Recently, our Construction Trades faculty launched a new fundraising initiative in support of Weston Hospicecare, raising £536 through its first-ever Tools Raffle.  

As part of the College’s Raising and Giving (RAG) initiative, the raffle was organised by Electrical lecturer, Neil Adams, and brought together both staff and learners from across the Construction trades, including Electrical, Carpentry, Plumbing, Brickwork, and Plastering.  

Students were able to purchase raffle tickets for 50p each, creating an accessible and engaging way for learners to contribute to a local cause. In addition, Construction staff were invited to nominate students to receive a free raffle ticket, recognising their hard work and commitment throughout the year.  

The prize for the first raffle was a Bosch drill, generating plenty of interest across the faculty and helping to build momentum for the new initiative.  

The official draw was conducted fairly and transparently and all funds raised will be donated to Weston Hospicecare, supporting the charity’s vital work for patients and families in the local community.  

Following the success of the first raffle, the Construction Trades plan to continue the initiative on a half-termly basis, with a new power tool or tool set available as the main prize each time.  

The raffle has already proven to be a positive way of bringing staff and students together while supporting an important local cause, and the faculty looks forward to building on this success in the future.  

A huge thank you to everyone who donated and made this fantastic total possible!

This initiative forms part of the Construction Trades 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. 

This month, The Grand Pier hosted a Cyber Security Awareness event, CSIDES, to educate individuals, students, and employers about the importance of Cyber Security and provide them with the tools to protect themselves and their organisations. Our Digital students attended the event to build on their knowledge and network with professionals in the industry. 

Cyber Security is a growing risk within the digital world and as more aspects of daily life move online, the risk of cyberattacks grows significantly. Strong cybersecurity measures help to protect sensitive data, prevent identity theft, and maintain trust in digital platforms. Without solid safeguards in place, organisations and individuals are left vulnerable to fraud and exploitation. Ultimately, cybersecurity is not just about technology but about ensuring safety and privacy in the online sphere. 

CSIDES is the UK’s first cyber security event built by and for a coastal community. This event took place throughout the Grand Pier, with industry professionals discussing a range of approaches to cyber security, holding discussions with attendees, and hosting hands-on workshops to engage the audience and ensure they have a practical understanding of cyber security and the importance of it. 

This event gave our Digital students the chance to chat to employers, engage with workshops, and learn more about online security from professionals. They also learnt more about potential careers in cyber security, gaining a deeper understanding of what the role and responsibilities would entail, as well as the importance of this career to organisations and a society.  

During these talks, experts discussed how to stay safe online, the common misconceptions and mistakes people make, protocols to follow, vulnerabilities online, and top tips to protect and encrypt your data. Not only this, industry professionals also discussed their personal experiences and journey into cyber security, with many of their routes being non-linear and having evolved over time. 

Joe Abdulgani, Assistant Principal Curriculum at Weston College, said, “This event was an excellent way for students to gain a deeper understanding of cyber security and the important role it plays in securing data across organisations. Not only this, hearing from a range of industry professionals within the field was a great opportunity for students to network and explore the different progression routes they could pursue after they complete their course.” 

Hazel McPherson, CEO of 4FOX Security experienced CISO, and the founder of CSIDES, said: “CSIDES was built to prove that coastal towns like Weston-super-Mare can lead the way in digital innovation. Seeing hundreds of students and local residents explore cyber security on the Grand Pier was a moment of pride, not just for us as organisers but for the whole community. Events like this open doors, spark careers, and show that the future of cyber can be inclusive, creative, and open to everyone, because we need to defend together.” 

Thank you to CSIDES for welcoming our students and educating them in an engaging and interactive way. 

This curriculum visit forms part of the Computing & Digital Technologies 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 Computing & Digital Technologies! 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. 

This month’s featured trailblazer is Georgia Ferdinando, a former learner, apprentice and staff member at Weston College, who is now a Schools Coordinator for the City Football Group, representing Manchester City Football Club in Abu Dhabi. 

We caught up with Georgia, to find out about her journey, and what she is doing now:  

What did you study at Weston College? 

I completed two courses at Weston College; first, a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, followed by a Level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer Apprenticeship.  

During my apprenticeship, I worked at the college as the Women’s Football Development Officer, before progressing into a full-time position as a Sport and Wellbeing Engagement Officer. 

How has that helped you get to where you are today – what has your journey been like? 

Studying sport at Weston College provided me with the core knowledge, skills, and behaviours essential for a career in coaching and sport development. It gave me a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of sport, while also helping me to grow in confidence and professionalism. Those experiences have been invaluable in shaping the coach I am today. 

What is your favourite thing about your role? 

My favourite part of the job is building meaningful relationships with both staff and students in the schools I work with. I love being able to connect with young players through our shared passion for football and to support them as they develop both on and off the pitch. Seeing their progress and enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding. 

What piece of advice would you give to people looking to follow in your footsteps? 

My advice would be to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Every new experience is an opportunity to learn. Also, build your network — put yourself in situations where you can meet new people, make connections, and learn from others in the industry. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Weston College who supported and believed in me throughout my journey. You’ve played a key role in my growth; not only in my professional development but also in my personal confidence and self-belief. 

This alumni story forms part of the Sport & Fitness 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 Computing & Digital Technologies! 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.