The exceptional achievements of Weston College’s Ellie Hedges were celebrated yesterday as she was awarded the prestigious bronze BTEC Award for Health and Social Care. 

 Ellie, aged 19, was recognised by teachers and peers for her outstanding contributions. As well as completing her Level 3 qualification to an extremely high standard, she also worked 40-60 hours a week as a community carer all through the pandemic. Ellie is incredibly motivated to achieve, applying the classroom taught knowledge to benefit the local community. She is described as “an inspiration for all health and social students”. 

 The Priory Community School leaver’s hard work and dedication was celebrated at the 11th anniversary of Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards hosted online on 7th July 2021 at 2pm.   

 Ellie commented: “I was shocked to be honest. It felt amazing to be recognised, especially on an international level with applicants from 31 other countries aswell.  

“I think the opportunities you get here are amazing. Sarah-Jane has been incredible and I’ll never forget going into the simulation room for the first time, being taken back on how real it felt. This really helped to prepare me for placements and work by putting my knowledge into practice.” 

Now having completed her Level 3 BTEC, Ellie is progressing to study Midwifery at University of West of England (UWE) in January 2022.  

Co-hosted by presenter of the United View, YouTube influencer and BTEC alumnus and ambassador, Flex and sports presenter and events host, Gemma Care. 19 category award winners were celebrated from around the UK and internationally in subjects such as Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Engineering, IT, Business and Sport.  

BTEC alumni including Academy Award-winning producer and Head of Film and Animation at ScreenSkills Gareth Ellis-Unwin, entrepreneur and founder of SB.TV Jamal Edwards MBE, and award-winning actress Lucy Fallon were among those also presenting awards.  

Commenting on the achievement, Ellie’s tutor, Sarah-Jane Lewis added: “We're all hugely proud of everything Ellie has achieved here at the college. It’s fantastic to see her hard work paying off and this achievement is very well deserved. We’re all about creating brighter futures, and Ellie’s future is bright indeed!”  

The West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) is proud to be part of the National Launch of the IOTs celebrating a new era of study for the region.

With science and technology playing a significant role in the future success of the UK and its economy, the high-quality learning space and facilities at the WEIoT will bring benefits to students, employers and wider community – helping meet futures skills needs.

The WEIoT is a consortium of education providers and key employers across the West of England. It has been led by Weston College and includes the University of the West of England, Bath College, Gloucestershire College, and Yeovil College as well as a network of key local employers, including; GKN Aerospace, Airbus, GE Aviation, Renishaw, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Trust, , St Monica Trust, Jisc, io Academy, National Composites Centre (NCC), North Somerset Council, Leonardo, Rolls Royce and Bamboo Technology.

Collaborations between employers and industries have shaped the high-level skills courses available. From apprenticeships to degree level course the WEIoT is armed to develop skills and drive ambition for students, who are preparing for their first step into a career, already in employment or those wishing to retrain.

Courses are at the forefront of science, technology, creativity and innovation – creating the innovators and visionaries of the future.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College the WEIoT lead added:

“Part of the work of the WEIoT is to support the increase in the number of women engaging with Higher Technical Education, increasing the numbers recruited to Apprenticeship opportunities and to follow Higher Education routes, in a more local setting. As part of our licence to operate we have committed to 2000 learners by 2025 with a 50% female participation.

Claire Arbery, WEIoT Director said:

“There are opportunities for adults to upskill and reskill using both Apprenticeship and Higher Education funding, and we are committed to increasing the numbers of students from areas that do not traditionally access this level of skills and training. Our commitment is a minimum 40% of learners upskilling to these roles. So, this is a really exciting time and I encourage businesses and individuals to reach out to discover how the WEIoT can help them.”

On the 8th July remember to follow #InstitutesOfTechnology

#IoTCelebration and #WEIoT to discover all the great new initiatives and facilities that the IOTs are delivering to bring about a new era of study for the nation. Or visit our website www.weiot.ac.uk.

Students, staff and visitors attending the Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) Creative Arts Summer Show experienced the surprise of their lives when a special VIP guest, festival legend Michael Eavis arrived on the Friday evening to open the musical performances section of the event.

Owner of the famous Worthy Farm, Michael Eavis created the world-renown Glastonbury Festival in 1970, which is now attended by 200,000 people from all around of the world each year. As well as underground artists of every genre, the festival is well known for its high-profile headliners over the years which have included the likes of Oasis, Coldplay and Beyonce, to name a few.

Despite Glastonbury not running for a second year in a row, Michael was in high spirits as he visited the College’s Loxton Campus in Weston-super-Mare to open the unique socially distanced musical performances on the Friday evening.

The Creative Arts Summer Show is the College’s annual festival which celebrates creative talents by showcasing the learner’s exceptional work. Music and Performing Arts learners took to the stage with live music and theatre performances in a festival tent as well as an indoor exhibition which hosted the impressive artwork and final projects from learners of all levels. This featured work from those studying extended diplomas and degree courses in Art and Design, Media Production, Graphic Design, Game and Animation, Fashion and Photography.

Upon arrival, Michael was given a tour of the incredible exhibition, taking in all of the phenomenal art that the artists of Weston College and UCW - had worked so hard to produce this year. Michael was then treated to a joint performance from music students Charlie Kelly and Daisy Dennett who significantly impressed the famous festival organiser with their perfect harmonies. The crowd applauded in raptures as Michael Eavis then took to the stage in the festival tent, donned “Westonbury”, in his honour to open the evening of music in front of a socially distanced crowd of proud parents and visitors who came along to witness the event.

Michael commented: “I think it’s been absolutely amazing, the artwork has been absolutely amazing, it’s quite exceptional. The students are really talented. “Sometimes when you walk into a place, there’s a really good feel about it, and this place feels really good.”

Students and staff alike were inspired to see someone of such experience within the creative arts industry watching their performances and praising their talents and hard work that they had put into the show. For those progressing on to higher education or into careers this year, this was an extremely heart-warming way to finish their time at Weston College or University Centre Weston.

Chair of the Corporation for the Weston College Group, Andrew Leighton-Price, attended the Show alongside Michael Eavis. He said: “The Summer Show was absolutely amazing. There were so many innovative works of art, with so many mediums used, from paint and sculpting to digital, film and gaming. “It’s clear that there is a huge wealth of talent and passion that goes into creative subjects and the benefit that has on the community should never be underestimated.

The College’s Principal Dr Paul Phillips CBE added: “We really are a Career Centre for Excellence now for students in creative arts e.g. media/film, art and design; musical theatre/performance/dance & production; graphics, photography and games animation – even to degree level and I’d like to congratulate everyone that contributed to this impressive showcase. More importantly, I would like to pass on a huge thank you to Michael Eavis and his team for taking the time to visit Loxton Campus and help to open the show and inspire our learners – who were absolutely thrilled to see the legend that is Michael Eavis appear before their very eyes.”

To learn more about all the creative courses on offer at the college and university, click subject areas below