Have you wondered what it’s like to be a computing student? Meet Jake, an applied computing student.

Jake joined Weston College when he enrolled on the IT Practitioners Diploma, Level 3 course. This course improves your knowledge and practical skills in a range of IT areas including, IT systems, social media in business, data modelling, information management and website development. You find out how computer systems work and learn to utilise different applications. The assignments are based on workplace situations, so you get a real insight to the careers available in IT and what it is like to work in the industry.

Jake then progressed to the Applied Computing FDSc at University Centre Weston (UCW). This popular foundation degree emphasises the practical application of computing principles and development of IT skills.

The course also provides the core knowledge in software design, systems analysis and web technologies required to either progress to further study or gain employment in an it role. It covers:

• Computing applications
• Software design and development
• System analysis and databases
• Web technologies and platforms
• Computing project management
• Digital devices implementation and usability
• Object-orientated software design and development
• Service support tools and techniques
• Work experience.

As part of the work experience module, Jake has been working with the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster to produce a website and help improve their digital presence. His brief included:

• An interactive website
• The ability to view the rooms
• The ability to place a booking
• An events page
• A section looking at the local area.

Jake said: “It was a great real-life experience. I had to meet with the client to discuss their requirements and then make suggestions as to the best way to achieve their objectives.”

The project took approximately six weeks to complete.

Jake added: “Weston College and UCW have given me the knowledge and skill set to take up a strong career on computing.”

Jake’s next step is the BSc top-up year at UCW. He then plans to find a graduate job in website or software development.

Jake offered this advice for future students of Weston College or UCW:
“Space out your assignments and start them early. There is a great atmosphere amongst the lecturers and students and if you have a question about an assignment it’s always easy to get hold of a lecturer.”

shrubberyhotel.com

We always love to hear about the fantastic accomplishments our alumni achieve.

Art & Design learners were recently visited by ex-students who are now studying arts at prestigious universities.

All three of these ex students studied the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and visited current students to inform them first hand about the benefits of staying on and completing this unique course. Scroll down to read what they had to say!

A ‘double first’ for Weston College Apprentices was celebrated on the town’s Grand Pier last week.

Around 70 Apprentices took part in the ‘TrailBlazer’ event, the first of its kind to be held by a UK college and the first graduation ceremony ever to be held entirely on a British pier.

The event was just one of six to be held around the UK and was funded by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and managed by the Association of Colleges (AoC) and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).

Despite inclement weather, Apprentices from many different fields gathered to receive certificates marking their achievements and to hear inspirational speeches from fellow Apprentices, employers and BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ finalist Jim Eastwood.

After a photocall, Apprentices and their families filed into the pier’s main building for the ceremony. Weston College Principal and Chief Executive Dr Paul Phillips, OBE, introduced the event.

Dr Phillips praised the efforts of all the graduates, and thanked all employers, sponsors and organisations involved in creating TrailBlazer.

Talking about the benefits of hiring apprentices, Jill Male, of Wrington-based company Freelance Surgical, said: “Every apprentice should be proud of what they have achieved and learned. It is essential in business that young people are given the opportunity to continue developing.”

Among those graduating was 20-year-old Jodie Pickles, of Weston. She took a Level Three Apprenticeship in Business Administration and is working for Broadway Lodge, a Weston-based charity providing residential treatment in the field of addiction.

She said: “I began in administration and now I work in HR and IT. I really enjoyed my Apprenticeship and Weston College has been very supportive the entire time. I wasn’t expecting a graduation ceremony but it’s a real boost for everyone here today.”

Speaking at the event, 37-year-old Nikki Durkin, who works for GE Oil and Gas in Nailsea, described how an Apprenticeship furthered her career while enabling her to maintain a work-life balance.

She said: “I would encourage anyone to go out and learn new work-based skills. An Apprenticeship is a fantastic way of gaining knowledge and developing your career.”

Keynote speaker Jim Eastwood, now the Vice President of internet voucher firm Groupon, talked about his time on ‘The Apprentice’ and praised Weston College’s efforts to raise awareness of Apprenticeships and increase the numbers of Apprentices on its books.

He said: “Apprenticeships are credible. They’re not just an alternative form of education. You gain experience and, as we’ve heard, 90 per cent of Weston College Apprentices are retained by their employers after the Apprenticeship is finished. They are a fantastic way into industry.”

Also graduating was Wendy Hatfield, a South African national now living in Burnham-on-Sea. She took a Level Three in Hospitality and Supervision and worked at the Holiday Inn, near Bristol Airport.

She said: “My experience was a very good one. The Apprenticeship taught me how to manage people and it really boosted my confidence. The Apprenticeships team at Weston College have been brilliant and very supportive. I struggled with Maths but I received a very high level of support and got through it with their help.”

Dr Phillips said: “This has been a ground-breaking ceremony, and not only because we are the first and only College in the UK to hold it but also because it is the first on a UK pier.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate all our Apprentices today, and also their employers for investing in such talent and enthusiasm. Apprenticeships are a great way of earning while you learn and I’d urge anyone interested – both employers and potential employees – to get in touch with our Apprenticeships team.”