Weston College is delighted to announce that Louise Hill-Davis has been put forward as our nominee for the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) FE Hall of Fame Award. The FE Hall of Fame, honours alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their fields, further education, and communities. This annual recognition spotlights exceptional alumni who continue to influence and uplift the sector. 

Our Health and Care Lecturer and Assessor, Louise Hill-Davis, who was also previously an A Level student at the College stands as an exemplary candidate for this national accolade, demonstrating remarkable dedication and impact as both an educator and community advocate. Her role as a Health and Social Care lecturer has been transformative at Weston College, where her commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive learning environment has inspired both students and colleagues alike. Known for her positive spirit and engaging approach, Louise is highly regarded by all who have the privilege of working alongside her. Heidi Oliver, Head of Area for Health at Weston College, states, "I am honestly just privileged to have someone as quietly powerful as Louise in our team." 

Beyond her work at the College, Louise has made an impressive mark in the local community. This year, she organised the Black History Month Forum in Weston-super-Mare, which gathered over 130 participants to foster dialogue on important topics like identity, health, education, and anti-racism. The event was an overwhelming success, underscoring Louise’s vision, leadership, and commitment to social equity. Plans are already underway to expand the forum next year, thanks to her dedicated efforts. 

Louise’s contributions extend to the literary world as well. She recently became a published author, adding her voice to an anthology with her story "Gas and Air," which shines a critical light on systemic racism in maternal healthcare, specifically the experiences of Black women. Through this work, Louise continues her advocacy for social justice, merging her educational and healthcare expertise to support awareness and change. 

Being nominated for the FE Hall of Fame is a testament to Louise’s dedication, talent, and the far-reaching impact she has had on those around her. Weston College is incredibly proud of Louise Hill-Davis and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition. We eagerly await the final selection and wish Louise the very best in this year’s Hall of Fame Awards. 

Remembrance Day is a day we should never forget. It is a day to remember the members of the Armed Forces who fought hard for us but sadly lost their lives during the war. The 11th November marked the end of the First World War and has been honoured ever since. 

Here at Weston College, our Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) students went above and beyond the normal traditions by creating their own poppy display on the 7th floor of Knightstone campus. The students made their poppies out of paper, or if they were feeling really adventurous, some even sewed them. 

Whilst the learners carefully crafted their poppies, they discussed the family members who fought and sadly lost their lives. They then arranged their poppies into a lovely display that other members of the college could go and pay their respects to.  

The poppy is a symbol of both remembrance and hope and has been worn as such since the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915. The fields that were fought on in the war were turned to nothing but mud and destruction, but through it all, a field of poppies flourished.  

Lily, one of our UPS learners, said, “poppies are a huge part of Remembrance Day to show our respects for those who fought for our freedom, and due to our public service course, this is a special occasion as we would all like to be a part of the serving forces.” 

Our Uniformed Protective Services course provides our learners with a solid foundation and a pathway to success in a career in protective services. Through a combination of practical training, theoretical study, and real-world experiences, our students are developing the expertise and confidence necessary to make a meaningful difference in the community. 

Nicky Stent, a Protective Services lecturer, said, “I was so proud of the attitudes and respect demonstrated by the UPS learners for the Remembrance reflection lesson. We discussed family members, great-grandparents who had lost their lives, and we reflected on how we would feel being in their position.  

Many learners found sewing quite challenging and yet continued to make an effort in order to pay their respects and ensure that we could create an installation worthy of 11th November. The whole cohort collaborated, and I could not be prouder of the mature discussions that took place.” 

The UPS students also attended the Memorial ceremony in Grove Park on Remembrance Day. David Beresford, Head of Protective Services, said “the students provided an excellent presence at the Memorial Day ceremony.  

Their behaviour epitomised the brevity and importance of the occasion, displaying respect, reflection and pride in their Nation's historic endeavours.” 

We are so proud of our Uniformed Protective Services students for how they presented themselves and honoured Remembrance Day at Weston College. 

If you’re interested in applying to one of our Protective Services courses, click here. 

In the recent UK Autumn Budget announcement, various measures were introduced to support both large corporations and small businesses, with a particularly valuable opportunity in the area of apprenticeship hiring.

The government has rolled out a key financial incentive: employers hiring apprentices under 25 are now exempt from paying National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on their wages.

This exemption offers significant cost savings for businesses facing rising expenses and increased tax obligations, particularly the higher National Insurance secondary threshold, which will raise employment costs.

Hiring apprentices under this NIC exemption is a strategic decision for businesses aiming to achieve growth while managing budget constraints. This exemption is especially beneficial for smaller businesses, as it makes hiring more affordable in regions facing skill shortages. It offers a straightforward way to onboard new talent without the extra NIC costs. Additionally, degree apprentices under the age of 25 are also exempt from NIC, providing an added incentive for businesses to integrate degree apprentices into their workforce.

This financial benefit comes at a crucial time, as the recent NIC increase from 13.8% to 15% applies broadly across employees but excludes apprentices under 25. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) stand to gain the most, as they can redirect savings into other investments or workforce development initiatives without the strain of additional taxes.

Furthermore, the increase in the National Minimum Wage, which includes a rise in the apprentice minimum wage starting in April 2025, means that companies must prepare for higher payroll costs even for entry-level positions. However, National Insurance Contributions (NIC) relief can help alleviate some of the financial burden caused by these wage increases, providing some relief to employers. By taking advantage of apprenticeships, companies can develop a skilled workforce while benefiting from reduced tax obligations and utilising government-supported talent pipelines.

Employers seeking sustainable growth can benefit from budget changes that support apprenticeships. This allows businesses to invest in future talent without the operational costs of other hiring categories. By using National Insurance Contribution (NIC) savings, companies can manage their tax liabilities and enhance their financial resilience, fostering long-term employment growth in the UK.

At Weston College, we offer apprenticeships ranging from Level 2 to Level 6 (degree level) across various sectors, including animal management, business and management, computing and digital technologies, construction, creative arts, education and early years, electrical and plumbing, engineering, hair and barbering, health and social care, hospitality and catering, law, motor vehicle, public services, and sport.

To accommodate our diverse apprenticeship offering, we have a dedicated apprenticeship team who offer our employer partners comprehensive support and guidance, helping them navigate every step of the apprenticeship process. This support can range from helping with the free recruitment process, creating a diverse and inclusive workforce or helping to upskill existing staff via apprenticeships.

To find out more about how to bring an apprentice into your business, 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.