Delivered in partnership with Avon Fire & Rescue Service and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), our Ignite Programme continues to make a positive impact, with all learners in the latest cohort successfully completing the programme and gaining the confidence to make their next steps, either in employment or further education.

The three-week programme supports unemployed young people aged 19–24 to recognise their potential, develop practical skills and explore opportunities in employment, education and further training.

With a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning, Ignite gives learners the opportunity to challenge themselves, try new experiences and build the confidence to take their next steps.

Throughout the programme, learners took part in a range of interactive activities, including:

• Fire station visits and activities with Avon Fire & Rescue
• Team challenges and problem-solving activities
• Confidence and resilience workshops
• Goal setting and planning their future
• Communication and presentation skills
• Health and wellbeing sessions
• CV writing, interview practice and employability workshops
• Outdoor activities

By combining community-based activities with employability and progression support, the programme helps learners identify their strengths, build positive relationships and feel better prepared to move into work, college or further training.

The progress made by the group was recognised by Ben Woolfson, Youth Intervention Lead at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, who said: “It is amazing to see the progress these young people have made in such a short amount of time, they should be very proud of themselves.”

The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Owen James, was also impressed by the learners, praising how articulate and engaged they were. He highlighted the fantastic community support provided by Avon Fire & Rescue Service, alongside the employability guidance and progression support delivered by Weston College tutor Paul Haycraft.

The Ignite programme demonstrates the value of partnerships between education providers, public services and employment support organisations in helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence and access new opportunities.

By creating a supportive environment where learners can develop their skills through practical experiences, Ignite helps them recognise what they are capable of and take positive steps towards their future.

Weston College and Bristol Airport have strengthened their long-standing partnership with the launch of a new Travel & Tourism Careers Excellence Hub, creating even more opportunities for students to develop the skills, confidence and industry experience needed to succeed in the aviation, travel and tourism sectors.

The new Hub has been designed to bring learning closer to the workplace, providing students with an immersive industry-inspired environment and direct access to employers, helping them understand the breadth of career opportunities available across one of the region's most important industries.

As part of the partnership, Bristol Airport has helped transform the College's Travel & Tourism facilities into an industry-inspired learning environment. Featuring airport-branded installations, authentic operational equipment and a space designed to reflect the passenger journey, the Hub provides students with a realistic introduction to the world of aviation. Planned future enhancements will further strengthen the experience, creating one of the most distinctive employer-led learning environments in the region.

The launch reflects a shared commitment to developing local talent and creating clear pathways from education into employment. Through the partnership, students benefit from employer-led projects, industry visits, guest speakers, recruitment activities and real-world learning experiences that help prepare them for successful careers.

The partnership is already delivering exceptional outcomes for learners. Earlier this year, 16 Weston College Travel & Tourism students secured employment at Bristol Airport with Jet2, Swissport and easyJet progressing directly from education into careers within the aviation industry.

The Careers Excellence Hub model has also supported students through live recruitment opportunities. Earlier this year, four Travel & Tourism students were offered Customer Service Agent roles with Swissport following on-campus interviews with the global aviation services provider, demonstrating the tangible impact of employer engagement on learner success.

Alongside employment opportunities, Travel & Tourism students have benefited from a range of industry and international experiences, including visits to destinations such as New York, Paris and The Gambia, helping them develop the wider skills and confidence needed to thrive in a global industry.

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said:

"What makes our partnership with Bristol Airport so special is that it's about much more than a facility. It's about creating opportunities. Through their support, our learners can see first-hand the exciting career pathways available within aviation, travel and tourism, and understand the skills and qualities employers value most.

"We have already seen students progress into careers with organisations including easyJet, Jet2 and Swissport, and this new Careers Excellence Hub will help even more learners take that next step. Together with Bristol Airport, we're creating inspiring experiences that raise aspirations, build confidence and connect education directly with employment opportunities across our region."

Weston College students who complete their course and secure jobs at the airport can travel to and from work for free on the A3 Flyer Bus – a service funded by Bristol Airport. Over the years this has proved a huge incentive for local people in Weston to work at the Airport as often transport to work can be a barrier to employment.

Dave Lees, Chief Executive Officer of Bristol Airport, said:

“Through our long-term partnership with the College we have been able to work together to ensure local people are equipped with the skills and training needed to fulfil successful careers in travel and tourism – with many securing jobs at the Airport. It means we can retain local talent who might otherwise seek roles outside of the region.

“To further support the Careers Excellence Hub, we help facilitate visits and provide insight into jobs roles available, which really helps inspire students at Weston College.

“We’re delighted to have been able to support the new Travel & Tourism Careers Excellence Hub, which I am confident will strengthen connections between education, skills and career opportunities.”

The Travel & Tourism Careers Excellence Hub forms part of Weston College's wider commitment to delivering employer-led education, creating opportunities that transform lives and ensuring learners are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.

By building strong partnerships with employers and providing students with meaningful industry experiences, Weston College and Bristol Airport are helping local talent access local opportunities while supporting the continued growth of the South West's aviation, travel and tourism sectors.

Abbie Hannaby - Careers and Employability Co-ordinator

As a Careers Coordinator and a T Level Ambassador, I support T Level learners throughout their industry placements, helping them gain valuable real-world experience that complements their studies. My role involves working closely with employers to source and coordinate placements, ensuring both learners and businesses have a positive and successful experience. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing learners develop their confidence, skills and career aspirations while in the workplace. Industry placements are a key part of T Levels, providing learners with the opportunity to apply their learning in a professional environment and prepare for their future careers.

When considering how T Levels fit into the wider qualifications landscape alongside A Levels, apprenticeships and other vocational routes, I see them as another excellent option for learners. Every learner is different, and it's important that there are a range of pathways available. T Levels offer the best of both worlds by combining academic study with substantial industry experience, making them ideal for learners who want to gain practical skills while continuing their education.

T Levels are particularly important for learners looking to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed for their chosen career, as they give learners the chance to put their learning into practice in a real work environment. Through their industry placement, learners can build confidence, develop valuable workplace skills and gain first-hand experience of their chosen sector. This helps them understand what employers are looking for and gives them a real advantage when progressing into employment, apprenticeships or further study.

Employers also play a vital role in shaping the future of T Levels and ensuring learners are prepared for the workplace. As part of my role, I work closely with employers to arrange and support industry placements, and I've seen first-hand the difference they make. By welcoming learners into their workplaces, providing guidance and sharing their expertise, employers help young people develop the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their future careers.

To ensure T Levels remain accessible and relevant to a diverse range of learners while maintaining high standards, I believe it's about providing the right support while keeping learner success at the centre of everything we do. Every learner's journey is different, so it's important to help them overcome barriers and make the most of the opportunities available to them. Strong support, high-quality teaching and meaningful industry placements all contribute to maintaining high standards and ensuring learners have the best possible experience.

Finally, for employers or learners who are still unfamiliar with T Levels and the opportunities they offer, I'd encourage them to find out more and get involved. For learners, T Levels offer a unique opportunity to combine classroom learning with meaningful industry experience. For employers, hosting a placement is a fantastic way to support young people, bring fresh ideas into the workplace and help develop future talent for their industry.