West of England colleges and universities formally launch joint forums to boost skills, growth and opportunity

• Colleges West brings together Bath College, City of Bristol College, SGS College, St Brendan’s Sixth Form College and Weston College
• Universities West comprises Bath Spa University, the University of Bath, the University of Bristol and University of the West of England

Universities West and Colleges West have today announced their formal launch, bringing together the West of England’s universities and colleges through two new regional forums to strengthen collaboration, support economic growth and improve opportunities for learners.

At an event held yesterday at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), Colleges West formally signed and declared its Charter, while Universities West signed its Memorandum of Understanding.

The launch took place in the presence of Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council and Deputy Mayor of the West of England, and representatives from across the academic, business, and civic community.

Colleges West brings together Bath College, City of Bristol College, SGS College, St Brendan’s Sixth Form College and Weston College. Universities West comprises Bath Spa University, the University of Bath, the University of Bristol, and the University of the West of England.

Together, the institutions teach more than 150,000 students and contribute billions of pounds to the economy. Through the two forums, they will work collectively to open up opportunities for learners, strengthen partnerships with employers and policy makers, and support the West of England’s long-term economic growth.

Futures West, initiated by Business West, will act as the secretariat for both forums. Futures West is a collaboration between businesses and leading universities to drive long-term change for the benefit of the wider West of England Region. In partnership with the Brunel Centre, Futures West promotes evidence-based insights to attract investors and inform policy makers.

The launch event included speeches and a discussion on the role colleges and universities can play in driving economic growth and social mobility across the West of England. The discussion was particularly timely following the publication of the Milburn report on young people and work, and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s (WECA) Skills Strategy, which sets out an ambition for the region to become the country’s first NEET Zero region.

Each forum has agreed a set of tangible objectives, including working alongside WECA to support delivery of the regional Skills Strategy. This involves a shared focus on current and future workforce needs, upskilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning.

Andrea Dell, Director of Futures West at Business West, said: “The West of England region has many things to be proud of, and one is how we collaborate. These two forums are all about working collaboratively, purposefully, and transparently for the benefit of our region and its people.”

Professor Sir Steve West CBE, DL, Chair of Universities West and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England, said: “I’m excited by what Universities West can achieve. By working in partnership, we can help create the right conditions to boost skills, widen opportunity, and support economic growth. This united front reflects the region’s wider commitment to collaboration and to improving outcomes for people and communities across the West of England.”

David Withey, Colleges West Chair, Principal & CEO of SGS College, said: “Colleges in the West of England educate 50,000 learners every year. We are also one of the largest employers in the region, with nearly 3,500 people working to provide the workforce of the future and build a more prosperous and inclusive region where more people can access the opportunities that growth creates.

“We are ambitious for the West of England and for the people who live and work here. Colleges West is a partnership that will enable us to combine our expertise, reach and employer relationships. Working together will help us unlock talent in every community, create clearer pathways into learning and work, and align the skills of our residents with the region’s priorities.”

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Our universities and colleges are vital drivers of growth here in the country's fastest-growing regional economy, creating pathways to good jobs for local people, driving innovation, and attracting national and international investment. I warmly welcome the official launch of Universities West and Colleges West, and their commitment to working collaboratively to boost economic growth and create new jobs in the West of England.”

Earlier this week, our A Level students took part in a series of engaging workshops led by employers from a wide range of industries, giving them valuable insight into potential career pathways and the opportunity to connect with professionals.

Held over two days, this enriching event was organised by Carys Gyatt from our Careers and Employability team and Lynsey McKinstry, our Strategic Business Partnership Manager. It welcomed employers and industry representatives to deliver interactive sessions, answer questions, and share advice on career progression, application processes, and workplace expectations.

On Monday, students heard from a diverse range of employers, including DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House, Octavius Infrastructure, Bristol City FC, Visit Somerset, and Great Western Railway. Throughout the day, students took part in practical activities designed to develop their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, while learning more about the opportunities available in different sectors.

The programme continued on Tuesday with further sessions from representatives at University of South Wales, University of Exeter, Thatchers Cider, Womble Bond Dickinson, John Hodge, the Ministry of Defence, Octavius Infrastructure, and Great Western Railway. These workshops focused on progression after college, offering practical advice on university and job applications, interview preparation, and the skills employers value most.

By hearing directly from employers and education providers, students gained a clearer understanding of the routes available to them after completing their A Levels. The event also gave them the chance to ask important questions, explore different industries, and begin building professional connections that could support their future ambitions.

For the remainder of the week, the students were visited by other employers such as Erin Bailey from Turner and Townsend who discussed her progression from Weston College Sixth Form to her current role, giving them a realistic and relatable perspective of the potential career routes they could enter following their A Levels.

Maria Miles, Head of Sixth Form at Weston College, said, “Enrichment opportunities like this are a fantastic way for students to learn directly from industry professionals, giving them valuable insight into the wide range of opportunities available after college. It helps them build confidence, develop key employability skills, and make informed decisions about their next steps, whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or employment.”

A huge thank you to all the employers for taking the time to share your insight and deliver invaluable sessions with our learners.

These workshops form part of the A Levels Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

Over the last few months, our Level 3 Animal Management students have been working hard to raise money for the animal charity Animal Advocacy and Protection (AAP) through Noah's Ark Zoo as part of the students’ Social Action Enterprise project. Their efforts will help the charity continue its vital work supporting animals and providing safe, spacious environments for those in need.

AAP is a European animal welfare organisation dedicated to protecting exotic animals, including primates, lions, and tigers. The charity rescues animals from suffering, advocates for stronger welfare laws and regulations, and works to find them safe and suitable homes.

The Social Action Enterprise project gives students the opportunity to engage with the community and support charitable causes through hands-on fundraising while gaining a deeper understanding of the important role charities play in improving animal welfare and living conditions.

To raise funds, students sold handmade birdhouses and lip balm keyrings at craft fairs, including events at Noah's Ark Zoo and the Rotary Club Dog Day. They also organised raffles within the college, offering a range of prizes to boost ticket sales.

In total, the students raised an impressive £500 - a fantastic achievement for their first large-scale fundraising project.

Initiatives like this provide valuable opportunities for students to engage with the community, build confidence, and develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These experiences not only prepare them for future education and employment but also help them understand the importance of giving back and making a positive impact.

Laura Link, Head of Animal Management at Weston College, said: “The Social Action Enterprise project is a fantastic enrichment opportunity for our students, giving them the chance to work together for a meaningful cause. It was great to see how involved and engaged they were throughout, and we’re looking forward to running the project again next year, building on this year’s success to raise even more for this fantastic charity.”

Well done to all the students and staff involved in this incredible fundraising effort.

This initiative forms part of the Animal Management Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

Progress to the next level in Animal Management! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.