Upskilling is not just a new qualification that can be added to your CV, but rather an opportunity to strengthen your attributes, and open doors for progression within your organisation.

There are many ways in which you can upskill, from short courses to apprenticeships. Since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in 2017, employers with an annual wage bill of over £3 million must pay into the levy, and can only claim money back through apprenticeships – meaning there is funding available to cover the cost of your training.

There are many advantages to upskilling, here are 3 reasons why we think you should:

Build on your skillset

As well as strengthening your existing skills, upskilling will also allow you to learn new information and abilities. As a result this will develop your talents further, and therefore enhance your future prospects.

Career progression

Training in new areas and developing skills increases your chances of landing promotions when they become available. Upskilling also shows your dedication for your work and career. This will not only enhance your CV, but also impress your employers. By constantly looking to improve and add new qualifications to your name, it shows that you are motivated and possess a strong work ethic.

Keep up to date with industry

Upskilling will allow you to take advantage of learning the latest industry trends and theories, which will keep you on top of your game. This can be particularly useful in industries that are evolving with the introduction of new technology.

At Weston College we can support you on your journey to improve. We offer over 50 apprenticeships, which can be tailored to suit your employer’s needs to fill skills gaps. To find out more, click here.

Weston College is celebrating its status as market leader in the delivery of apprenticeships by organising two events to mark National Apprenticeship Week (March 9-16)

In the last year the College has seen a 300 per cent growth in employer work placements, which has resulted in lots of vacancies as young people look for alternatives in a tough job market. Employers have also found them to be a very useful way of training 'on-the-job', with 90 per cent of Weston College apprentices being offered a permanent position.

Mid-March marks the start of a national annual drive to promote apprenticeships. From March 9-16 Weston-super-Mare's Sovereign Centre will be hosting a Weston College 'pop-up shop', in which visitors are able to learn more about apprenticeships from expert staff, who will be on hand to give out any information and advice they require.

Also on offer in the shop are a range of free activities related to apprenticeships including wall-building, nail art and manicures, hairstyling, life-saving and learning how to estimate property values.

On Wednesday March 13, between 6-8pm, the College is hosting an Apprenticeship Information Evening at Knightstone Campus (BS23 2AL). Parents, potential apprentices and businesses are all welcome to attend this free event, which is a vital source of information.

Weston College is the biggest facilitator of apprenticeship programmes in the region and its Training Solutions, based at the South West Skills Campus on Locking Road, was set up to provide businesses with relevant and flexible training programmes.

The College has seen a 77 per cent growth in apprenticeship applications, with more than 20 new apprenticeship job vacancies each month.

Helen Booker, Apprenticeship Manager at Training Solutions, said: “The College offers a very wide programme of apprenticeships to people aged 16 and over, with more than 50 different areas to choose from. Naturally, school-leavers are very well represented in this area but apprenticeships can be taken up by anyone, especially adults looking for a new career via a training programme, and also offer a route to degree level study.”

The College's Apprenticeship programme can be studied at Levels 2, 3 4 and 5 and learners can progress through these levels while continuing to work in their chosen career. Apprentices develop the majority of their skills in the workplace, working alongside experienced and skilled staff.

Bobby Turner, 22, from Weston, undertook a Business Administration Apprenticeship at Weston College and has recently begun a new role with the procurement team at Lloyds Banking Group.

He said: “I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone as there are some great job opportunities available. They are tailored to your particular role and the experience teaches you what’s involved in working in a business environment.”

Nine College students so impressed local developer MLDUK on work experience that they have been kept on until August. Then, some of the Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence (CECE) Apprentices may be offered full-time positions working with the Weston-based company.

College Construction Curriculum Lead Shaun Canniford said: “MLDUK are doing maintenance work at the College and offered students some work experience. In August, they will be reviewed and some could be offered permanent positions.

“We try to embed work experience as part of their training. This is a fantastic opportunity and shows that MLDUK wants to invest in their commitment to the College."

MLDUK spokesman James Lloyd-Jones added: “We were delighted to support the College and impressed by the calibre of both the students and expertise offered to them by staff. We look forward to working with the College more closely in the future.”

The College’s popular multi-skilled maintenance course provides a taste of many different disciplines including plastering, tiling, decorating, plumbing and carpentry.

The CECE has won a ‘National Training Award’ for the South West of England and is part of a £10 million South West Skills Campus project at Weston College. As part of this, a £300,000 three-bed completely sustainable detached eco-home is being built for hands-on experience in sustainability.

There is also a £3 million refurbishment of the Hub building – an employment skills centre to aid people back into work. A further £6 million has been spent on the Business Enterprise Centre, £1.5 million on a new Automotive centre together with a £770,000 multi-sports surface.

The CECE delivers training in a wide range of construction occupations including plumbing, electrical installation, carpentry, trowel trades, painting, decorating, plastering, property maintenance, as well as renewable energy courses and Apprenticeships. There are specialist workshops for training electricians, bespoke brickwork and carpentry workshops, along with online learning. The CECE is also a test centre for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and health and safety card.

There is a 100 per cent success rate for Level 2 qualifications with around 70 per cent of CECE students finding work in industry, while others enhance their DIY skills.