This week, our T Level Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction students welcomed employees from Alun Griffiths Ltd, a sustainable civil engineering contractor helping to connect communities across road, rail, water and utilities. The visit gave students the opportunity to explore careers in civil engineering while developing valuable industry skills through a series of engaging, hands-on activities.

The session began with a presentation and interactive task led by Kate Hamilton-Border, Regional Social Value Coordinator - England at Griffiths. Kate explored the importance of Health and Safety and Risk Assessments, encouraging students to consider how these principles can be applied to everyday tasks. Students also took part in team-building activities, developing their ability to communicate, collaborate and approach challenges effectively.

Students then put these skills into practice during a large-scale bridge-building activity. Working in two groups, they followed an instruction manual to independently construct two sections of a bridge, eventually joining them together in the middle. With responsibility for delegating roles, communicating tasks and overcoming challenges, students were encouraged to take ownership of the project and use their initiative to ensure their bridge was functional.

The activity provided a valuable insight into the practical nature of civil engineering while strengthening students’ communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. Following the challenge, students received feedback from Griffiths’ professionals, allowing them to reflect on their performance, celebrate what they had done well and identify areas for improvement.

The visit also highlighted the progression opportunities available through a T Level industry placement. One member of the Griffiths team who attended was a former Weston College T Level Construction student. Having completed his industry placement with Griffiths, he has gone on to work with the company while completing his Level 4 Civil Engineering BTEC Higher National Certificate (HTQ) with University Centre Weston (UCW).

Meeting former students who have successfully progressed into further study and employment provided a valuable source of inspiration for our current learners, demonstrating the range of opportunities that can follow a T Level and the importance of making the most of industry placements.

Daniel Comerford, Construction Professions Lecturer at Weston College, said: “Welcoming employers such as Griffiths to Weston College gives our students a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand what a career in civil engineering can look like and gain valuable insight into the range of roles and pathways available to them. These industry partnerships are invaluable in supporting students’ professional development, allowing them to ask questions, build meaningful connections with employers and develop the practical skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Hands-on activities, such as the bridge-building challenge, also give students a real insight into the collaborative and practical nature of the industry, helping them build confidence and prepare for their future careers.”

Kate Hamilton-Border, Regional Social Value Coordinator for Griffiths said: "We were delighted to bring our bridge building activity to Weston College, giving students the opportunity to practice those all-important skills and qualities which are so important to employers. Our team had a great morning with the students, sharing their expertise and encouraging individuals to step outside of their comfort zone and demonstrate what they can achieve. Being part of the Construction Professionals Careers Excellence Hub is so valuable to our business in being able to promote the wide range of opportunities in our sector and developing potential future talent for our business."

A huge thank you to Alun Griffiths Ltd for visiting our students and providing such a valuable opportunity to develop their skills, explore career pathways and gain first-hand experience of the civil engineering industry.

This workshop forms part of the Construction Professionals 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 Construction! 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.

Last week, students from across Weston College came together at Freshers’ Festival at the Winter Gardens and the new AMTEC building, where they had the opportunity to connect with local organisations, charities and the Students’ Union and discover the wide range of support, activities and opportunities available to them.

The festival brought together organisations and services from across the local community, giving students the chance to find out more about the support available to them throughout their time at college. From health and wellbeing and mental health support to community services, inclusion and public safety, students could speak directly with organisations and discover services that could support their wellbeing and personal development.

The event welcomed a fantastic range of organisations and charities, including NS LGBT+ Forum, SWEDA, Off The Record, Caafi Health CIC, Young Adult Carers Service, NHS Talking Therapies, Cranstoun, Weston Hospicecare and RENS. Students could also connect with Avon and Somerset Police, Avon Fire & Rescue, the Violence Reduction Partnership and Weston Street Pastors to learn more about the work these organisations do within the local community.

Alongside support services, students could explore a variety of leisure, fitness and social opportunities from organisations including Hutton Moor, Sporting Weston, Rock Up, Pilara Studio and All Stars Bowling & Escape Room. Local food and hospitality businesses, including Nando’s, Miss Millie’s and All Stars Bar, also attended, giving students the opportunity to discover new places to visit and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts.

Students were able to interact directly with organisations, take part in activities and collect a range of freebies, with highlights including a photobooth, basketball game and interactive activities hosted by local businesses. These experiences gave students the opportunity to meet new people, try something different, and discover ways to make the most of their time at Weston College.

The Students’ Union also played an important role at the festival, encouraging students to get involved in college life and learn more about opportunities to have their voices heard. From becoming a Student Ambassador to joining the Student Executive Team, students can take on roles that help develop their confidence, communication and leadership skills while giving them the opportunity to advocate for positive change across the college.

Tia Beard, Student Engagement Officer who ran the event, said: “Bringing students together for Freshers’ Festival is a great way to help them feel connected to both the college and the wider community, while encouraging them to engage with organisations and services that could benefit them throughout their time at Weston College. It is always fantastic to see so many organisations come together to support our students, taking the time to speak with them, share what they offer and highlight the positive impact they have within the community.”

A huge thank you to all the organisations, charities and businesses who attended and helped make the event a success. Opportunities like Freshers’ Festival play an important role in helping students build connections, discover new experiences and make the most of their time at Weston College and within the wider Weston-super-Mare community.

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 week, our A Level students completing the Social Action Pathway welcomed Tony Hobden, CEO of Shiva Charity, which raises funds to support children and communities in Nepal. The session gave students a first-hand insight into the impact that fundraising and charitable work can have on communities and the importance of taking action to support others.

As part of Weston College’s Sixth Form, students complete an enrichment pathway alongside their A Levels, providing opportunities to broaden their understanding of wider issues, develop new skills and make a positive contribution to their community.

The Social Action Pathway enables students to plan and deliver their own initiatives to raise money and awareness for charities and causes that matter to them. Working independently or as part of a group, students have the freedom to choose their own focus and take responsibility for developing their ideas from conception through to delivery.

During the session, Tony shared his experiences of raising awareness and funds for Shiva Charity, whose work in Nepal focuses on improving access to education through building and maintaining schools, child sponsorship and teacher training. The charity is also providing emergency support following the devastating landslides and flooding across the Rasuwa region and Central Nepal.

Tony also spoke about his latest fundraising challenge, Scoot 4 Nepal, which will see him ride 1,000km across Nepal over 10 days on a pink scooter to raise funds for clean drinking water systems in rural schools. His target is to raise £80,000 to install and maintain 50 water purification systems, with around £40,000 already raised through the campaign.

The session encouraged students to consider how they can create meaningful change through their own Social Action projects. As they develop their initiatives, students will build a range of transferable skills, from communication, marketing and event organisation to leadership, teamwork, time management and problem-solving. They will also gain confidence in taking an idea from planning to action, adapting to challenges along the way.

Most importantly, the pathway encourages students to recognise that making a difference is not always about the size of an initiative, but the positive impact it can have on others. Whether supporting an established charity, raising awareness of an important issue or giving back to their local community, students are empowered to take action on causes they are passionate about.

Nicola Stent, Sixth Form Lecturer and Head of the Social Action Pathway, said: “The Social Action Pathway gives students a fantastic opportunity to make a positive difference while developing skills and experiences that will support them beyond Sixth Form. It encourages them to look beyond themselves, understand the importance of empathy and compassion, and recognise the impact they can have within their community. By planning and delivering their own initiatives, students develop valuable employability and life skills, while seeing first-hand that raising awareness and inspiring others to get involved can be just as important as raising money.”

A huge thank you to Tony for taking the time to share his journey with the students and encouraging them to get involved.

This pathway forms part of the Sixth Form 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.