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.

Top Bristol-based law firm TLT solicitors has been working with Training Solutions for just eight months and has already experienced some significant benefits.

The national firm has seen 15 employee achievements in NVQ Level 2 Business Administration and NVQ Level 2 Customer Service.

Jamie Birkinshaw, Assistant Manager at TLT, said: The Training Solutions team has helped us to develop our employees' confidence, motivation and self-esteem and our ability to offer clients the best possible service.”

Shona Williams, a Case Handler at TLT, said: “The course has helped me develop my skills and build my self-confidence. Throughout my learning I was able to identify areas which could be strengthened to help me to progress in my career. I would definitely study with Weston College again – in fact I have already enrolled on another course!”

Daniel May, a Junior Case Handler at TLT, said: “There was plenty of support and guidance available throughout the course and I would recommend it to others as I really enjoyed it. By completing the course I have not only gained a qualification but I have also demonstrated my commitment and competence at what I do.”

TLT started working with Training Solutions after they won a tendering process, alongside another local educational institute and an international training organisation, all offering NVQs.

Jamie said: “We initially selected Weston College because of their broad range of training courses and because of their pro-active and flexible approach. Staff at the Centre have gone out of their way to invest time in understanding our business and to meet our specific training and development needs.”

He added: “We would recommend Training Solutions to anyone enquiring about external vocational training services. We would advise them that the Training Solutions team is very flexible in their approach to the delivery of training, ensuring wherever possible, the impact upon the business whilst employees are undertaking studies is minimised.”

TLT will continue to work with Training Solutions in rolling out the NVQ Level 2 Business Administration and Customer Service to Office Assistants and Case Handlers. This year they are also planning to roll out the NVQ Level 3 in Team Leading to Team Supervisors within the Banking and Lender Services group.

Jamie explained the benefits of working with Training Solutions and said: “For us the people and support provided by Training Solutions is the key benefit. The team have worked with us to ensure we develop a bespoke NVQ programme that best suits our needs and caters for our people. They offer flexibility, expertise and it’s a trouble-free process.”

He added: “The consultation and communication provided by the Training Solutions team has been very good and they fit in well with the culture of the firm. They are keen to continually evaluate what is working well, whilst highlighting any areas for improvement. To date, we have built up a very good relationship with Training Solutions.”