Hi, I’m Josh, and I recently won Bronze in the national BTEC Awards’ IT and Computing Student of the Year.

When I started the BTEC IT course, I was at a low point, having had an unsuccessful year of A Levels in my secondary school. I decided to change over to this course, as I have always been passionate about IT and it is a subject that I perform strongly in. It also allows me to make things happen and create solutions and make processes more efficient.

The BTEC course suited my learning style to a tee, as it doesn’t just teach you theory, it is very practical. This enabled me to gain a better understanding of subject areas such as Networks, Software Development and Security. I also developed my communication skills through units such as Project Management and Effective Communication – which is something that has helped me both academically and personally.

During my first year of the course, I completed over 50 hours of work experience at PureComms – a local Telecommunications firm. I highly enjoyed this experience as it gave me an understanding of the industry, and also opened my eyes to potential future career paths.

I have now completed my course, and chosen to go on and complete an apprenticeship to develop my industry knowledge. I have been fortunate enough to receive two exciting job offers from well-known brands within the industry – one in software development and the other in cyber security.

I really enjoyed this course and appreciate that Weston Colleges recognises my efforts by including me in the prospectus, on banners, and use my quotes across social media and the website. I am also a role model for people with disabilities, as I haven’t let my cerebral palsy hold me back. I have worked hard and my success proves this.

I would highly recommend this course if you are practical learner and love all things technology.

Josh Callicott

Tech Weston

With digital skills being fundamental to economic growth and recovery, Weston College continues to engage with and listen to employers ensuring we understand the support businesses need to thrive, whether it’s upskilling the existing workforce or accessing future talent. We have been working with leaders across the tech industry to evolve our offer to ensure Weston College is the training destination for tech talent.

We’ve developed and streamlined our website to make is easier for employers to understand and access the wealth of learning opportunities and expertise available. Discover the newly created TECH WESTON web page, and see the range of bespoke training, online courses, skill-specific bootcamps, apprenticeship programmes to industry placements: www.weston.ac.uk/techweston

Amongst everything that’s on offer, we’ve chosen our five favourite things that will be at the ‘We Are Weston’ Freshers’ Fayre 2019. So, in no particular order, here they are…

Four talented Applied Computing degree students have scooped high-flying jobs even before they have graduated.

Two of the BSc (Hons) students have invented life-changing apps, including one that reminds patients about physiotherapy exercises between treatments and another which translates sign language.

Student Daniel Fay, 21 of Weston, had already scooped the Principal’s Scholarship at the College’s Celebration of Success in January, for his hard work.

Daniel worked with Weston College’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Co-ordinator, Emm Sharpe, on an app designed to improve communications in the workplace for people with disabilities.

Now he’s been invited to team up with Southampton University staff on a research project that will see the computing specialist work towards a PhD.

Daniel said: "It was great to get a job before I graduated. My PhD will be based on modelling command teams in various domains from a sociotechnical aspect, and analysing how improvements could be made, to better facilitate objectives.”

One of only three women on the 37-student Applied Computing course is 22-year-old Emily Thorpe of Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol.

Having worked part-time for Bath-based communications technology company Gradwell during her course, she is now working for them full-time as a software engineer.

Tom Osborne, 21 of Weston, is now working as a developer in London for PEX, an award-winning supplier of consultancy and software solutions for property companies and accommodation providers.

Alex Jones, 21 of Weston, created an innovative and bespoke physiotherapy aid after identifying the need for an app when carrying out work experience at Weston-based Cowan House.

Now at software development company, TouMetis, Alex said: “It’s been a great experience and I have learnt so much. I’m working on an app for central control systems in houses for things such as lighting, heating and cameras.”

Computing Curriculum Co-ordinator Janice Castle, who spent many years working in the IT industry, said: “It’s fantastic to find good jobs before they finish their degrees.

“Our courses are vocational with work-based elements providing a range of technical and team-working skills to improve employability.

 “These exceptional students have got jobs several months before graduating and worked part-time until the course finished; their employers were more than happy to wait for them!”

Weston College recently celebrated becoming a Further AND Higher Education establishment following a successful bid to the Government.

The new status means it will be able to expand its degree provision significantly, leading to many more new jobs for the town and surrounding area.