Weston College’s drive to create 600 work-related learning opportunities in six months has smashed through the halfway point well ahead of schedule.

The ‘600 in 6’ campaign has persuaded businesses from a range of industries to pledge more than 300 opportunities in just eight weeks. These include apprenticeships, traineeships, work placements and project briefs.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “One of the greatest challenges faced by the education sector, and society as a whole, is equipping people with the skills they need in an increasingly competitive and ever-changing world.

“The ‘600 in 6’ campaign takes up that challenge by seeking to inspire the future workforce, and supplementing learning programmes with relevant workplace skills and experience.”

Among the businesses to have pledged are: University Hospitals of Bristol, Weston-super-Mare AFC, Wookey Hole Caves and Little Angels Nursery.

YMCA Dulverton Group, which has pledged to train existing staff through Flexible Learning, are also offering four apprenticeship places to Weston College learners.

Jonica Walkinshaw, Director of Training and Education at YMCA Dulverton Group, said: “We are delighted to back the 600 in 6 campaign, and to develop local talent.

“We have decided to upskill 32 existing employees through 600 in 6, and also hire four new apprentices. We cannot wait to help them on their journey, and watch them develop within our organisation.

“Weston College has been very supportive. It has allowed us to build a bespoke package, which suits the needs of the YMCA Dulverton Group.”

You can keep an eye on the campaign’s progress across social media, and through the #600in6 hashtag on Twitter.

For more information and to pledge, click here. 

You can also email the Training Solutions team at apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk or call on 01934 411 594.

Prison learners were given the opportunity to showcase their talents at Weston College’s annual Creative Arts Summer Festival.

The festival, which enabled students from across the College creative arts faculty to exhibit their work, took place from June 11th to 20th and attracted rave reviews.

Work was produced by students studying media production, graphic design, photography, contemporary arts, as well as art and design.

It was also a unique opportunity for the College learners in prisons across the South West and South East, who provided poetry, oil paintings, pencil drawings ceramics and sculptures. Weston College delivers education in 19 prisons across the country.

Hundreds of people from across the region attend the festival each year, including those working and studying in the creative arts industries. Referring to the prison learners’ work, one visitor said: “There is a real depth and substance in the work. As a graphic designer and artist it is apparent to me that art has an ability to expose the truth in everybody without judgement.

“They are clearly very talented individuals who have become lost in society through mistakes made through peer pressure and a lack of positive role models.”

Weston College’s Prison Education provision will continue to showcase the many talents of learners within the prison network. The aim is to support the successful rehabilitation, resettlement and employment of offenders when they are released.

Click here to read more about the Prison Education provision recently winning a £17m prison learning contract…

Weston College learner, James Morris, has been named the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) South West Apprentice of the Year.

James, who started his Level 3 Civil Engineering apprenticeship with Alun Griffiths in September 2018, picked up his award at CECA’s Annual Members’ South West Lunch in Torquay.

He was one of only four winners at the awards presentation, which celebrates rising stars in the civil engineering industry.

James was recognised for his attitude and dedication to the job, gaining particular praise for his willingness to learn and take on new challenges.

As well as his apprenticeship duties, James stands out for being an active member of Community Engagement Initiatives and at CECA and Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) events.

South West Operations Director at Alun Griffiths, Simon Dunn, said: “We are really proud of James, and he thoroughly deserves this recognition.

“His passion is clear to see and, since joining Alun Griffiths, he has impressed all of his colleagues with his hard work, and how quickly he picks new skills up.

“He is also committed to encouraging others into the industry, often doing this in his own time, which is very commendable.

“At only 18, his approach, manners and respect for others are beyond his age. We know that we can always rely on James, and he is the perfect apprenticeship role model.”

James was delighted with his award, and said: “To be recognised for all of my hard work feels very rewarding.

“My apprenticeship has allowed me to develop new skills, and start my career in an industry that I am passionate about, with a fantastic employer – Alun Griffiths.

“I have honestly loved every moment of my apprenticeship so far, and can’t wait to continue my studies this year.”

If you would like to follow in James’ footsteps and become an apprentice, click here.