Construction students have been making a real difference in their community by crafting and donating handmade benches to local care homes in Weston-super-Mare.  

This initiative took place over the course of three days, with students from various construction disciplines working extremely hard to create these high-quality benches. They even added a Weston College plaque to each bench which read, "Weston College Benches & Biscuits Initiative: Building a Community, One Seat at a Time".

Each group of students hand-delivered their bench along with a box of biscuits, spending an hour with the residents over a warm cup of tea. This thoughtful visit provided a fantastic opportunity for intergenerational bonding, as students and residents shared stories, laughter, and meaningful conversations. 

The benches were delivered to Dewdown House, The Manor in Uphill, St George’s Care Home, Beach Lawns Nursing Home, and Acer House. They were placed in outdoor spaces, where residents can enjoy them all year round, particularly during the warmer months.

The care home residents were delighted with their new outdoor seating, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the students’ hard work and craftsmanship. Many residents were extremely impressed by the quality of the benches and appreciated the chance to interact with young people, fostering a strong sense of community spirit.  

The experience was equally rewarding for the students, who enjoyed hearing stories from the past and learning about life in different generations. Conversations ranged from family histories to career aspirations, leaving a lasting impact on both students and residents alike. 

In addition to their generous donations to care homes, the students also crafted three extra benches which were auctioned off in a charity silent auction. The proceeds from the auction went towards supporting Weston Hospicecare and The Grand Appeal as part of RAG Week fundraising efforts.  

The highest three bidders received a beautifully handcrafted bench, with all funds directly benefiting these important local charities. 

This initiative is a testament to the skill, dedication, and generosity of Weston College’s construction students.  

Their work has not only provided practical benefits but also brought joy and companionship to the elderly residents of their community. 

You can find out more about out our construction courses, by clicking here.  

Last month, our Sport students embarked on an exciting trip to London for an overnight stay, offering them a fantastic opportunity to experience professional sports up close. 

The first day consisted of some free time to explore the sights of central London, taking in the atmosphere and visiting some of the must-see tourist landmarks. Later in the day, they made their way to Copper Box Arena to experience a professional basketball match between London Lions and Manchester. This was a close game, with the London Lions securing a narrow victory, finishing 78-73. 

On the second day, the students started the day with a delicious breakfast buffet before heading to the Wimbledon Experience. This was a 4-hour experience which included a tour of the grounds where they learnt about the facilities, the development of the grounds and how they upkeep and care for the distinctive green grass. They also learnt about the history of Wimbledon and some of the greatest tennis players in history. 

Dan Lomax, one of our Sport Lecturers, outlined the importance of this trip for fostering a deeper appreciation for the logistics behind a sport, adding “this 2-day residential trip was a truly unforgettable experience for the students. It allowed them to see the preparation and maintenance required to ensure events run smoothly, as well as seeing the history and evolution behind sports and their venues.  

“It was also great to see the sights of London, including a glimpse of the King! The Basketball match was also an event that many of the students may not get the chance to watch live. The whole trip provided core memories for the students that they can take with them after college.” 

This immersive experience not only brought classroom studies to life but also introduced students to professional-level sports that may not always be in the spotlight. By deepening their understanding of different sports, the trip left a lasting impact, equipping them with memories and knowledge to carry forward in their academic and professional journeys. 

If you are interested in applying to one of our Sport & Fitness courses, click here. 

At Weston College, we pride ourselves on providing apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their careers. One of our former apprentices, Asha George, is a perfect example of how an apprenticeship can open doors to new opportunities. Asha completed a Level 2 Junior Estate Agent apprenticeship while working at Cross Keys Estates and has since built a successful career in the property industry. She shares with us her journey and insights into the benefits of apprenticeships. 

During her apprenticeship, Asha gained a wealth of knowledge and practical skills that have helped her excel in her role. She developed expertise in identifying property age and construction types, spotting defects, preparing for negotiations, agreeing terms of sale, conducting viewings, and selling the services of her company. 

Beyond industry-specific knowledge, Asha also improved her communication, time management, and organisational skills – crucial in her role as an estate agent. 

Like many apprentices, Asha faced challenges during her course, particularly as someone with ADHD. However, she received excellent support from her Weston College assessor, Georgie, who ensured she had the flexibility and extra time needed to complete her work successfully. 

"By having some flexibility, dedicating a day to my apprenticeship work, and speaking with Georgie about any concerns, I was able to overcome and manage the challenges I faced," Asha explains. 

One of Asha’s fondest memories from her apprenticeship was spending a week shadowing her Director. This experience gave her insights into the valuation process, including preparing reports, attending valuations, and following up with clients. 

"It was a great week of learning about a slightly different role within the business and how different valuations should be approached. I also loved learning about construction and defects – it was a fantastic module that has massively helped me in my role as an estate agent." 

For Asha, choosing an apprenticeship was a strategic decision that allowed her to apply her learning directly to her job. She was also motivated to gain a qualification that would set her apart in the industry. 

"Being a young woman in this industry can be challenging at times. While the world has made lots of progress, we do occasionally meet people who unfortunately haven’t. This motivated me to gain a qualification through an apprenticeship, giving me as much skill, knowledge, experience, and confidence as possible." 

Since completing her course, Asha has taken her career to new heights. She is now a registered member of Propertymark, giving clients reassurance that she is qualified and up to date with industry regulations. She also manages her own portfolio of properties and sales, creates social media content for her company, and actively engages with clients. 

When asked whether she would recommend an apprenticeship with Weston College, Asha had no hesitation in saying yes. 

"Weston College is an excellent choice for anyone considering an apprenticeship. They have fantastic courses on offer, so there is something for everyone, and the support they provide goes above and beyond!" 

Asha’s journey showcases the incredible opportunities that apprenticeships offer, blending education with real-world experience. If you're looking to start your career while gaining a valuable qualification, an apprenticeship could be the perfect choice for you! 

Interested in an apprenticeship? Explore our courses and start your career today!