A Weston College student overcame a number of professional artists to finish second in a prestigious live painting competition.

Cameron Gelder, 19, won his ‘heat’ and only narrowly missed out on winning the final of Art Battle Bristol at the city’s Marble Factory.

Cameron and fellow Weston College student Lewis Bateman, 17, were among 12 artists, including professionals, to compete in the event.

Each competitor was given 20 minutes to produce a work of art in front of an audience of 250. Spectators then vote on their favourite painting, with each work auctioned off at the end of the event.

Cameron and Lewis, who both study the Level 3 Art and Design course, made a big impression on the audience, which included their classmates and tutor, Nicola Stent.

“Cameron and Lewis did themselves and the College proud,” said Nicola.

“They engaged with the crowd and produced some excellent pieces of work under real pressure.

“Cameron really showed his ability to improvise, using his bank card to create an effect on his first painting!

“After finishing first in his heat, he was within five votes of winning the final.

“All three of the students’ pieces sold at the auction, with one of Cameron’s fetching £80.

“Their classmates got involved as well, and gave Cameron and Lewis lots of support.

“The event also provided the students with some great opportunities to network with professional painters, graffiti artists and architects.”

Cameron was pipped to first place by Jody Thomas, a Bristol-based professional graffiti artist who began painting with Banksy.

Over 1,200 students attended Weston College’s annual Brighter Futures Fair at the Winter Gardens.

The fair provides College students with the opportunity to meet a range of employers and education providers, and make a more informed decision about their next steps.

Universities and businesses were among 50 exhibitors at the event, including EDF Energy, Osborne Clarke, The Honeytree Day Nursery, University of Bristol and First Group.

Emma Cox, Training Co-Ordinator at exhibitor Thatchers Cider, said: “We strongly believe in offering local young people career opportunities, so it was exciting to be involved in the Brighter Futures Fair and meet so many Weston College learners.

“We have a wide variety of career opportunities within Thatchers and working closely with Weston College has enabled us to source local talent.”

Ben Cocks, Assistant Director – School Engagement and Learner Growth – at Weston College, said: “We were delighted to host another successful careers fair – one that provided our learners with an opportunity to talk to a real range of exhibitors.

“We feel it is critical to provide our learners with the platform to engage with both employers and universities, as this will help them make an informed decision on their next steps.”

There was also the opportunity for the learners to win some exciting prizes, including an Amazon Echo, Lasseter's restaurant vouchers and a Swansea monopoly set. There 14 prize winners were:

• Chloe Peacock

• Chloe Pritchard

• Skylar Beacham

• Kraig Taylor-Bryant

• Josh Mitchell

• Mark Tapley

• Jaida White

• Kieran Perry

• Charlotte Bailey

• Tasin Ahmed

• Alistair Cameron-Kettle

• Blake Goodare

• Lottie Gwer

• Ewan Barnfather

A Weston College student is through to the WorldSkills final in China after winning gold in the UK event.

Thomas Griffin and fellow Weston College student Jacob Skyrme made it to the UK final where they competed against six others in the web design event.

The three-day competition took place in Birmingham and assessed students’ practical skills, knowledge and employability attributes in timed conditions. More than 3,000 students started out in all categories of the UK competition, with 500 selected for the national finals.

In a first for the College, Thomas Griffin won Gold, which earns him a place in the UK squad for the international WordSkills final in Shanghai in 2021.

A delighted Thomas said: “Getting the opportunity to compete at WorldSkills is something which I am really grateful for.

“There was some tough competition but I was determined to come out on top, and showcase my web development skills.

“In managing to get a medal in my second year proves that, with enough effort and persistence, I can achieve anything.

“I could not have got this far without the support of my friends, family, and my lecturer, Jason Hill, who has been with me every step of the way.

“I am also excited about potentially representing the UK in China, which isn’t something many people can say!”

Jason Hill, HE Curriculum Co-Ordinator Applied Computing, added: “I am delighted for Thomas, and so proud of both Thomas and Jacob who did an amazing job to reach the UK final.

“They worked very hard, and proved that they are capable of work to the highest standard. We are all excited to see the next steps on their journey towards the international finals in Shanghai.”