, giving them a unique insight into the realities of fire service life and reinforcing values such as responsibility, respect, and teamwork.

This visit deepened their understanding of the serious consequences of electrical hazards, encouraged swift and appropriate action in emergency situations, and strengthened their awareness of how their future profession intersects with public safety.

Overall, the experience was an excellent opportunity, providing students with practical knowledge, increased confidence, and a stronger sense of professional responsibility skills and attributes that will support them throughout their careers in the electrical industry and beyond.

A huge thank you to the firefighters at Avon Fire and Rescue for welcoming our students and sharing your journey and knowledge.

This curriculum trip forms part of the Construction 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. 

Progress to the next level in Engineering and Construction! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

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.

This month, we’re proud to feature Brandon Hewlett, a Weston College alumnus who has built a successful career in the property and estate agency sector. Now the Managing Director of Hewlett Homes Estate Agents, Brandon’s journey from studying Business and Finance at college to running his own company is an inspiring example of where determination, adaptability, and ambition can lead.

My name is Brandon Hewlett, and I am the Managing Director of Hewlett Homes Estate Agents.

I studied Business and Finance at Weston College. While studying, I already knew that I wanted to work in sales, so after college I went straight into phone sales for a year. From there, I began my career in estate agency. Over time, I was promoted several times, eventually becoming a Branch Manager, before going on to start my own company in 2022. 

One pivotal opportunity came when I was offered the chance to move to Taunton to become a Branch Manager. I took this opportunity because I wanted to further my career, and it proved to be an important step in my development. Adaptability has been important in my career, particularly when it came to moving town to chase a promotion. This experience gave me valuable knowledge and confidence, which later helped me when I decided to start my own business.

For students who feel uncertain about their future career path, my advice would be that nothing in life is ever certain. You may start college with a specific career or goal in mind, but things can change in an instant. It’s important to be adaptable, ready, and open to new opportunities. 

In a world where industries and job roles are constantly evolving, young professionals should try not to become too specialist in one area unless they are completely certain about the career and role they want to pursue.

If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of career advice, it would be this: don’t try to be everybody’s friend. There will be times when you need to show authority and manage a team. Lead by example and always give everything 110%.

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.