Weston College has launched Power Up, a new employer-focused campaign designed to help businesses strengthen their workforce, grow sustainably, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing skills landscape.

Power Up puts employers at the heart of Weston College’s mission to shape the future workforce. Beyond equipping local people with industry-ready skills, the campaign focuses on supporting businesses to grow, thrive, and build a strong, future-proof talent pipeline.

Through a flexible and tailored approach, Weston College works in partnership with employers to deliver solutions that fit each organisation’s needs. Support includes apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships, short courses, industry placements, work experience opportunities, and supported internships - all designed to align with real business demands.

Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships & Skills said, “Weston College understands that investing in people is one of the smartest moves any business can make. Whether employers are looking to upskill their existing workforce, attract new talent, streamline training, or stay ahead of emerging industry trends, Power Up offers a comprehensive range of employer-focused content to help businesses succeed.”

How Power Up Benefits Your Business

• The Power Up campaign is built around outcomes that matter most to employers, including:
• Access to fresh skills and new perspectives
• Early engagement with emerging talent
• Reduced recruitment challenges
• Opportunities to trial potential employees before hiring
• Support with training, onboarding, and funding
• The chance to help shape courses to better match business needs

Power Up Employer Webinar Series

As part of the campaign, Weston College is also launching a Power Up Employer Webinar Series. These upcoming webinars are designed to keep employers informed and empowered, covering key topics across Further and Higher Education and providing practical insights to help businesses maximise the benefits of working with the College.

With Power Up, Weston College is reaffirming its commitment to working alongside employers - helping employers to build skills, unlock potential, and power up their business for the future.

Weston College has launched its Inclusion Strategy 2025–2030, setting out a bold commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion for learners, staff and the wider community it serves across North Somerset, Bristol and the surrounding region.

Titled “Belong, Thrive, Achieve”, the strategy positions inclusion as central to the College’s mission of Creating Brighter Futures and reflects the transformative role further education plays in tackling inequality, improving life chances and strengthening communities.

The strategy is grounded in the realities facing the region, including high levels of deprivation, rising numbers of learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and persistent attainment and employment gaps for disadvantaged young people and adults.

Weston College supports over 8,000 learners, including more than 2,500 learners with learning difficulties or disabilities, and is committed to not only meeting but exceeding its statutory duties – particularly for SEND and under-represented groups.

The Inclusion Strategy is structured around three core pillars:

• Belong – fostering a culture of respect, safety and belonging, free from discrimination and harassment
• Thrive – embedding inclusive design into policies, curriculum, estates and digital environments to remove systemic barriers
• Achieve – improving outcomes through targeted support, inclusive curriculum pathways, employer engagement and staff development

Key commitments include the introduction of an Equity in Education Framework, enhanced SEND provision, increased financial and wellbeing support, improved accessibility, and stronger partnerships with schools, employers, local authorities and community organisations.

By placing equity and inclusion at the heart of its operations, Weston College aims to improve learner outcomes, reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), and contribute positively to social mobility and economic growth across the region.

The strategy is underpinned by Weston College’s Inclusion Promise, a public commitment to understanding, representing, supporting and celebrating the diverse individuals and communities it serves. Through this strategy, Weston College reaffirms its role as a place where education opens doors, difference is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to belong, thrive and achieve.

As we approach the end of 2025 and proudly celebrate 180 years of the Weston College Group, we take a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought us here. Over nearly two centuries, countless individuals have learned, worked, and grown within our community. This milestone offers the perfect opportunity to look back at some of the stories, experiences, and achievements that have helped shape who we are today. 

James McGuinness  

I studied at Weston College from 2000 to 2002, completing a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Music Technology. I look back on my time at the college very fondly - the supportive environment and dedicated tutors played a crucial role in shaping my career in music. 

The two-year BTEC course was intensive and highly practical, providing the perfect foundation for my progression to a degree at Bath Spa University. The combination of practical music and business skills firmly set me on the right path for the music industry. 

Since leaving the college, I have built a career in artist campaigns, label relations, and digital platform strategy. I now work as a Label Relations Manager at YouTube Music, collaborating with global artists such as Ed Sheeran, Central Cee, Dua Lipa, and Oasis. 

Ray Stewart 

I worked in Engineering Fabrication for most of my career and fully expected to retire when I closed my business. However, I soon realised I still had more to give, particularly to the younger generation. In 2018, I was given the opportunity to give something back by joining Weston College, where I supported the matching of learners on the new T Level courses with employers for their industry placements. 

It was a fantastic journey, full of challenges and achievements, including working through the pandemic. I knew I had truly connected with my learners when I once bumped into a small group of them during a lunch break and they spontaneously applauded me. 

That moment confirmed a belief I have held for many years - that young people are kind, hardworking, and thrive with a little guidance from those who have experience. I loved every minute of my time at Weston College and will always be grateful for the opportunities the college gave me. 

Georgia Ferdinando 

At Weston College, I completed a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science followed by a Level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer Apprenticeship. During my apprenticeship I worked as the Women’s Football Development Officer before progressing into a full time role as a Sport and Wellbeing Engagement Officer.  

My studies at Weston College gave me a strong foundation in coaching and sport development, combining theory with practical experience. They helped me build confidence, professionalism, and the skills I use every day in my current role as School Coordinator for the City Football Group, representing Manchester City Football Club in Abu Dhabi.  

I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Weston College who supported and believed in me throughout my journey. You’ve played a key role in my growth; not only in my professional development but also in my personal confidence and self-belief.   

Anthea Youens 

I began my time at Weston College in 1969 at Knightstone, before moving to the new building which opened in 1970. It was an exciting time moving to the new building with the new state of the art facilities. The only distraction was the beach and shops in the town centre! There was a huge variety of courses, either academic or vocational with so many opportunities. 

I have fond memories of a secretarial tutor named Mrs Staines who had endless patience and supported me throughout my time at the College. All the tutors and teaching staff were lovely and built-up great relationships with the students. We all had a fun time, worked hard and made great memories! 

After College, I went on to work in a museum and in later life after my children grew up I managed to get a good job in administration. I still keep in touch with the friends I made at College. 

Take a look at the full history timeline of the Weston College Group here.  If you'd like to check out more alumni stories, 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.