Last month, South Bristol Youth Charity brought together a group of enthusiastic Year 9 students from Hans Price Academy and Broadoak Academy for an engaging visit to Weston College’s South West Skills Campus. 

The students participated in an interactive Motor Vehicle Workshop led by Iain Forster and Tony Lowe from the Weston College Motor Vehicle Team. Working in small groups, the students got hands-on experience learning about and disassembling different car components, using high-quality tools and equipment to simulate real industry practices. 

The day also included an insightful apprenticeship talk delivered by Erin Allsworth, the Apprenticeship Recruitment Advisor at Weston College, where students were encouraged to ask questions and explore the variety of apprenticeship opportunities available to them. This valuable session helped to explain alternative education routes and highlighted the potential of vocational training and hands-on careers.

To round off the visit, students toured the South West Skills Campus, including the cutting-edge Construction and Engineering facilities, gaining a broader understanding of college life and the diverse opportunities available after secondary school. 

South Bristol Youth Charity aims to motivate and empower young people by expanding their awareness of different career and education pathways, helping to build students’ confidence, resilience, and long-term aspirations. 

This kind of experience is crucial in helping young people make informed choices about their futures. By collaborating with schools and industry professionals, we create a safe, supportive environment where prospective students can discover their potential and feel empowered to pursue high-quality education and careers. 

The initiative forms part of the charity’s ongoing mission to inspire the next generation through practical learning and meaningful connections with local employers and educators.

On Tuesday 1st July, learners from Weston College’s Ready to Work programme participated in a successful collaborative event with Congresbury Community Café, delivering a traditional cream tea service to members of the local community.

The event provided an invaluable opportunity for learners with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to apply and demonstrate the hospitality and customer service skills they have developed as part of their college programme. Taking place in a supportive yet commercial environment, the experience allowed learners to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

This collaboration forms part of the Ready to Work programme’s broader aim: to support learners with SEND to develop the employability skills, confidence, and practical experience required to progress into sustainable, paid employment. The professionalism, enthusiasm, and capability demonstrated by the learners throughout the event was commendable and reflective of the hard work and dedication they have shown this year.

As these learners look ahead to September, many will be seeking Supported Internship opportunities to continue their journey into the world of work. Supported Internships play a vital role in helping individuals develop further skills, build independence, and secure long-term sustainable paid employment.

We invite local businesses and organisations to consider offering a Supported Internship placement.

If you are able to provide a valuable opportunity to a learner and be part of their employment journey, please contact Weston College’s Supported Employment Team.

Together, we can create inclusive employment pathways and help shape a more diverse and skilled workforce.

Contact: Amy.Harding@weston.ac.uk

Weston College is proud to announce that we have a third finalist in the prestigious Bristol Young Heroes Awards 2025, A Level learner Tasneem Mohamed. Alongside Romina, Tasneem has been shortlisted for the Learning Hero Award, recognising her outstanding academic achievement and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. 

Tasneem is a Year 13 A Level student studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths A Levels, having also completed her Maths and English GCSEs alongside her college courses. A former Dentistry student in Sudan, Tasneem was forced to leave her home country due to conflict. Despite the immense challenges she faced, she never lost sight of her goal to become a dentist and has continued to excel academically at Weston College. 

Maria Miles, Head of Sixth Form for Sciences, nominated Tasneem for the award, exclaiming, “Since arriving in the UK, Tasneem has shown extraordinary commitment to her education, studying for GCSEs while completing challenging A Levels. She is actively involved in college life, from taking part in Olympiads, to fundraising during RAG week. Her passion, resilience, and positive attitude are an inspiration to us all.” 

The Learning Hero Award recognises a young person who has exceeded expectations in education, especially through overcoming personal challenges. Tasneem’s journey is a testament to her perseverance and drive. 

Tasneem commented on the nomination, saying, “I felt really proud and more confident. Attending the nominee’s reception with my dad and seeing how proud he was meant a lot to me. I’m also grateful to Maria for always believing in me. I think I was nominated because of my determination and continued academic performance despite everything I’ve been through.” 

Beyond the classroom, Tasneem contributes to the college community as a student representative, volunteering at open evenings to support future students and their families. She plans to take a gap year to earn home student status before applying to dental school, with hopes of studying at the University of Bristol. 

To have three of our learners nominated for such outstanding awards is a true credit to their hard work and commitment. At Weston College, we support students to reach their full potential and make a positive impact both within the college and the wider community. 

The Bristol Young Heroes Awards celebrate young people who have overcome adversity, made a difference to others, or achieved something remarkable. Finalists will attend an awards night to celebrate their achievements on July 4th 2025, giving them the chance to network and connect with employers and peers. 

Click here to read Ellis and Romina’s Bristol Young Heroes Awards Nominations.