Creating brighter futures

Last month, members of the public had the opportunity to book their dogs onto a free pet photoshoot in the photography studios at Loxton Campus. These sessions were run by Year 1 and Year 2 Level 3 Photography students, offering them a valuable hands-on learning experience.

The students had the chance to photograph a wide variety of dog breeds, including Dachshunds, Huskies, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and many others. This annual event is always in high demand and sells out quickly. Not only does it provide an exciting real-world opportunity for students to enhance their photography skills, but it also allows the public to receive stunning, high-quality portraits of their beloved pets—completely free of charge.

The experience proved to be an excellent challenge for the students, helping them adapt to the needs of each dog. Not only this, capturing the perfect shot developed the students’ patience, quick thinking, and the ability to work with energetic subjects that were not always keen to sit still! These kinds of challenges are typical in professional photography due to the dynamic nature of the job, making this the perfect way for learners to gain industry experience in a controlled environment and prepare them for their future careers.

As well as gaining invaluable experience in a fast-paced, client-focused setting, the students also got to develop their personal portfolios that they can use after college.

Paul French, one of our Photography lecturers who organises the event each year, ensures it runs smoothly for the public, the students, and the dogs. "This event provides invaluable experience for our learners, giving them a glimpse into their future as photographers and insight into the industry. The students stepped up to the challenge and portrayed a fantastic level of maturity and professionalism—a great reflection of Weston College and the well-rounded students we produce", Paul added.

The annual dog photoshoot continues to be a highlight for both students and the community, encouraging skill development, creativity, and the joy of capturing unforgettable moments with your precious pups.

Check out a few of this year's amazing pet portraits:

If you’re interested in applying to one of our Photography courses in September, click here.

Last week in London, The Engineer hosted the 2025 Collaborate to Innovate Awards. Now in its ninth year, the C2I Awards were established to spotlight exemplary engineering collaborations that address complex societal challenges and advanced innovation. The C2I Awards evening consists of 9 different categories – and Weston College came on top for the highly regarded STEM Initiative Awards for Increase STEM in Apprenticeships!

In response to the noted shortage of skilled workers in STEM, we have delivered a series of collaborative projects aimed at increasing engagement in STEM amongst young people, with the goal of fostering the next generation of engineers. We sought to address the gap by partnering with a range of organisations, both local and international for maximum impact.

The collaborations for this initiative were designed not only to spark interest in STEM careers but also to provide practical, hands-on experiences that can inspire and inform career choices among young learners – many of whom have never experienced engineering. Our partners included global leaders such as Boeing and First Scandinavia, local leaders like WEAF, and impactful organisations such as the Luke Wheaton Trust – all of which enabled us to create unique, accessible experiences that demystify engineering for young people.

Some examples of projects for the Increase STEM in Apprenticeships initiative included:

The Mobile Newton Room 

One of the flagship projects for Increase STEM in Apprenticeships was the Mobile Newton Room, a collaboration between Weston College, First Scandinavia, and Boeing. This project brought an innovative flight simulator to the UK, marking the only stop in the country for this unique educational experience. The Mobile Newton Room was run by apprentices from Weston College, who guided local school children through the experience, offering many their first exposure to engineering principles. The project’s aim was to demystify engineering and make it accessible to a broader audience, particularly targeting young students who might not otherwise consider a career in this field. The collaboration exemplified how international and local expertise can be harnessed to create impactful educational opportunities.

Engagement Through Events and Initiatives 

In addition to the Mobile Newton Room, Weston College collaborated with the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) to host events that bridge the gap between employers and young people. These events serve as a platform for employers to engage directly with potential future employees, demonstrating the diverse career paths available within the STEM sectors. Such initiatives are crucial in providing young people with insights into the industry and the types of roles they could pursue, thereby helping to build a pipeline of future talent.

Sustainable Engineering and the Great Big Green Week 

Weston College also hosted the Great Big Green Week, an initiative focused on sustainability and the role engineering can play in addressing environmental challenges. This week-long event was open to learners at Weston College and UCW, offering a series of activities designed to encourage sustainable thinking. By linking engineering with sustainability, this initiative not only educates but also motivates young people to consider how they can contribute to solving global issues through their future careers.

Collaboration with the Luke Wheaton Trust 

In partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust, Weston College has hosted several events, supported by employers such as GKN, Rotamec, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), providing young people with an overview of potential career paths in STEM. The partnership also extends to offering scholarships through the Luke Wheaton Trust, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing engineering education and opportunities.

Watch our C2I Awards video to learn more about our Increase STEM in Apprenticeships Initiative!

Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships & Skills, said:

“All of these various initiatives have had a significant impact: both driving engagement from young people and fostering improved links between education and industry. The Newton Room Project has been particularly impactful in sparking interest in STEM among younger students, delivering 19 sessions to 228 learners from local primary and secondary schools and introducing many children to engineering concepts for the first time. Meanwhile, through events organised with the Luke Wheaton Trust, the college has facilitated contact with industry for over 100 new individuals.”

“The college’s efforts have also led to a notable increase in the number of engineering apprenticeships. Indeed, the growing demand has been so substantial that it’s now planning to launch a dedicated engineering campus to accommodate and further support this interest.

“What’s more, the various STEM initiatives have deepened the college’s engagement with employers across a range of industries, who are now actively working with the college to offer a wide range of apprenticeships. This increased collaboration with employers enhances its ability to provide practical, real-world training that is directly aligned with industry needs”

Thank you to all our staff and partners who helped to bring Increase STEM in Apprenticeships to life, and who made an impact on our learners and the future of young engineers!

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.

“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.