The College’s library service beat off tough UK competition to scoop a Best National Practice Award for its unique level of technical support.

The Council for Learning Services in College (ColRiC) judges chose Weston College’s LibraryPlus-based and cost-free ‘TechGenius’ service for its service interaction.

Technology and Library Team Leader Jon Hofgartner said: “This is brilliant news. TechGenius was set up by Learning Technologist Louise Hutson with Foundation Degree Computing students gaining work experience by helping others with computer, tablet, laptop, PC and phone glitches.

“Around eight TechGeniuses rotate campuses offering general technical advice – from help setting up new phones to support with any computing device.”

Foundation Degree Computing student and TechGenius support Ryan Prescott, 20, of Ashcombe Road, Weston, said: “Weston College provided us with a great opportunity to work on a real help desk. We hope winning this award will bring more recognition to the TechGenius program and look forward to helping more people.”

Chair of CoLRiC, Margaret Phillips, said: “CoLRiC launched these awards as we are convinced there are many unsung heroes in Libraries making a truly magnificent difference to learners. We have been overwhelmed by the number and quality of the entries and the commitment given by staff to the service and their institutions.”

In the last three years the College’s Library Service has invested over £1 million and now has 22 staff.

Service Head of Executive Lead Quality and Learning, Claire Bushell, explained: “ Three years ago the college started from scratch to create state-of-the-art learning facilities on all campuses which are vibrant, office-free spaces where students study, discuss, think and create in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

“We have nearly 200 computers, laptops, tablets, cameras and Kindles and technologically-confident accessible staff who support students. There are also quiet spaces and times.

“It’s wonderful our students are integral to winning this national award. The feedback we get from library users is incredibly positive and it’s now a very valued resource.”

On April 28^th Jisc is set to hold a Learning Technology Forum at LibraryPlus on Knightstone’s campus.

It will be an opportunity for education professionals across the region to tap into the latest teaching and learning technology resources.

The College is also organising its first ever Technology Enhanced Learning Conference at Knightstone’s campus on July 9^th which is open to anyone in Secondary, Further and Higher Education.

Claire added: “The conference is an exciting first for us with a range of sessions from developing technology enhanced learning with social media and of course TechGenius.”

Thirty first year students from the Foundation Degree in Uniformed and Public Services at Weston College have returned from an eight-day trip to The Gambia.

The students, who were accompanied by teaching staff from the College, experienced the culture of the West African country, and gained knowledge about public services provision.

This was the seventh year that students from various courses at Weston College have visited this school, and during a visit to Ayr Luton Primary School they discovered the impact of support provided by students from the College over the years.

James Hazzard, Higher Education Quality Manager, who has visited The Gambia on previous trips involving students from the College, said: “It was fantastic to see how much of an impact our visits have had on what was a destitute and impoverished school.

“The school is now full of resources our students have donated through fundraising activities.  It was an overwhelming, emotional, yet rewarding experience for all involved.”

During the trip, the students also visited a fishing village, and met with tribe leaders to witness living conditions.  

The students were also able to gain exposure to the public services provision including the fire brigade and police, where they received tours, got the chance to use equipment and received lectures on the challenges faced by the public services in a third world country. 

The trip was self-funded by the students, with additional funds generously provided by the College to go towards providing stationary and books for Ayr Luton School.

Mark Harvey, Programme Co-ordinator for the FdA in Uniformed and Public Services, which is run in partnership with the University of the West of England, said: “These experiences enhance life skills and contribute towards successful completion of the course and into employment.

“Last year over 30% of the class gained a 1st, which is well above the national average.” 

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.