This year marks 180 years of Weston College, and to celebrate, we want to highlight our journey alongside an employer who has partnered with us for many years, playing a vital role in the success of many of our students.

We spoke with Sophie, Talent Development Executive at Thatchers, to explore how Thatchers have worked with the college over the years.

In what ways do you work with Weston College?

Weston College deliver training for our Level 3 Business Admin & Customer Services apprentices, as well as our Level 2 Commis Chef apprentices at our onsite pub, The Railway Inn. We also partner with the college as a proud member of the Careers Excellence Hub, and have utilised additional training offerings in the form of short courses, such as managing money training for our apprentices.

For how long have Thatchers been working with/had a relationship with Weston College?

We have worked with Weston College since we began our apprenticeship programme over 8 years ago. They have played a fundamental role not only as a training provider, but as a champion of apprenticeships at Thatchers, actively supporting our Careers Open Day events as well as being a part of our apprenticeship recruitment process.

What has the Thatchers and Weston College journey looked like over the years? 

Since we began the programme, Weston College have helped us support over 35 learners, across many different areas of our business, from commis chefs in our pub, to customer service specialists and engineers, achieving an incredible 84.6% pass rate across the board (above the national benchmark of 60.5%)! It's been amazing to see the careers they have now developed into: from Marketing Executives to Demi Chef de Parties, Customer Service Team Leaders to Ledger Assistants and even Quality Coordinators!

Are there any standout success stories Thatchers have had with Weston College over the years?

Yes, many! It's impossible to choose one standout as all of our apprentices who have completed their studies have stood-out, for various reasons whether it be their own personal development and growth or the careers and results they are achieving in their roles now- they're all stars!

Here are some of our brilliant past and current apprentices: 

How have Weston College been able to benefit Thatchers as a business over the years?

Weston College have been a huge asset to Thatchers since we began the Talent Programme, their tailored approach to how they can support our business with our goals and visions for the programme & working as a real partnership, has been really important to our growth of apprenticeship offerings at Thatchers and our approach to continuous development. 

The college recently supported our idea for developing personal skills for our apprentices further, by organising and delivering a 'Money Management' training session for our new apprentice cohort, arming them with essential life skills when it comes to dealing with money and what it encompasses, of which we've received such positive feedback from our apprentices. What's great about working with Weston is the support not only we receive as a business, but also the level of face-to-face support our apprentices studying with the college, receive too!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We're looking forward to continuing our partnership with Weston College, and excited for the future!  

On 24th September, Weston College welcomed over 900 local people to the Winter Gardens for the ‘What Next’ Careers Showcase for Year 10’s and 11’s. 

A key date in the calendar, ‘What Next?’ is one of the biggest events of the year, showcasing so many opportunities for year 11 students, and this year’s event did not disappoint. Attendees had the opportunity to find out more about their potential career pathway; from meeting Weston College staff from all faculties, to speaking with a wide range of employers. 

Over 40 employers attended including, Airbus, Muller, the Royal Navy, Thatchers Cider, Bristol City Robins Foundation and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. They spoke directly with students and parents, highlighting career prospects and opportunities within their industries. 

Alongside employers, Weston College also showcased its Careers Excellence Hubs, giving students insight into the courses and pathways available across areas such as Early Years, Creative Arts, Construction, and Engineering. Lecturers were on hand at each stand to answer questions and provide advice. 

Students and parents could also book into a series of popular Inspire Talks, offering in-depth sessions on specific pathways including A Levels, T Levels, Apprenticeships, Foundation Pathways (Kings Trust Programme) and Diplomas (BTEC’s and UAL qualifications). Each talk shared key information and finished with a Q&A, helping attendees gain a clearer picture of what to expect when starting college next September. 

Weston College’s next open event will take place across all campuses on 14th October. Book your place 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 and University Centre Weston (UCW) are proud to announce a new association with White Ribbon UK, the leading charity working to end men’s violence against women and girls. 

White Ribbon’s mission is to engage men and boys in speaking out and challenging behaviours that lead to gender-based violence. By becoming an official supporter, Weston College and UCW are committing to promoting respectful relationships, gender equality, and a safer society. 

“This is more than a ribbon,” said a Chloe Wilde, Director - Social Justice and Student Support. “This is a commitment to stand up, speak out and act to end violence against women. As educators, we have a responsibility to foster a culture where harmful behaviours are challenged, and respectful, healthy relationships are championed.” 

Staff have been invited to wear the White Ribbon throughout November — not just on White Ribbon Day (25 November) — and numerous colleagues have already stepped forward to become official White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions, helping to embed the charity’s vital message into the heart of campus life. 

As part of the initiative, a working group will be formed to support ongoing action across the College and University Centre community, ensuring this is more than a moment, it’s the beginning of sustained, meaningful change.