Two Weston College Engineering Apprentices, Anisha and Owen, have been shortlisted for Insider Media’s, Made in the South West Awards 2022.

The event, which is taking place on the 3rd November at Bristol Harbour Hotel and Spa, showcases manufacturing from across the South West and gives the region's companies the opportunity to celebrate their commitment to world class quality and excellence.

Anisha and Owen are both apprentices with Airbus, and are shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year category.

Owen, who moved from Pembrokeshire to complete this specific apprenticeship, said: “I’m feeling really proud to be nominated, and I’m not sure how I managed it, but I’m really looking forward to the evening.

“This apprenticeship with Airbus is something that I have always wanted to do – I even moved from Pembrokeshire at 17 years old, just for this specific role; so to be shortlisted for this award really means a lot to me.

“So far I’ve had many highlights but what stands out to me is being involved in an economic impact event. This meant I was speaking to MPs, heads of companies, senior management at Airbus. It really was a good experience.

“To be shortlisted itself is a massive honour, so win or lose I’m happy.”

Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, added: “I’d like to offer my congratulations to Anisha and Owen, who have both been superb apprentices.

“They have both shown fantastic commitment on their apprenticeship, and we have been really impressed with the progress that they are making.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic vehicle for people to develop their skills, grow their knowledge, and earn while they learn. Both Anisha and Owen have been the perfect examples of apprenticeships working in action, and would be very worthy winners of this award.”

Find out more about our apprenticeships, by clicking here.

If you’re an employer that would like to offer apprenticeships, you can get involved with our 300 in 50 campaign, by clicking here.

We welcomed year 11 students into the Weston Digital Hub for a Digital taster day. Being one of the leading colleges in the UK for computing and digital studies, we want to give as many students as possible, the opportunity to study with us and reach their individual ambitions. Through the taster day, we showcased our exceptional lecturers and facilities that assist our learners in becoming successful in the IT industry.

9 students from Hans Price Academy and 2 from Churchill Academy attended the taster day, to decide if Computing and Digital Technologies was the career route for them; every student that was asked said they enjoyed themselves, and 9 out of 10 said they would attend a Digital taster session again, with the 10th saying maybe.

One of the attendees stated: “This day was amazing! I wasn’t sure this subject area would be for me, but I was wrong, and now my aim is to do as well as I can in my GCSEs to get onto the Digital course!”

They continued: “I loved working as a team and learning to play different games I’ve never played before!”

As a result of attending the taster day, and having the opportunity to join the Esports Academy, all but one said of the students asked, said that they’d want to apply for Weston College.

Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, said: “Here at Weston College, it’s crucial to us that every potential student is given the opportunity to explore every pathway that could lead them to their dream career. The taster day was incredible, and the engagement, passion at positive feedback from the attendees is the reason we continue doing the work we do. We can’t wait to welcome our next group of year 11s to have their taster day with the college.”

Find out more about upcoming taster days, and other events, via the links!

In October we welcomed Gordano School to the College, where our Level 2 learners put twenty Year 9 students through their paces, participating in a jamboree of team tasks on our 3G pitch.  

Students developed many ID skills such as rapport building and team work as they supported, coached and motivated the school pupils throughout the morning. Jamie-Lee, Level 2 learner, said: “This was an amazing experience and I was really impressed with the enthusiasm displayed by the Gordano Kids!”