Here at Weston College, we understand that things can happen to change your work or career path, leaving you at a crossroads, unsure of what your next steps might be.  

Skill Up is a course aimed at those who need that extra bit of support with confidence building, to provide valuable skills and rekindle a sense of purpose in individuals who may have been out of the workforce for a while. 

This course, aimed to upskill the learners, include confidence building, decision making, effective communication and many other skills that are crucial when re-entering the world of work. 

Sharon, a Skill Up learner, who recently completed the course, shared some wonderful feedback: 

“The course was wonderful, I really enjoyed it! The tutors were brilliant, especially Paul. They were all really friendly and took the time to help you and were happy to do so. 

“It was also really nice for me to get out from my own four walls. It got me back in to a working routine. 

“The mock interview was really useful and I got great feedback. 

“I’m really pleased I was put forward for the course and I would recommend anyone to go on it if you’re an older person and not worked for a while. 

“It gave me confidence and purpose as well as improving my IT skills.” 

We are thrilled at the impact this has had on Sharon and the confidence it has given her in many different ways. 

Our aim is to upskill as many adults as possible throughout the month of October and beyond. If you would like to upskill yourself or your employees, click here to find out more about our 30 Day Challenge, where we are aiming to help 150 adults upskill in just 30 days! 

Last week, learners studying courses as part of our Public Services Career’s Excellence Hub, went on an exciting trip to Weston-super-Mare Fire Station. The initiative aimed to expose learners to the multifaceted world of firefighting and kindle their aspirations of becoming future heroes of the community.

Hosted by the dedicated Blue Watch team at Weston-super-Mare Fire Station, the visit proved to be an unqualified success. Watch Manager Chris Bacon, who was involved with the visit, reported: "The day was a real success, with four of the group expressing an interest in joining our Service at the next recruitment window."

Approximately 20 students from Weston College seized this unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a firefighter. Their day began with a hands-on experience, participating in practical firefighter tests and interacting closely with the seasoned crews. This immersive experience allowed them to gain insights into the life of a firefighter, including the challenges and rewards.

The highlight of the visit was a dynamic question-and-answer session with the fire service's recruitment team. This gave the students an invaluable platform to delve deeper into the intricacies of a firefighter's role and gather information on potential career paths.

Subject Area Manager for Public Services, David Beresford, said: “At Weston College we prepare our learners for a career, rather than just to pass their course. This trip has inspired our students, giving them a real insight into a career as a firefighter. Thank you to Chris and the team for hosting our learners.”

This employer project forms part of the Public 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.

Find out more about our Public Services courses, by clicking here.

Emma, the owner of Unique hair salon in Weston-super-Mare, has been a Career Excellence Hub Endorser for our Hair and Barbering Department for over a year now. As a solo artist in the world of hairdressing, Emma does it all. She not only styles and transforms hair but also manages the intricate details of her salon's operation.  

Emma recently led a masterclass with hairdressing learners here at the College, in which she taught and demonstrated using effective and safe working methods when perming and neutralising hair, as well as the necessary preparation and aftercare. 

We were lucky enough to catch up with her and reflect on her experience with the college so far. 

Working with the college is an opportunity to share her love for hairdressing and ignite the same passion in the next generation of hairstylists. Over the past year, Emma has had the pleasure of hosting numerous students from Weston College for work experience in her salon. These students are often a mixture of excited but nervous, but are gaining the hands-on experience in the industry that will be a huge help in their future careers. 

Emma shares that having these students at her salon has been an opportunity to witness the remarkable transformation of their confidence. Their evolution is something Emma is proud to show her clients, who can see first-hand the impact of her mentorship. 

The highlight for Emma is watching the incredible growth in these students. Many arrive uncertain, but by the end of their work experience, they have blossomed into more confident individuals. Emma's guidance and expertise create an environment where these training stylists can put into practice what they’re learning at college, and excel in the world of hairdressing. 

Emma's excitement for the future knows no bounds. She eagerly anticipates working even more closely with Weston College, nurturing fresh talent, and helping them find their unique style in the world of hairdressing. With her continued support and the college's education, we can expect to see even more incredible hairstylists emerging from Weston College. 

Unique Hair Salon forms part of the Hair & Barbering Careers Excellence Hub. At Weston College our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It's not just about getting a job; it's about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches.

Find out more about our Hair and Barbering courses, here.