“Happiness is not complicated. It is simple. It is a choice.” – Shane Dean

On 27th February, Shane Dean delivered an uplifting and insightful talk as part of Weston College’s and University Centre Weston’s new Lecture Series—an initiative introduced by the College’s new Principal and CEO, Pat Jones. 

This series was designed to give staff and students access to inspirational speakers who can offer fresh perspectives, and to create a shared space where they can come together as a community and engage in thought-provoking discussions, and grow collectively.

Shane, an award-winning news journalist and founder of The Good News Post and Good News Tonic, has dedicated his career to spreading positivity and helping people find happiness in a world often dominated by bad news. 

Drawing from over 30 years in journalism and his own personal journey—from facing mental health challenges in his youth to discovering the power of positive thinking—Shane’s mission is clear: to empower people to reframe their mindset and embrace a happier, more fulfilling life.

At the heart of Shane’s lecture was a simple yet powerful idea—happiness is a choice. Through his Good News Tonic framework, he shared three key ingredients for rewiring the brain toward joy and resilience across mind, body and spirit.

In a world flooded with negative headlines and 24/7 news cycles, Shane challenged the audience to “black out the bad” and actively seek out the good. 

Throughout the session, the room buzzed with energy. 

At times, laughter filled the space as Shane shared engaging videos—including a baby’s contagious giggle and TV presenters breaking into fits of laughter. 

He even introduced laughter yoga via UK expert Alison Orr, encouraging attendees to interact with each other and experience the immediate mental boost that comes from shared joy.

More than just entertainment, Shane’s message was deeply practical. 

He demonstrated how small, intentional actions—like limiting bad news, practicing gratitude, and prioritising moments of joy—can reshape how we see the world. 

By consistently choosing positive thoughts, he explained, we can literally rewire our brain’s structure to be happier and more resilient.

The lecture concluded with a moving message from Dawn Carey, CEO of In Charley’s Memory—a local charity providing affordable mental health support for young people. She reinforced Shane’s call to action: to prioritise happiness, focus on the positives, and never underestimate the power of checking in on others.

Shane’s inspiring and interactive talk left a lasting impression, encouraging everyone to take control of their mindset and embrace the simple but profound truth: happiness is a choice—and it’s one we can all make.

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. 

A common misconception about apprenticeships is that they are aimed at school-leavers making their first entrance into the world of work, typically in a technical or engineering role.

Despite the majority of apprentices being 16–18-year-olds, it is increasingly common to see people in their twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, sixties and beyond going down the apprenticeship route in pursuit of a career change, in almost every industry.

Andy Dolman, a firefighter at Avon Fire and Rescue, was previously working for himself doing property maintenance. Despite running a successful business, Andy had always harboured ambitions to join the fire and rescue service and was “trying for years” to land a full-time firefighter position.

Firefighters can sometimes serve up to 20-30 years in the service, and so full-time openings can be scarce. Undeterred, Andy applied to become an on-call firefighter and was successful in landing the part-time role at Avon Fire and Rescue.

Having got a taste of life in fire and rescue on-call, an opportunity arose in April 2022 for Andy to take on our Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship, putting him on course to make it his full-time career.

The 2-year apprenticeship combined on the job learning responding to incidents in Bristol with 8 hours of study per week at our Knightstone Campus.

Andy said, “The blend of classroom-based learning and on-the job training was ideal grounding for the rigours of the job. On the job I learnt a lot about dealing with different scenarios and how to use equipment on the fire appliance and got hands on running the station and maintaining all of our equipment,”

"During our basic training, we developed a strong foundation in the statutory responsibilities of a firefighter, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements.”

“We also honed essential interpersonal skills, such as identifying individuals in need of additional support and making appropriate referrals to partner agencies, reinforcing our role in safeguarding, community fire safety and resilience."

“Whilst undoubtedly a fantastic opportunity, life as an apprentice firefighter can be tough. You are put through your paces, and it is a balancing act coping with the physical demands of the role and keeping on top of your studies.”

Despite finishing his apprenticeship year ago, Andy remains eager to develop and learn.

“I really enjoy working for Avon Fire and Rescue Service. There is always lots to do but everyone who works here is helpful and there is always opportunity for development.”

Find out more about our Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship 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.

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding success of William Palmer, a former Foundation Art & Design student at Weston College, who has been recognised with the top award at London Fashion Week. William was honoured with the prestigious L'Oréal Professional Creative Award for his MA show at the renowned Central Saint Martins (CSM).

William’s exceptional talent and creative vision shone through at the Central Saint Martins MA Fashion press show, where his work captivated the industry’s leading figures. The winners were selected by none other than Yu Masui, the eccentric Japanese influencer and talent scout for the esteemed LVMH Prize, further solidifying William’s place among fashion’s rising stars.

Since his Foundation year at Weston College, William has built on that knowledge and had a lot of experience with products before landing a place at CSM. He was hired by Dover Street Market to produce collections for Gosha Rubchinskiy and later oversaw the product development of brands under the Dover Street Market Paris umbrella, such as ERL.

During the show, William was one of the very few who showed clothes that could be immediately sold on a shop floor, including an oversized duffle coat, a check shirt, and a trench coat.

It was a fun collection, too. “I took the tongue-in-cheek attitude of lad culture, subverting it through funny fabrics, like the tea towels, and the teacup hats. I use humour a lot also. I drew parallels between adolescence and adulthood. I’m trying to make a more playful, carefree type of guy. The world would be better for everyone,” William added.

Image courtesy of Women's Wear Daily

The Foundation Art & Design course at Weston College provided William with the skills and techniques required to get into Central Saint Martins at the University of the Arts London, saying, “My pre-degree course provided me with essential foundational skills, basic knowledge, and the opportunity to develop a portfolio that ultimately helped me secure further studies. 

It was during my A-Level studies at Weston College that I first discovered my drive to pursue fashion design. Following that, I enrolled in an Art Foundation course, which became one of my most memorable years. Surrounded by a diverse group of creatives from various backgrounds, I had the chance to specialize in fashion for the first time. This focused approach allowed me to take my passion seriously, equipping me with the skills and confidence to continue my studies in London.

Rachel Clayton, William's former tutor at Weston College's Foundation Art & Design programme, shared his pride: "William's dedication and innovative approach were evident from the start. I am over the moon to see him receive such a distinguished honour. His journey from a dedicated Foundation Art & Design learner at Weston College to receiving one of the most coveted accolades in the fashion industry is truly inspiring. This achievement is a testament to his hard work, passion, and innovative approach to fashion design.”

His former tutors and everyone at Weston College are incredibly proud of this remarkable milestone in his career. We look forward to seeing his continued success and influence in the fashion world.

To see more of William's amazing designs, check out his Instagram @williampalmer_uk

If you are interested in applying to our UAL Foundation Art & Design course, 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.