Two graduates from the BA (Hons) Graphic Design, run in partnership with Bath Spa University, have taken up graduate designer roles with Dyson.

Amelia Hurrell and Laura Hughes both graduated with First Class Honours in 2013 and had been working as freelance designers as well as taking up intern positions - Amelia at Sky Creative, having won the New Designers Sky Award 2013, and Laura at Proctor and Stevenson, a prestigious web design company.

Thanks to the strong reputation of the College’s degree provision in Graphic Design, Victoria Norcross, Programme Co-ordinator for FdA and BA (Hons) Graphic Design, was contacted by Ben Tappenden, Creative Head of Graphics and Packaging at Dyson and asked to recommend some graduates for the role of Junior Designer. Amelia and Laura were both successful at interview.

Ben said: “The candidates from Weston College were strong in interview and had encouraging portfolios. Laura and Amelia are competent and exciting graduate designers with a good sense of fun, enthusiasm, confidence, professionalism and ambition in abundance.”

Victoria said: "The achievements of these students are testament to the excellent work-based opportunities they had whilst studying at Weston College. It's great to see them being so highly regarded and working in high-profile companies so soon after graduating."

Amelia said: “The BA (Hons) in Graphic Design degree at Weston College was the perfect springboard for me. It provided the necessary skills and experience - through work placements and communication with local design agencies - to be successful at interview and secure a graduate job with Dyson. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Dyson so far, having been involved in a wide range of projects that have allowed me to exercise the skills I learnt at the College, and I can’t wait to see what challenges await me in the future.”

Laura said: “Studying at Weston College equipped me with skills and real world experience to give me the best possible start to my career. If I hadn’t been to Weston I doubt I could have gained my position at Dyson. Since starting in my role I have been involved in a wide range of really interesting projects and been through a great graduate induction programme. It’s amazing to work for such a big company that is so well respected and always at the cutting edge of design." 

Professional make-up artist Jennifer Lenard took a break from working on the set of the upcoming period drama Fanny Lye Deliver'd to guest lecture at Weston College on Tuesday (29th March).

Jennifer, who specialises in airbrushing, wig making and prosthetics, began her career working on TV productions such as Last of the Summer Wine, Dalziel and Pascoe, and Dancing on Ice, and her recent credits include The Office, Doctor Who, Pride and Prejudice, and Star Trek.

She came to Weston College to demonstrate a variety of airbrushing techniques to the College’s Hair and Media, and Level 2 Beauty students. She transformed College student Jessica Rees, age 17, into a geisha – complete with kimono – and answered question about working in the professional make-up industry.

Sandra Bull, Weston College’s Hair and Beauty Curriculum Manager, said: “Jennifer is a BAFTA award winning hair and media make-up artist with extensive industry experience and so it was a huge pleasure to have her here working with our students.

“Having influential demonstrations and instruction from key industry professionals is a great way to raise student aspirations and for them to see how exciting the hair and beauty industry is to be working within.” 

Weston College’s Hair and Beauty Centre is available to the public and offers a range of hair and beauty treatments at competitive prices. All treatments are performed to a very high standard by trainees under the supervision of experienced, qualified staff.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact the Hair and Beauty Centre at hair&beauty@weston.ac.uk. 

An innovative Weston College-led partnership has secured the go-ahead for a plan to help unemployed people in the West of England find employment.

The project, entitled ‘West of England Works’, is part of the Building Better Opportunities programme and involves a range of voluntary and community organisations based in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset.

£6 million of funding has been awarded to the partnership by the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund, and it is hoped that West of England Works will support at least 1537 young people and adults into gaining employment through a community-based support programme.

Dr Paul Phillips OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “This partnership will bring unique and innovative opportunities to people in the region, and will support those furthest from the labour market to move towards, or secure, sustainable employment or training.

“Partnership and working with local voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations has been key to the development of West of England Works and the success of this bid.

“This could not have been achieved without the West of England Civil Society Partnership, which works with local organisations that support people in communities across the area, breaking down barriers and working across boundaries.”

The partnership was launched on the 8th of December 2016 at a meeting of key stakeholders in Weston College’s Conference Centre.