Construction learners recently benefited from a valuable industry-led session delivered by leading contractor Gilbert Ash.

The company visited campus last week to speak with students about site behaviour, safety expectations and the importance of maintaining professional standards on a modern construction site. The session aligned closely with current curriculum delivery, giving learners a clear link between classroom teaching and real-world practice.

Learners from the Level 2 Bricklaying course were also able to have a site visit to Long Ashton, seeing first-hand how the principles discussed in the classroom are applied on site.

Duncan Edwards, brickwork lecturer at Weston College, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our learners to step beyond the classroom and experience a live site environment. Seeing professionals in action, on a major site, is invaluable to their development as future tradespeople. Opportunities like this give our students real insight into the industry and help bring their curriculum to life, so a huge thank you to both EPIC and Gilbert Ash for making it possible.”

The ongoing collaboration between Weston College, EPIC and Gilbert Ash, is creating invaluable opportunities for learners to engage with employers, develop professional confidence and understand the expectations of the industry they are preparing to join.

More site visits are planned over the coming months, alongside active apprenticeship recruitment and T Level placement opportunities, ensuring learners gain meaningful experience that supports their next steps in construction.

You can discover opportunities in Construction at Weston College, by clicking here.

This week, we were delighted to welcome Nick Elston, award-winning speaker, facilitator and Founder of Forging People, to the Conference Centre for a powerful and engaging guest lecture delivered to our SEND learners.

Nick’s session explored a range of important topics, including:

• Anxiety
• Self-doubt
• Fear of rejection
• Finding your voice
• Speaking up and being heard

He began with “How to Forge Ahead”, a thought-provoking session focused on mental health, resilience and personal growth. Nick openly shared stories from his own life, speaking candidly about the challenges he has faced and the strategies that helped him overcome them. He highlighted how fear often stems from the stories we tell ourselves, scenarios we imagine long before they ever happen, and encouraged learners to recognise these patterns. Nick offered practical tools, advice and techniques to help manage moments of uncertainty, reduce self-doubt and seek support when it is needed most.

The lecture then moved into “Find Your Voice”, a dynamic and interactive session all about communicating with confidence whether in interviews, presentations, applications, educational settings or everyday life. Our learners showed exceptional enthusiasm, with many stepping to the front to take part in Nick’s speaking exercises. They shared what brings them joy and what frustrates them, all while building confidence in their own communication styles.

Throughout the session, learners asked thoughtful questions and engaged with the material. They left feeling empowered, equipped with new strategies and a stronger understanding of how to express themselves effectively, reinforcing the message that every voice matters and deserves to be heard.

A huge thank you to Nick Elston for delivering such an inspiring, honest and impactful session. His guidance has provided our learners with valuable skills and insights they can carry forward throughout their lives.

Weston College are delighted to announce the renewal of our partnership with The Bristol Hippodrome, strengthening our shared commitment to providing students with industry-relevant, inspirational learning experiences within the world of live performance.

This renewed collaboration builds on the success of last year’s partnership and has already seen Performing Arts students start the academic year with a trip to see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in September. The production also serves as a creative foundation for several workshops and skill-building sessions that are now in place for learners across the department.

As part of the partnership, The Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning team will deliver a series of specialist workshops designed to broaden student expertise and deepen their understanding of the performing arts industry. These include:

• Pathways Into the Industry: Offering real-world guidance from current industry professionals on employment routes, opportunities, and navigating the balance between exploitation and opportunity.
• Audition Techniques: Students will take part in professional-standard audition sessions, observed by industry experts, followed by personalised feedback.
• Directing and Facilitation: A new area not currently part of the curriculum, giving students additional skills that can support careers as freelance practitioners.
• Networking Skills: An essential workshop helping students develop the confidence and know-how to build connections and “get their foot in the door.”

In addition, the Creative Learning team will deliver a bespoke puppetry workshop, giving students insight into the specialist techniques used in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. This practical experience offers a rare chance to explore a performance discipline that is increasingly sought after in modern theatre productions.

The partnership also extends to the professional development of Weston College staff. Lecturers will continue to access CPD opportunities directly with The Bristol Hippodrome, ensuring their teaching remains informed by current local, national, and international industry practice.

Beyond the Performing Arts department, the collaboration continues to create exciting opportunities for other areas of the College. Our Photography learners have previously worked with The Bristol Hippodrome and will do so again, giving students the unique chance to gain experience in a professional setting rarely accessible to learners.

The Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning Department said:

“We are so excited to renew our partnership with Weston College. Expanding on the work completed last year, we are continuing to provide direct skill development into the College from our industry to help inspire the next generation of industry professionals. As one of the larger venues in the South West, we are invested in helping educational spaces engage with the live entertainment industry.”