Weston College has a wide range of courses to suit all learning styles
Weston College is an award-winning college of further and higher education in Weston-super-Mare. It provides education and vocational training to nearly 30,000 learners across the country.
We put the learner first and are entrepreneurial in our approach and innovative in our thinking. As a college, we are ambitious and aspirational and are responsive to the needs of students, staff, businesses, and the community.
Latest News
There is always so much going on across our various campuses and courses. Stay up to date on our latest news.
Weston College Motor Vehicle Apprentice, Luke Merchant, has been recognised as one of the top learners for his trade in the UK as he was awarded the silver medal at this year's WorldSkills UK finals.
WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’.
Over 3,000 learners registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021 and Jack was just one of four hundred who made it into the finals, which was split into 64 disciplines.
After a challenging selections process Luke, who studies an Advanced Apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle with Carbase, was selected for the Automotive Technology WorldSkills finals that took place at Cardiff & Vale College.
For the finals, competitors had to complete six tasks all relating to auto mechanics including engine mechanical faults, engine electrical faults, body electrical faults, chassis faults & 4 wheel alignment, braking system faults and gearbox faults.
Luke commented: "It feels great and is good to know that my hard work has paid off. WorldSkills was a great experience. It was good to push myself and working under the pressure of the competition has helped developed my confidence and timekeeping skills.
"It was good to go and meet minded apprentices too, and overall an experience I won’t forget."
After the challenging finals were completed, the winners were announced at a virtual ceremony hosted by TV presenter Steph McGovern from her Channel 4 “Packed Lunch” studio on Friday 26 November. It was here that Luke was announced as the national runner up.
Chris Priest, Lecturer in Motor Vehicle, added: Luke did brilliantly and really showed that the training we provide at the Automotive Training Centre are up there, competing with the best of the UK.
Luke continued: "It has been really enjoyable studying for my apprenticeship at Weston College, with tutors that care and take the time to answer questions. The workshop and classroom time was divided well and Steve Powell really helped."
Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills is just one of the exclusive opportunities available to learners through the newly launched Career Excellence Hubs.
At the College each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, including WorldSkills competing opportunities.
With national recognition now on his CV, Luke is progressing to work as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes.
Congratulations and best of luck Luke!
Click here to learn more about our full-time courses and apprenticeships in Motor Vehicle
The iconic Winter Gardens set to open newly refurbished eatery.
The Weston College Group is delighted to announce the imminent opening of The Green House in Weston-super-Mare, in partnership with prestigious South West catering and events company, Fosters Events.
The Green House will serve as one of two eateries offered by the Winter Gardens complex; itself, and Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen; both distinct in offering and curated with the local community at the heart of their operation.
The College Group has signed a management partnership agreement with Fosters Events, commencing in November 2020, which will lead the way for the new Winter Gardens Complex offering.
Acting as the first step in the re-launch, The Green House will offer a café style service with views across the Italian Gardens, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas, takeaway coffee, and treats.
The opening of The Green House is just one element of the ambitious plan to breathe new life into the iconic Winter Gardens complex, following the forced closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic earlier this year.
In 2021, the re-opening of Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen will see phase two of the relaunch take place, inviting diners to enjoy a second food and drink venue offering a casual restaurant and bar experience, with a cocktail style bar, lunch, dinner, and Sunday roasts.
With over 65 years’ experience in bringing the most prestigious events and catering services to the South West, Fosters Events will not only relaunch both dining venues onsite, but they will also take on the management of the Winter Gardens sought-after events space and conference facilities.
Fosters Events long-standing history in the South West has seen them at the forefront of some of the region’s most impressive venues, including exclusive catering contracts with venues such as The Box Kitchen & Bar at The Box Museum & Gallery in Plymouth, The Bristol Pavilion at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Bath Rugby Club, The Passenger Shed at Bristol Temple Meads, and The Orangery at Goldney Hall, to name a few.
Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group who own the Winter Gardens, Dr Paul Phillips CBE commented: “We conducted an in-depth selection process as we looked at a new catering and events partnership, and it was Fosters Events that emerged as the standout choice for us. Their reputation for providing a first-rate service and excellent food was very appealing.”
“We have been busy planning how we can safely re-open considering the health and safety of both customers and staff, and due to the ongoing situation we will be approaching this in phases – The Green House is the first stage in this revival, with more exciting developments planned for when it is safe to do so.”
“I do not underestimate the importance of the Winter Gardens to the town and our community, it’s a hugely important feature of Weston-super-Mare’s history and landscape, and we’re determined to keep it that way.”
Fosters CEO Neil Lodge adds: “For nearly 100 years the Winter Gardens has been a building and venue much loved, not only by those living in the town but the numerous visitors coming to the town annually.”
“Fosters are so very excited about the prospect of breathing new life into the Winter Gardens starting with the newly refurbished and named ‘The Green House’, which we cannot wait to open as soon as we are able to, following the second lockdown, and we thoroughly look forward to welcoming our first guests in December.”
“This will be followed by the re-opening of Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen in 2021, with a more relaxed casual dining and bar offer, taking advantage of the incredible views across Weston Bay, and also the relaunch of corporate, private and community events in the stunning Ballroom. Our seasonal changing menus will celebrate the very best local food and beverage suppliers and produce, and we cannot wait to start showcasing these to our guests at the Winter Gardens.”
“As you may be able to tell by the name ‘The Green House’, we have spent a lot of time creating a fresh and inviting dining space that mirrors the Italian Gardens, bringing the outside in and installing a completely new look to the space.”
“The team is extremely excited to bring the local community something new, and we can’t wait to welcome you and for you to try something delicious from our menus."
The Green House entrance is on the Italian Gardens side of the complex and is set to launch in December, with the team continually reviewing plans in line with the latest Government guidelines.
There will be a special launch day offer, details of which will be shared with the public in due course, with the team opening the doors to the community and inviting them in to enjoy the brand-new space.
Visit:
University Centre Weston (UCW) graduate Anna Palmer, a 30-year-old, who lives in Clevedon was a finalist for the Return to Learning Award at yesterday's national Festival of Learning Awards 2020. The awards celebrate learning and showcase the wide-ranging impacts adult learning has on individuals and their families.
Anna was nominated for this award as she turned her life around following her marriage breakdown, when she decided to return to learning at Weston College.
Anna commented; “I’ve always had a love for creativity and being able to make someone feel good about themselves but following unhealthy relationships and a lack of support with my son who has additional needs, I suffered from low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.
“After my marriage separation I found the strength, with the help of my friends, to enrol on an adult course. The Level 2 Hair and Media course was an adult course at Weston College. It consisted of 3-days a week in college, so I could comfortably work part-time and be a hands-on mum with my 2 children. I absolutely loved this course and after completing it I immediately enrolled on a Level 3 Theatrical Hair and Make-up course which was also timetabled over 3-days a week so worked well for me.
“With the support of Weston College and my tutors believing that I had the potential to complete a university course, I decided to start the BA (Hons) degree in Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Production at UCW, and alongside this I started my own hair and make-up business called Anna Palmer's Hair/ SFX Make-up & Prosthetics.
“The thought of going to university had never crossed my mind before my journey at the College, however I have now completed a BA Honours degree! “My friends and family are so proud of me. They’ve seen me in my darkest place and have watched me grow in determination, confidence and maturity.
“My studies at Weston College and UCW have helped me to show my children you really can achieve anything you want even when you feel you're not good enough and just want to give up. Even though it’s been hard for us all, to me this is one of the greatest things I could have ever proved to them.
“I finally feel happy and excited for the future. I’ve always wanted to have a qualification and career that I enjoy and take pride in. I am now in an industry I am passionate about, earning my own money and enjoying life to the full, with my children and the people I love.
“I really do want to thank all my friends, family and my tutors at Weston College and UCW for believing in me”.
Sandy Day, UCW's Programme Coordinator for Hair Make-up and Prosthetics for Production, said: "The Festival of Learning Awards is such a great initiative and as soon as I found out about it I thought of Anna and started writing her nomination right there and then! I've taught Anna throughout her time at Weston College and UCW, and I'm so proud of the professional and personal journey she's been on and all of her wonderful achievements along the way."
Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips CBE said, “Anna is a phoenix rising from the ashes. She is determined to have a brighter future for herself and her children and her level of commitment has been a shining example to her family, friends, and other students. Congratulations Anna, you’re a true inspiration.”
If Anna’s story inspires you to take the next step:
- Browse our range of part-time adult course
- See UCW higher education courses
- Find out about forthcoming events
CAREERS NOT COURSES
We know it’s not about the course you take, but the career you’ll start your journey towards. Your study programme is built from the ground up with your future in mind, focussing on employability and developing the skills you need to have a successful career within your chosen industry, making connections and gaining experiences through local and national employers we work with:
As a Weston College student, you will become part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs.
This means our courses aren't just courses... your study programme is built from the ground up with your future in mind, focussing on employability and developing the skills you need to have a successful career within your chosen industry...
LECTURERS WITH REAL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCES
COURSES ENDORSED BY EMPLOYERS
INDUSTRY STANDARD FACILITIES
INCREDIBLE WORK-BASED OPPORTUNITIES
AMAZING GUEST LECTURES
COURSES ENDORSED BY EMPLOYERS
VIEW OUR PROSPECTUS
"The college organised lots of amazing experiences for us with specialist guest lectures on sepsis, home care, nutrition and bee therapy"
Chloe
Health and Social Care, Level 2 & 3
