We are delighted to announce that former Weston College student Jack Lewis has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the Association of College’s annual AoC Awards! These prestigious awards recognise the best of the best students from colleges and higher education across the whole of the UK. Jack currently studies at University Centre Weston (UCW) with previous UCW alumni, Kam Stevens having previously been shortlisted for and won the Higher Education Student of the Year award.

Jack is a degree apprentice, currently working with Singer Instruments and studying Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering. He stood out for this shortlist because of the real-world impact at the company. He introduced cutting-edge 3D printing technologies that reshaped manufacturing processes, reduced carbon footprint, and significantly lowered production costs. His redesign of microscope components not only eliminated the use of hazardous chloroform but also reduced unit cost from £24 to just 17 pence, transforming both safety and efficiency.

Jack’s impressive achievement was recognised this year at the Somerset Business Awards, where he won Apprentice of the Year. Four hundred people attended, including key figures from local businesses. Jack said: “Winning the Somerset Business Award was a great moment, and it’s been a fantastic journey throughout my apprenticeship. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had along the way.”

Being shortlisted for this award shows exceptional leadership, and a willingness to challenge existing structures to benefit his organisation. We here at Weston College wish Jack the best of luck!

If you want to study Engineering Degree Apprenticeships at UCW like Jack, click here to find out more! Find out more about studying Engineering and Green Skills at Weston College by clicking here!

Weston College is proud to announce that Chloe Wilde, Director of Social Justice and Student Support, has successfully achieved the National Educational Leader in Mental Health qualification.

This nationally recognised qualification highlights Chloe’s expertise and commitment to ensuring mental health and wellbeing are at the centre of student life at Weston College. By completing this advanced training, Chloe is further strengthening the College’s ability to provide the very best support for learners, helping them to feel safe, confident, and ready to succeed.

Chloe’s work and the team she manages has already led to significant developments in how mental health support is delivered across the College. From reducing stigma to embedding wellbeing into everyday learning, Chloe and the team ensures that support is inclusive and accessible for every student.

Reflecting on the achievement, Chloe said:

“Completing this qualification means I can continue to make sure our students have the right support in place, at the right time. Mental health and wellbeing are just as important as academic success, and this will help us keep building a college community where everyone can thrive.”

By achieving the National Educational Leader in Mental Health qualification, Weston College continues to lead the way in embedding wellbeing and resilience across education, making a real difference to learners and the wider community.

University Centre Weston (UCW) and the University of Worcester have officially signed their partnership agreement, marking a significant step forward in their shared mission to expand higher education opportunities in the South West. 

The signing ceremony took place on Friday 29th August 2025 at the historic Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare, with senior leaders from both institutions in attendance. Following the formal signing, guests toured UCW’s Winter Gardens facilities before visiting the Health and Active Living Skills Centre (HALSC), home to UCW’s state-of-the-art clinical skills, simulation, and health education spaces. 

The partnership builds on both institutions’ commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education that meets the needs of local communities and employers. Together, UCW and the University of Worcester are already collaborating to deliver the new Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship in partnership with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. This innovative programme will equip apprentices with the vital skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive as paramedics, directly addressing workforce needs across the region. 

Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: 
“We are delighted to be working with University Centre Weston to create new educational and professional opportunities for people in the Southwest.  

“We have a long, deep commitment to inclusion and helping people to fulfil their potential.  

The official statistics show that Worcester graduates have the best record of sustained employment in the UK*.  

Ofsted rates Worcester as ‘Outstanding’ and started its most recent report on us by saying: ‘Trainees benefit from an exceptional learning experience at the University of Worcester.’ We plan to bring this same quality to our work with University Centre Weston, which is such a high-quality education provider itself. Together, we are determined to provide truly valuable educational opportunities for the people of this region.” 

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, added: 
“This partnership is about much more than a single programme – it’s about our shared ambition to create opportunities, raise aspirations, and support the needs of local people and employers. UCW and the University of Worcester share a deep commitment to community-focused education, and today’s signing marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.” 

The Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship forms part of UCW’s Healthcare Careers Excellence Hub, which is one of ten sector-specific hubs designed to create clear pathways between education and employment. By working with the University of Worcester, UCW is strengthening its ability to deliver high-quality, employer-responsive programmes that empower learners to achieve their goals while addressing regional and national skills needs. 

The event concluded with a tour of UCW’s advanced clinical training facilities at HALSC, where guests saw first-hand the innovative environments that will support future cohorts of health and social care professionals. 

This partnership represents a significant investment in the future of higher education in the South West and underlines both institutions shared vision of excellence, opportunity, and community impact.