On Thursday, Weston College were announced as winners of the ‘Promoting Apprenticeship Campaign of the Year’ category, at the 2021 AAC Apprenticeship Awards.

The AAC Apprenticeship Awards is supported by FE Week and AELP (Association of Employment and Learning Providers) and celebrates apprenticeships across the UK.

Weston College was commended for its partnership with the FA and AoC Sport, to create and promote the FA Women’s Football Apprenticeship Programme, which has the aim of increasing female participation in football.

With the support of a strong marketing campaign the apprenticeship vacancies went live in August, it proved popular, with 146 applications, for just ten vacancies. The apprenticeship itself has had some fantastic backing, with football clubs across the UK endorsing the programme, to encourage more females to get involved with football.

The ever-popular awards received over 350 nominations for the 21 categories this year, with the judges praising the innovation and tenacity of apprenticeship providers.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this award, as it represents partnership working and the hard work and dedication of our team, in not only creating and delivering apprenticeships, but also raising the awareness of apprenticeships across the UK.”

“We have a fantastic relationship with the FA and AoC Sport, and together we have had such great success in getting young females involved in football already – I can’t wait to continue this partnership and support further growth in female football.”

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.