As part of last month’s ‘Focus on Finance’ initiative, Year 2 Level 3 Business students welcomed guest speakers Katie Robinson and Alana Goodwin from Ernst & Young (EY) Bristol Office, one of the world’s ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms. 

The Big Four refers to the four largest international accounting and professional services firms: Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY. These firms dominate the global market, providing audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services to major corporations and organisations worldwide. EY’s structured career pathways make it a leading choice for aspiring finance professionals such as our Business students. 

The session offered students a unique insight into EY’s operations and career pathways within the finance sector. Katie and Alana, both working in Audit, explained the firm’s services and highlighted the skills required for success in the industry, including analytical thinking and attention to detail. They discussed their roles, their career progression, and the benefits of pursuing a career in finance at EY. This was largely beneficial for our students unsure of what to do following their course, especially for those considering an Apprenticeship or Accounting in the future. 

Katie shared her journey from studying History at Cardiff University to joining EY’s graduate scheme. This career path reinforced to students that they can complete a university course that is not relevant to accounting and still secure a place on the graduate scheme. She is now a Senior Assurance Associate and part-qualified Chartered Accountant with ICAS, Katie outlined the three-year programme, which combines practical experience with exams. 

Alana also discussed her route into EY as a Level 7 Assurance Apprentice after completing her A Levels last year. Currently working towards her ACA qualification with ICAEW, Alana emphasised the value of early work experience and the structured progression available through apprenticeships. This was an excellent example for our current students to get a better understanding of the apprenticeship routes available, how to secure an apprenticeship, and what to expect from them. 

By Katie and Alana delivering an in-depth explanation into their graduate scheme and apprenticeship pathways, it allowed our students to consider the different routes they can take to achieve the same outcome which is especially beneficial for students unsure whether to pursue the university or apprenticeship route.  

Emma Hussey, Curriculum Co-ordinator and Business lecturer at Weston College, added, “Guest lecturers such as this provide valuable insight into a career in finance, giving our students a better idea of what to expect and the potential career routes available to them. We now have several students considering pursuing a career in Audit and Assurance which they had not previously considered, showing the impact that professional discussions can have on broadening future career paths.” 

Students remained engaged throughout the lecture, gaining valuable knowledge about alternative career routes in finance and the opportunities offered by global firms like EY. The event provided an excellent networking opportunity and broadened career paths for those considering pursuing accountancy and audit. 

A big thank you to Katie and Alana for taking the time to visit our Business students and share your knowledge with them! 

This guest lecture forms part of the Business and Travel & 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.  

Progress to the next level in Business! 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. 

Last month, a group of 15 Uniformed Protective Services students took a trip to Dartmoor to train for the infamous Ten Tors competition that will take place in May 2026.  

The Ten Tors Challenge brings together approximately 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six, each navigating a course of 35, 45, or 55 miles, depending on their age, across Dartmoor. Over two days, teams are required to be completely self-sufficient, carrying all the equipment and supplies necessary to safely complete their route and camp overnight. Along the way, they must reach ten nominated tors or checkpoints, testing not only their physical endurance but also their navigation and survival skills. 

In order to complete such a difficult competition, our students have been training in the harsh weather and across the rugged terrain of Dartmoor to prepare themselves for the upcoming challenge. They were put through physical and mental strains as they navigated round an 8-mile route of bogs, hills and valleys. This training provided our students with the transferrable skills and confidence required to succeed in the upcoming competition. 

This type of experience equips students with the practical skills, and physical and mental resilience to prepare them for careers in the Protective Service industry. It is a great example of how our students develop their leadership and strategy skills through real-world challenges, pushing them beyond their perceived limits and reinforcing the value of teamwork, adaptability, and mental strength. 

Dave Beresford, Protective Services lecturer at Weston College, said, “Events like the Ten Tors Competition is a great opportunity for students to test their mental and physical strength, seeing what they can overcome and achieve when they push themselves and work together. It also provides excellent training for careers in the Armed Forces and Protective Services, teaching them valuable lessons for the future.” 

Good luck to all the students participating in the Ten Tors challenge in May, you will smash it! 

This curriculum competition forms part of the Uniformed Protective Services 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.

This month, our Health & Social Care students took part in Future Skills Week, a week full of hands-on workshops, employer visits and essential training to ensure our students gain the crucial skills required for a career in the industry.  

The week began with careers tutorials to ensure the students had a comprehensive understanding of the career options available to them after college. Students then took part in mock interviews with Seb Farr, the Recruitment and Retention Lead at Access Your Care, a local organisation which provides essential care services to residents across North Somerset. This prepared them for real-world interviews, giving them experience with the types of questions to ask, what they can expect, and the general format of an interview. This career-focused day aimed to reduce the fear and ambiguity that can accompany when finishing college.  

A range of employers also delivered engaging workshops to provide a deeper understanding of the potential career paths available. Employers from organisations like Weston Hospicecare and local care homes visited to outline the careers in care and the benefits, roles and responsibilities of this route. Access Your Care also visited again to deliver an introduction to Health & Social Care and engage our students with the key expectations within the industry and the values required to become a Health & Social Care practitioner.  

Introducing students to a wide range of employers provides them with invaluable networking opportunities and a broader view of the career pathways available to them within the Health & Social Care industry. From nursing and healthcare assistant, to carer, support worker or social care, students can progress to many roles that will make a difference within the community. Additionally, students could progress to occupational therapy, mental health practitioner, or even biological laboratory science.  

By learning more about the potential options and career paths that students can pursue, gives them more time to consider their next steps following college. Depending on the route they wish to take, students may have to complete a degree or degree apprenticeship at university to become qualified, while some students may be able to go straight into full-time employment following the successful completion of their course.  

Future Skills Week better equips our students with what to expect regarding the journey they must take to achieve their goals. It provides students with an in-depth understanding of the wide range of careers depending on their interests and gives them the opportunity to speak to healthcare professionals that have invaluable insight and knowledge regarding these careers.   

Thank you to all employers who took the time to take part in our Future Skills Week, engage with our students and share your journey and experiences with us.  

This Future Skills Week forms part of the Health & Social Care 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 Healthcare! 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.