Weston College was delighted to welcome back its alumnus, Dave Trevaskus (now Head of Retail Training at the LEGO Group), for a full day of workshops on Thursday 2nd of October. Dave’s visit brought energy, insight, and a genuine sense of connection as he shared lessons from his own journey and encouraged learners and staff to see every challenge as a stepping stone and to encourage a playful mindset.

Dave’s sessions revolved around three core themes: learning through play, sustaining curiosity, and embracing bravery. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, he made it clear that real-life careers seldom follow a straight line, and that’s okay. He stressed how powerful it is to push beyond your comfort zone, because that’s where growth happens.

In his talk (featured in the video), Dave said, “If you don’t make mistakes, you won’t create anything new.” He reminded the audience that mistakes aren’t signs of failure, they’re part of the process. He also urged everyone to “be curious first, and confident later” to ask questions, experiment, and let that spirit guide your next steps.

Dave opened the day with a playful but meaningful quiz, helping participants explore the LEGO Group’s history and values while also giving a peek into his own professional path. It sparked laughter, curiosity, and healthy rivalry - the quiz champion walked away with a special LEGO set.

One of the standout challenges had groups using just six LEGO bricks to build a duck. Despite everyone having the same minimal materials, the results were wildly varied. That playful exercise drove home a serious point: our perspectives differ, and that diversity is a strength. It showed how creativity, and the courage to try something unexpected, can turn the same raw materials into wholly unique outcomes.

Throughout the workshops, Dave returned repeatedly to his message about mistakes. He said, “Don’t be afraid to break things - break assumptions,” and encouraged the group to reframe errors as experiments rather than missteps. In doing so, he helped foster a culture of resilience, curiosity, and more daring thinking.

Dave commented that for him the visit was more than a speaking engagement, it was a chance to return and to stir excitement and possibility in the next generation. His passion for lifelong learning, creative thinking, and courageous action resonated deeply, leaving attendees energized and more willing to lean into uncertainty.

@westoncollege Weston College alumni, Dave, has made his way back to Weston College to host multiple workshops for both learners and staff about his career journey, learning through play and his role at @lego ♬ original sound - WestonCollege

Welcome to the September edition of our CET blog! 

Meet Your Careers Team at Weston College!

Whether you're planning your next steps, exploring career options, or preparing for the world of work, the  Careers and Employability Team is here to support you every step of the way.

Who Are We?

We’re a friendly team of professionals dedicated to helping you succeed:

• Ben Knocks – Deputy Principal and Careers Leader
• Anna Holton – Head of Careers and Employability
• Careers Coordinators – Based across campuses to offer one-to-one support
• UCAS & HE Advisor – Your go-to for university applications and higher education advice

What We Can Help You With?

Career Advice & Planning Get personalised guidance on your future – whether it’s university, apprenticeships, or jumping straight into work.

• CVs, Interviews & Job Applications We’ll help you craft a standout CV, prepare for interviews, and apply with confidence.
• Work Experience & Industry Placements Gain real-world experience with placements tailored to your course and career goals.
• Brighter Futures Hub Access online modules to boost your life skills, employability, and career knowledge – anytime, anywhere.
• Support for T Level Students We’ll help you secure your 315+ hours of industry placement and make the most of it.
• Adult Learner Support Thinking about a career change or upskilling? We’ve got advice and resources to help you take the next step.

How We Support You

• Help finding placements with local employers
• Preparation for the workplace – from expectations to responsibilities
• Ongoing support during your placement
• Career events like Careers Fest, workshops, and networking opportunities

How to Contact/Find Us

• You can send an email to CET.ac.weston.uk
• You can reach out to your Careers Coordinator on campus or explore resources online via the Brighter Futures Hub.

Final Thoughts

UCAS Weekly Drop ins will be taking place at the following campuses

• Knightstone - 12.30pm - 1.30pm every Monday in Knightstone Library
• Loxton - 12 - 1pm every Tuesday at Loxton Library  

Careers Fest – 19th November: Your Future Starts Here! 

Not sure what’s next after college? Whether you’re thinking about uni, an apprenticeship, or jumping straight into work, Careers Fest is the place to explore your options.

What’s Careers Fest?

It’s Weston College’s biggest careers event, where employers, universities, and training providers come together. You can: Meet real employers and ask questions Check out different careers and industries Find apprenticeships and job opportunities Get help with CVs, interviews, and applications Learn about university courses and student life 

Why Should You Go? 

Whether you’ve got a plan or not, Careers Fest can help you: 

• Get inspired by professionals and past students 
• Make connections that might lead to work or experience 
• Build your confidence about your next steps 
• Get support from the Careers Team 

“I wasn’t sure what to do after college, but Careers Fest helped me find a path I’m excited about.” – Level 3 Business Student 

“Talking to employers made me realise I already have skills they want!” – T Level Health Student 

How to Join: 

• Book your spot 
• Bring your questions 
• Dress smart if you want to impress employers 
• Follow up with the Careers Team for extra help

Congratulations to four of our former learners who have officially started their digital apprenticeships with Lloyds Bank!

Their outstanding performance during their T Level industry placements truly impressed the team, earning them this incredible opportunity. 

Three learners have joined the Bristol office, starting their careers in Software Development and Data, while one has headed north to begin an exciting journey in Cyber Security.

Wishing you all the best of luck - your hard work has paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder!  

10/10/2025 - Deadline for completion and submission of Personal Statements (via the UCAS Hub) for learners to receive feedback from the Careers and Employability team.

11/10/2025 - UCW Open Day (10am - 2pm)

13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 - We’ll be celebrating T Levels during National T Level Week

14/10/2025 - 'Discover Your Dream Course' Open Evening

15/10/2025 - Deadline for any courses at Oxford or Cambridge and any university for courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary.

It is vital that businesses keep their workers up to date with the latest industry trends and skills, and this is key for businesses in the automotive industry, where the likes of electric vehicles are constantly evolving and expanding.

To help automotive businesses with upskilling their staff, we offer Skills Bootcamps for Electric Vehicles, funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. This Skills Bootcamp runs over 10 weeks (day release, 1 day per week for 10 weeks) and equips staff with the technical knowledge and practical skills to confidently and safely maintain and repair electric and hybrid vehicles.

On completion, learners will be able to work safely on electric/hybrid vehicles and carry out essential tasks including high-voltage system repairs, data recording, and recommending maintenance solutions. The Skills Bootcamp includes a blend of classroom-based and hands-on workshop learning, preparing participants to meet the demands of the fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) market.

Our Skills Bootcamps have paved the way for numerous inspiring success stories, and one standout example is Jack Goodall and A&D 4x4 Ltd.

A&D 4X4 is an automotive company focused primarily in the Land Rover market, which increasingly involves hybrid and electric vehicle technologies. As the automotive industry shifts towards greener alternatives, it has become crucial for their technicians to possess skills in maintaining and repairing electric and hybrid vehicles.

Jack Goodall participated in the Electric Vehicle Skills Bootcamp, where he gained valuable, up-to-date knowledge and hands-on experience with these emerging technologies. Since completing the program, Jack has integrated the skills and insights he acquired into his daily work at A&D 4X4, greatly enhancing the company’s capability to service modern electric and hybrid Land Rovers with confidence and expertise.

During his time on the course, Jack covered a wide range of topics including:

• Health and Safety Protocols
• Isolation & Lockout Procedures
• Electrical Engineering Fundamentals for Electric Vehicles
• Electrical Theory
• High Voltage Battery Charging System Theory
• HV System Repair & Rework
• Fault Diagnosis
• High Voltage Battery Removal
• Module Disassembly
• Testing and Replacement

Our next Electric Vehicle Skills Bootcamp will begin on 16th October 2025. To find out more, click here.