A Weston College former Apprentice and winner of the Principal’s Outstanding Achievement Award has become UK National Apprentice of the Year.

Emma Rogers, 20, was also the College’s Apprentice of the Year in 2010 and the young mum, who is profoundly dyslexic, has opened her own shop – Beauty by Emma in Wedmore.

Emma, of Nyland, Cheddar, said: “I was so shocked and happy when I was told I’d won National Apprentice of the Year; it’s the best award yet.

“Every time I win something it’s a great surprise but inspires me to go on to the next thing.

“Studying at Weston College has been an amazing journey for me and it’s one I am keen to share to help support other young people find their path in life.” Emma will receive her Adult Learners’ Week Apprentice of the Year certificate at a lunch in London’s Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre on May 20th.

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education is set to host the event.

Emma is also set to go to a Parliamentary reception on Thursday, May 16 at Westminster hosted by the All Party Group for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning chaired by MP’s Kelvin Hopkins, Robert Halfon and Stephen Lloyd.

Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips OBE, said: “This is an amazing achievement for Emma which she rightly deserves.

“All our students are special to us. With 30,000 enrolments, 30 A Levels, more than 100 vocational courses, 50 Apprenticeships and an expected turnover next year of nearly £45 million - we are the best in the West.”

Emma started her Apprenticeship in April 2010 but left in December to have her son Charlie-James. When he was just three months old she returned to win Gold in her first UK WorldSkills heat. Emma went on to win two WorldSkills rounds and then gold at the National Final. As top beautician in the UK she trained to represent the United Kingdom in Germany.

WorldSkills is the largest unique biannual global competition involving almost 1,000 apprentices and students, aged 18 to 24 in 46 skill areas. Around 5,500 young people compete for a place in the British squad made up of world-class vocational competitors in skills including mobile robotics, graphic design, carpentry, catering and mechanics. At the same time she completed her Level 2 and progressed to Level 3 beauty therapy and took care of Charlie-James who is now two years old.

Emma said: “I struggled at school because I’m dyslexic but I was happy to find what I was good at. I have to force myself to deal with paperwork for my business but do it.

“I didn’t expect to be a mum so young but having Charlie-James inspired me to get on and make the most of my life. His dad is very supportive, as are both our families”.

“My business is successful and it’s thanks to the training, support and vision I received at Weston College.””

Emma was nominated by her tutor, Head of Apprentices in Beauty, Hair, Barbering and Nails, Tanita Veal.

Tanita added: “Every now and then someone crosses your path who is truly exceptional. Emma is like a breath of fresh air.

“She’s displayed drive, passion, enthusiasm and total dedication to her apprenticeship, training and learning.

“We supported her dyslexia and Emma has overcome this and proved it isn’t a barrier to learning. She is an amazing person with courage, focus and commitment.”

If you've been inspired by Emma's story and would like to find out more about the Apprenticeships we offer, visit our Apprenticeship section.

A group of former art students are keeping the skills they learned alive through exhibitions and workshops at the town’s Old Quarry Studios in Queen’s Road

A collection of old industrial buildings was converted for artists’ use in the late 1990s and now there is a thriving group of painters, potters, sculptors, photographers and printmakers - almost all of whom trained at the College - making work there.

The artists have just held a group exhibition at the Rowan Tree tea rooms, next to the studios, and have regular open days on the first Saturday of each month.

Next week a group of current  BA students will be exhibiting at the gallery, and there are plans to run courses for students in the use of a wood-fired kiln, which has been built by studio member Simon Taylor.

Simon is also a Ceramic Lecturer and Course Leader for the mature UAL Arts Foundation programme, and works alongside his dad, ceramicist Sinclair Taylor. Simon has taught several of the studio members and is hoping to inspire the latest generation of student artists with his ‘Anagama’ kiln, which he thinks might be one of the smallest of its kind in the world.

He said: “ I built this kiln not just for personal use as a practicing ceramicist but also for my students at the College.

“Weston Quarry Studios houses many artists and designers who have progressed from the College’s Foundation and Degree Courses and are now working as practicing artists with some flourishing professional businesses. I am particularly proud that I have taught many of these artists who have continue to demonstrate high motivation and commitment to the arts initiated from their original training at the College.”

Vicki Campbell is one of the artists at the studios and is a former College student and lecturer. She said: “My time at the College was very encouraging and stimulating and the staff were great. That experience has led to me joining this studio and pursuing my creativity in a lovely environment.”

Joan Hall is in her 80s, but still loves to paint JMW Turner-inspired seascapes. She said: “the College was a great experience for me and it taught me to explore different techniques that I still use in my painting.”

Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group and the largest UK contractor, has entered into a partnership with Weston College to provide work experience to its construction students.

As part of the application process, each student had to write an introductory letter and CV, before being interviewed by a panel consisting of two managers from Balfour Beatty (Scott Morris, Site Manager, and Kate Powell, Sustainable Design Manager) and Shaun Canniford, Weston College’s Curriculum Manager for its construction provision.

The students performed well, resulting in all five of them being offered a placement with the company.

Shaun Canniford said: “When Balfour Beatty approached the College asking if they could offer work experience to our students we were keen to take them up on their offer.

“The opportunity for students to work for such a recognised company was an offer we couldn’t turn down. On the interview day, the students were a great credit to themselves and the College.

“I would like to thank Kate Powell and Scott Morris from Balfour Beatty for their enthusiasm and commitment to the project.”

Mark Stephens, Project Manager for Balfour Beatty, who is currently managing the Bristol Airport West terminal extension said: “We are really looking forward to having the students on site and we will do all we can to make their experience as enjoyable and educational as possible, helping them to gain valuable on-site experience.”