Weston College's Automotive Careers Excellence Hub recently hosted Block Automotive for an engaging workshop. Lee Trussler showcased a cutting-edge Hydrogen Fuel Cell Training vehicle, inspiring both staff and students alike.

Lee showcased their innovative Hydrogen Fuel Cell Training vehicle, modeled after the renowned Toyota Mirai. This demonstration not only provided an invaluable learning experience for Automotive and Engineering staff but also offered an exciting glimpse into essential green technology for learners.

Block Automotive has over 40 years of manufacturing experience and is the market leader in innovation and design providing automotive, HGV, and agricultural vocational training equipment.

The collaboration between Weston College and Block Automotive highlights a commitment to staying at the forefront of automotive education and sustainable technology. By introducing this cutting-edge training vehicle, Weston College aims to equip its staff and students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

This demonstration not only served as a professional development opportunity for staff but also provided learners with firsthand exposure to eco-friendly automotive technologies. As the world shifts towards greener solutions, Weston College remains committed to preparing its students for the future of the automotive industry.

Chris Priest the Subject Area Manager for Automotive at Weston College, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Welcoming Lee Trussler and the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Training vehicle to Weston College is an exciting milestone for our Automotive Department. This demonstration aligns with our mission to provide cutting-edge education that prepares our students for success in a rapidly changing world."

Justin Lavery, Finance Director at Block Automotive, added: "Lee Trussler, National Sales Manager for Block Automotive Limited travelled to Weston College last week to provide a full demonstrate our new Hydrogen trainer to Weston College. "Weston College’s team made Lee feel very welcome, the level interest and excitement was marvellous. The demonstration allowed learners to inspect the training rig exacting parallels between education and Industry through the provision of cutting edge education in the Hydrogen and Electric Vehicle space. "We are very grateful to be working with Weston College and are excited to be contributing to the further evolution of their Automotive Department. Our thanks to Chris Priest, Ross Hawkins and their TEAM for hosting us at their amazing premises in Weston-Super-Mare."  

This workshop forms part of the Automotive Careers 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 see more about our Automotive courses, 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.

Weston College learners from Weston Bay, have embarked on a heartening journey of social enterprise aimed at supporting the homeless community in Weston-super-Mare.

Last week (28th February), during a social enterprise session, learners visited Somewhere to Go, who provide day and night support to rough sleepers and disadvantaged vulnerable adults, to donate minestrone, potato and leek soup, to 35 individuals.

The initiative underscores the essence of social responsibility and community engagement. Through meticulous planning, budgeting, and shopping, the learners have honed their independent living and employability skills. Moreover, their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in making this charitable event a reality.

Central to their endeavours are two pioneering projects: Soup of the Week and Students Snack Shop. These ventures are meticulously designed with the sole purpose of extending support to the homeless population. Through these initiatives, the learners have committed themselves to providing essential sustenance, embodying the spirit of empathy and altruism.

Armanda Costa, Autism Specialist Practitioner in Employment, at Weston College, said: “Our learners have shown remarkable dedication and compassion throughout this project, and they are so pleased to be able to offer a helping hand to those in the community that need it most.

“Beyond the donation of soup, this project showcases the transformative power of education and community engagement. It underscores the invaluable lessons learned through real-world experiences, instilling empathy, and compassion in the hearts of these learners.

“A big thank you to all of our learners who have done an amazing job throughout the project – our learners continue to inspire us daily.”

Noreen Nolan-Kendrew, Learning Support at Weston College, added: "Lisa and the team were overwhelmed with the amount of soup in which they received. The learners spoke about how they've researched online costs to then access the community, to purchase the ingredients needed. Over two to three weeks, they prepared and made batches of soup. Everyone was pleased and happy to see how this project had such a positive impact on vulnerable individuals, within our community. Learners and staff are now planning and looking forward to their next project - Autism Awareness!" 

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.

Welcome to the Weston College Careers & Employability Team Monthly Blog!

Dear Parents and Carers,

We’re excited to bring you the latest edition of our Careers & Employability Team Monthly Blog! Each month, we’ll provide updates on events, celebrate successes and how we offer support for all our learners at Weston College. You will also find key dates for upcoming events for you and your young person to get involved in. You can get in touch with the team on cet@weston.ac.uk for all Careers & Employability and T-Level Industry Placement support.

The Careers & Employability Team

February has been a busy and exciting month for our Year 1 T Level Construction, Design, Surveying, and Planning learners as they embark on their industry placements.

Industry Placement Success

Back in October, our learners attended the T Level Industry Placement Construction Employer Engagement Day, where they had the opportunity to hear from industry professionals. Several construction employers visited the college to deliver short, insightful presentations on their companies, explaining what they do and why students should consider completing their T Level placements with them.

Fast forward to February, and we are thrilled to report that 13 out of 17 learners have now secured placements as a direct result of this event! Employers were highly impressed by the professionalism and maturity of our students, with Bowmer & Kirkland commenting that they could hardly believe they were speaking to a group of 16-year-olds, as they themselves were not that mature at that age.

GMI Construction Placements

Among the successful placements, three of our learners secured roles at GMI Construction after impressing the team during their interviews. Initially, GMI planned to take on just one student, but after witnessing their enthusiasm and potential, they decided it was only fair to offer placements to all three.

These students will be working on an exciting project in Bristol’s Temple Meads Quarter—GMI’s first major residential contract in the Southwest of England. The project involves constructing a 447-bed PBSA complex, located just 200 metres from Bristol Temple Meads railway station, making the placement easily accessible.

Beth’s Success with St. Modwen

Another standout success comes from Beth, one of our female learners, who has secured a T Level placement at St. Modwen. After impressing the company during the Employer Engagement Day in October, Beth was invited for a more formal interview, where she successfully secured her placement. Beth is now working on the Locking Mosslands site, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the industry. Her achievement highlights the growing opportunities for women in construction and the impact of our T Level industry partnerships.

Progression: Exploring My Options

Throughout February, the Careers and Employability Team has been delivering "Progression: Exploring My Options" tutorials to help learners plan for the next academic year. As part of this, we encourage students to book one-on-one career sessions for further guidance. This support remains available for your young person—please email cet@weston.ac.uk for more information.

Looking Ahead

Congratulations to all our learners for their hard work and dedication—we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them in the construction industry!

We’re absolutely thrilled to share the incredible journey of Ayesha, a mature learner who has shown resilience, determination, and a true passion for her future. Ayesha applied to study Criminology at the University of the West of England (UWE) after completing her Access to HE in Social Science and returning to education. Last year, she was offered a conditional place, contingent on passing her English exam. Although she didn’t achieve the required result and lost her place, Ayesha wasn’t discouraged.

Instead of giving up, she took it as a challenge and reapplied, committing to retaking her English exam with even more dedication and focus. Her hard work has paid off—Ayesha has now been granted an UNCONDITIONAL offer from UWE!

Ayesha’s perseverance and commitment are truly inspiring. Huge congratulations, Ayesha! We are all cheering you on as you embark on your university journey. Best of luck with your future studies – we know you’ll achieve amazing things!

• National Careers Week- 3rd March- 8th March 2025
• University Centre Weston Open Day- Saturday 8th March 2025
• Open Evening For School Leavers and Adults- Wednesday 12th March 2025 
• Post 18 Parents Information Evening – Wednesday 30th April 2025