Today we’re celebrating Into Work student Orlan! He has recently been supported by Weston College to find work at Haven Holiday Park’s Mini Mart, which helps to supply snacks and supplies to holidaymakers.  

When applying for the Customer Service Associate position, Orlan also received crucial assistance from his job coaches. Their guidance through the application and interview process helped him feel prepared and reassured, ultimately leading to his successful employment. Orlan said: “The support staff and job coaches at Weston College have helped me with the job process by giving me guidance and showing me how the job and application processes work.” 

At the Mini Mart, Orlan helps when the shop receives a delivery, as well as sweeping, waste disposal and facing up (pulling items to the front on the shelves). Initially, Orlan faced some nervousness about transitioning from college to the workplace. However, with time and support, he grew more confident and comfortable in his position. The Into Work program at Weston College played a significant role in this transition. Job coaches Andy and Glen provide consistent support during Orlan’s shifts, helping him navigate his duties and adapt to the work environment. 

Orlan’s Tutor Becky praised him saying: “Orlan has made significant progress during his time at college. He has achieved English, Maths and has made huge steps towards preparing for adulthood through becoming an independent traveller and developing excellent communication skills. I have most enjoyed witnessing Orlan recognise the value that employment can bring to his life through engaging with several work experience placements and now thriving in a paid role showcasing his skills and talents. He is a great role model and advocate for young people moving into the workplace.”  

Orlan’s journey is a testament to the Into Work program, which is designed to help students with additional needs transition smoothly into the workforce. By providing personalized support and practical guidance, Weston College empowers its students to achieve their career goals and develop greater independence. 

This supported employment forms part of the Supported Employment Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. 

To find out more Orlan’s program, click here! 

We recently caught up with a successful T Level graduate, Grace, who completed her Early Years Educator T Level with a Distinction, gaining her valuable hands-on experience and a great final result. 

Over the 2 years, Grace worked 750 hours in her placement and explained that the T Level was a ‘great balance of placement and college hours’, providing her with a unique blend of classroom learning and real-world experience to put her skills into practice. 

Grace completed many tasks during her placement such as ‘supporting children with daily tasks’ and assisting them with their learning, and as her confidence and knowledge progressed, she was given more responsibilities due to her capability and determination in the role. 

The Early Years Educator T Level is a two year course based at Knightstone campus. The T Level allows students to collaborate with employers, providing a mixture of classroom learning and work-based experience to help build technical skills and kick start a career in the education sector. Studying this course sets a student apart from others as they develop a deeper understanding of child development in practice as well as in a classroom. 

Throughout Grace’s T Level, she ‘learnt so much from doing an industry placement’ and had the opportunity to shadow and work alongside experienced professionals. This opportunity helped her develop the necessary skills as well as open her eyes to potential career paths in the future. 

As a result of her hard work and dedication, Grace was offered a summer job opportunity with her placement, Stationhouse Nursery in Portishead, which she stated was the highlight of her T Level as it proved that her hard work and efforts had paid off.  

During her time at Weston College, Grace found that the support from the staff and the team were a key factor of her success. With their fun lesson deliveries, readiness to answer any queries, and catering to the needs of each learner, Grace said that she ‘couldn’t have done it without them’. She also found that the newly renovated facilities available to her at Weston College had a positive impact on her learning experience. 

When asked if Grace would recommend a T Level course, she said it was the ‘best of both worlds’, and for anyone considering a T Level, she encourages that all students ‘100% go for it’. With both the practical experience to take her straight into a career, or enough UCAS points to continue studying at university, there is no limit to opportunities.  

After completing her course with a Distinction, Grace is proud that the hard work paid off and she is now progressing on to Norland College in September.

We wish you the best of luck Grace!

Learners from Weston College received their Level 2 Diploma and Certificate results this morning, including GCSE and Functional Skills in Maths and English. The College has seen pass rates improve on last year, with exceptional outcomes particularly in GCSE Maths with pass rates at 30%, 13% above the national pass rate. It is similar story with English resits, with pass rates well above the national levels. At the same time, we are thrilled to see a number of learners achieve high grades including grades 8 and 9s in both English and maths.

With Level 2 courses offered across the various Career Excellence Hubs, learners from a range of disciplines, from Construction to Hospitality, collected their results today, with many celebrating their achievements.

Jackson, who studied Motor Vehicle and completed his Functional Skills in Maths, shared his experience:

"My time at Weston College was truly transformative. I not only mastered the intricacies of motor vehicle systems but also overcame my struggles with maths, thanks to the support of phenomenal lecturers. This journey has given me the skills and confidence to pursue my dream of joining the REME Regiment as a Vehicle Mechanic, and I’m excited for what lies ahead."

In addition to Level 2 courses, both new and returning learners received their GCSE maths and English results this morning, striving to achieve the grade C/4 required to advance in their education.

The College learners have displayed exceptional dedication and perseverance, proving that it’s never too late to secure qualifications and unlock new opportunities. These results are a significant cause for celebration and underscore how Weston College supports its learners in achieving their goals.

One of the tremendous success stories from the day is Oli who picked up his English GCSE result. He said:

“I feel very relieved, and so happy as I can now progress onto my apprenticeship.

“I have felt so supported during my time at Weston College, everyone has gone above and beyond to help push me beyond my boundaries to pass and achieve this grade.”

Maria picked up her Maths GCSE result, saying:

“I don’t think my results have sunk in yet – I’m overjoyed!

“I have put in a lot of hard work, and had great support from the team at Weston College, which has allowed me to pass my GCSE.”

Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Pat Jones, added:

“We are immensely proud of our learners and the determination they have shown in reaching this important milestone.

“Their success is a testament not only to their hard work but also to the supportive and inclusive environment we strive to provide at Weston College.

“Whether they’ve excelled in vocational courses or overcome challenges in core subjects like maths and English, today’s results highlight how education truly transforms lives and opens doors to new opportunities.

“We look forward to seeing what our learners achieve next as they take the next steps in their journeys.”

If you would like to find out more about our maths and English courses, you can do so by clicking 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.