<p><strong>Welcome to the April Edition of the Careers and Employability Team Blog!&nbsp;</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As we move into April, our focus remains on supporting our learners to develop their skills, understand their pathways, and make progress toward meaningful destinations.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/News_0.png" data-entity-uuid="fd7af03b-30a6-4cb8-8c90-f6479eedbe57" data-entity-type="file" alt="News Arrow" width="1302" height="284"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Careers Café Success!&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Our recent Careers Café sessions have been a great success, giving students the chance to drop in, chat informally, and get personalised guidance from our Careers Coordinators. The relaxed café-style setting has made it easier for students to ask questions, explore their ideas, and build confidence around their next steps.&nbsp;</p><p>We’ve loved seeing so many students take the opportunity to talk through courses, apprenticeships, work experience, CVs, and future goals. The Careers Coordinators have been on hand throughout, offering tailored advice and helping students understand the wide range of pathways available.&nbsp;</p><p>A huge well done to every student who came along - your enthusiasm and curiosity made each session lively and meaningful. And thank you to our brilliant Careers Coordinators for creating such a supportive and welcoming space.&nbsp;</p><p>A reminder that our Careers drop-ins take place every week.&nbsp;</p><p>All drop-in sessions take place between <strong>12:15pm and 1:15pm</strong> on the following days and locations</p><ul><li>Loxton Library: Every Tuesday&nbsp;</li><li>South West Skills Campus Library: Every Wednesday&nbsp;</li><li>Knightstone Library: Every Thursday &nbsp;</li></ul><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image%20%2810%29.jpg" data-entity-uuid="b1cf420e-e4f4-4713-a039-47df63949742" data-entity-type="file" alt="Student at Drop in" width="4032" height="3024"><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Celebrating Our CV Competition: Over 65 Impressive Entries and Valuable Feedback Ahead&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Over the past few weeks, we’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm and hard work students put into our CV Competition. With more than 65 entries submitted, this has been one of our most successful competitions yet — and the standard has been incredibly high.&nbsp;</p><p>What made this competition especially exciting was seeing the range of experiences, career ambitions, and personal stories reflected in the submissions. Whether students were applying for part-time roles, apprenticeships, internships, or their dream future careers, each CV showed genuine effort and growth.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What Happens Next?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Our team is now carefully reviewing every CV. Because we want this competition to be a meaningful learning experience for everyone involved, we’ll be offering individualised feedback to all entrants and will be announcing the winners as soon as possible.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/News%20%281%29.png" data-entity-uuid="2c0ba683-bdef-4958-8ab4-f024c6c7a4a1" data-entity-type="file" alt="Arrow with text saying celebrating success" width="1300" height="284"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>From Industry Placement to Degree Apprenticeship: A T-Level Success Story&nbsp;</strong></p><p>This term, we’re celebrating an inspiring achievement from one of our T Level students from Business and Administration, who has shown exactly where hard work, determination, and high-quality industry experience can lead.&nbsp;</p><p>As part of his T Level programme, Thomas completed a 10-week industry placement with Lloyds Bank in Bristol alongside other students from Weston College. Throughout the placement, he demonstrated professionalism, enthusiasm, and a real willingness to learn - qualities that made a strong impression on the team at Lloyds.&nbsp;</p><p>His strong performance opened an exciting door: an invitation to apply for Lloyds Bank’s competitive Degree Apprenticeship programme. Rising to the challenge, Thomas completed each stage of the application process, including attending a full assessment centre alongside candidates from across the region. His hard work paid off - he successfully secured a place on the Degree Apprenticeship, starting this September.&nbsp;</p><p>This fantastic achievement highlights the value of T-Level industry placements in giving students real-world experience, industry insight, and, in some cases, a direct pathway into long term career opportunities. We’re incredibly proud of their journey and wish him continued success as he embarks on this next exciting chapter with Lloyds Bank.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image%20%2811%29.jpg" data-entity-uuid="135b5aab-b3ea-4b11-a1fb-c8c5cf12bbd1" data-entity-type="file" alt="Lloyds Bank" width="960" height="480"><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/News%20%282%29.png" data-entity-uuid="8bc6b839-1f8d-4578-89ba-acda10c5054b" data-entity-type="file" alt="Key dates and upcoming events" width="1300" height="285"></p><p><strong><u>Key Dates:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>Thursday 9th April 2026 - <a href="https://jobfairssouthwest.co.uk/events/weston-jobs-fair"><strong>Weston Jobs Fair</strong></a></p><p>Tuesday 14th April 2026 - <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/knightstone-campus-half-term-workshops">… Campus Half-Term Workshops</strong></a></p><p>Wednesday 15th April 2026 - <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/loxton-half-term-workshops"><strong>Loxt… Campus Half-Term Workshops</strong></a></p><p>Wednesday 22nd April 2026 - <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/engineering-fast-track-event"><strong>En… Fast Track Event</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="mailto:cet@weston.ac.uk">Get in touch with the Careers and Employability Team, by clicking here.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p><strong>Welcome to the October Edition of the Careers and Employability Team Blog!&nbsp;</strong></p><p>It’s been a busy and exciting month here at Weston College, with UCAS applications in full swing as learners take the next big step toward their futures. We’ve also proudly celebrated T Level Week, recognising the achievements of our learners and the value these qualifications bring to their career journeys.</p><p>Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for our <strong>annual Careersfest event on 18th November! </strong>This is a fantastic opportunity for learners to connect directly with employers and universities, ask questions, and gather insights to help shape their career decisions.&nbsp;</p><p>As always, our team is here to support every learner—whether you're exploring career options, preparing for university, or looking to boost your employability skills.&nbsp;</p><p>If you’d like to get in touch with us, please don’t hesitate to email <strong>cet@weston.ac.uk</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/News_0.png" data-entity-uuid="fd7af03b-30a6-4cb8-8c90-f6479eedbe57" data-entity-type="file" alt="News Arrow" width="1302" height="284"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong><u>Supporting Your Young Person with Their UCAS Application&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>As we move through the autumn term, UCAS applications are a key focus for many of our learners who are planning their next steps into higher education. To help guide and support this process, we’ve put together some important information to help you support your young person. If you have any questions or would like further support, please get in touch using <a href="mailto:uni.help@weston.ac.uk">uni.help@weston.ac.uk</a>&nbsp;</p><p><st… Drop-In Sessions&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>We’re running weekly UCAS drop-in sessions where learners can get one-to-one support with their applications:&nbsp;</p><p>· Knightstone Campus – Every Monday lunchtime in the Library</p><p>· Loxton Campus – Every Tuesday lunchtime in the Library</p><p><strong><u>Internal Deadline&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>To ensure applications are submitted on time and with the best possible quality, our internal UCAS deadline is 14th November. Meeting this deadline allows us to review applications and provide feedback before they are sent to UCAS. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/News%20%281%29.png" data-entity-uuid="2c0ba683-bdef-4958-8ab4-f024c6c7a4a1" data-entity-type="file" alt="Arrow with text saying celebrating success" width="1300" height="284"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong><u>🎉 Celebrating T Levels Week 2025!&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>From 13th to 17th October, we proudly joined the nationwide celebration of T Levels Week 2025, spotlighting the incredible achievements of our learners and the transformative impact of industry placements.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the week, we:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Celebrated learner success stories from their industry placements, showcasing the skills and confidence they’ve gained.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qUYGsR1I0_k?si=l897BGZ__0qm_WV8&quot; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> &nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>Prepared future learners for their upcoming placements with tailored workshops, employer engagement sessions, and practical guidance.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></li><li><p>Engaged with employers and partners to strengthen placement opportunities and highlight the value of T Level learners in the workplace.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p></li><li>Shared inspiring stories on social media using the hashtags #TLevelsWeek and #TLevelHero, to raise awareness of all the amazing opportunities on offer.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YcWeaa24dFo?si=Kppu-FlXepfLPINd&quot; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> &nbsp;</p><p>T Levels continue to bridge the gap between education and employment, offering students a unique blend of classroom learning and real-world experience. We’re proud to be part of this journey and to support the next generation of skilled professionals.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Here’s to our learners, educators, and industry partners - thank you for making T Levels Week 2025 a success! &nbsp;</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_4Bb8lg9p-0?si=rdJEDUC4TmgjvQNY&quot; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> &nbsp;</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/News%20%282%29.png" data-entity-uuid="8bc6b839-1f8d-4578-89ba-acda10c5054b" data-entity-type="file" alt="Key dates and upcoming events" width="1300" height="285"></p><p><strong><u>Key Dates:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p><strong>12th November -</strong> <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/pathways-success-november-open-evening">… to Success Open Evening&nbsp;</a></p><p><strong>14th November -</strong> Internal UCAS deadline&nbsp;</p><p><strong>18th November -</strong> Careersfest&nbsp;</p><p><strong>14th January - </strong>Equal Opportunities UCAS application deadline &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="mailto:cet@weston.ac.uk">Get in touch with the Careers and Employability Team, by clicking here.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p><strong>Welcome to the August 2025 edition of our Careers and Employability blog!</strong></p><p>This month, we’re focusing on sharing useful resources to support our learners as they plan their next steps. Whether you’re preparing for further study, looking to gain work experience, or exploring future career opportunities, our team has put together a range of helpful tools and guidance to get you started.</p><p>We’ll be highlighting:</p><p>· Career planning resources – to help you map out your goals and explore your options.</p><p>· Employability support – from CV and interview tips to building essential workplace skills.</p><p>If you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at cet@weston.ac.uk. A member of the team will be more than happy to help.</p><p><strong><u>Welcome Natasha!</u></strong></p><p>We’re excited to welcome the newest member of our team, Natasha!</p><p>Natasha has joined us as our new Careers and Employability Administration Officer, and she’ll be playing a key role in supporting both the team and our learners. With her excellent organisational skills and friendly approach, Natasha will be helping to make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes – from coordinating resources to ensuring learners get the right information at the right time.</p><p>We’re thrilled to have Natasha on board and excited to integrate her into our team!</p><p><strong>UCW Careers and Employability update</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston's</a> careers service is continuing to prepare for the year ahead - bespoke course-specific resources and taught careers sessions are being developed with student's needs front of mind. The UCW Careers Coaching webpage has been updated to include information about the support available to students and apprentices - visit Careers Coaching - University Centre Weston to find out what's on offer for its students studying at Higher Education level.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/News_0.png" data-entity-uuid="fd7af03b-30a6-4cb8-8c90-f6479eedbe57" data-entity-type="file" alt="News Arrow" width="1302" height="284"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong><u>Careers and Employability resources to support you!</u></strong></p><p>As you plan your next steps, this month’s edition we wanted to share our most popular resources to guide, inspire, and support you along the way. If you would like to ask the team a question please contact us at <strong>cet@weston.ac.uk </strong>and a member of the team will get back to you.</p><p><strong><u>General Careers Support:</u></strong></p><p>The <a href="https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/sectors">Careerpilot</a&gt; website is a one-stop, impartial careers platform designed to help 11–19 year olds explore and plan their future education and career pathways.</p><p><a href="https://www.somersetcareershub.co.uk/useful-links/">The Somerset Careers Hub</a> is here to help you explore your options and feel confident about your next steps after school or college.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/school-leaver-options#:~:text=H…. ">AllAboutSchoolLeavers.co.uk</a> is a UK-based platform designed to help students explore their options after school. Whether you're interested in apprenticeships, school leaver programmes, sponsored degrees, or going straight into work, this site has everything you need to make informed decisions.</p><p><strong><u>CV Creation:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.canva.com/en_gb/">Canva</a&gt; has hundreds of free CV templates for you to choose and edit to produce professional looking CV’s.</p><p><a href="https://weston.sharepoint.com/sites/WC_SS_CareersAdvice?spStartSource=s… and Employability Team -</a> Access CV guidance, careers support and get in contact with us.</p><p><strong><u>Apprenticeships:</u></strong></p><p>The <a href="https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/">Amazing Apprenticeships</a> website is a UK-based platform dedicated to promoting apprenticeships and technical education. It serves as a comprehensive resource hub for students, parents, teachers, and employers. There are free webinars to watch and gain more insight into apprenticeships with some of the biggest companies globally.&nbsp;</p><p>The <a href="https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/apprenticeships?query=">UCAS Apprenticeship page</a> is an official service for searching and applying for apprenticeships in England. All vacancies on this webpage is pulled directly from <a href="https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship">Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK</a></p><p><strong><u>Podcasts:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/SquigglyCareers">Squiggly Careers </a>is a podcast that explores many different avenues, challenges and questions when it comes to your career journey.</p><p><strong><u>Employment/ Self-Employment:&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p><a href="https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/">The King's Trust</a> webpage offers information for different industries, guidance on how to set up a business and information on how to apply for financial support to help make your business successful.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/News%20%281%29.png" data-entity-uuid="2c0ba683-bdef-4958-8ab4-f024c6c7a4a1" data-entity-type="file" alt="Arrow with text saying celebrating success" width="1300" height="284"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Congratulations on receiving your GCSE and FE results!</strong></p><p>We're really looking forward to welcoming our new students to Weston College this year. For those already studying with us, we're equally excited to see you back on campus and continuing your journey with us.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8c419e9-cb3a-454b-8abc-ca53d59ea51f" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_750x750&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/News%20%282%29.png" data-entity-uuid="8bc6b839-1f8d-4578-89ba-acda10c5054b" data-entity-type="file" alt="Key dates and upcoming events" width="1300" height="285"></p><p>&nbsp;</p><ul><li><p>UCAS applications are open and learners can submit - Tuesday 2nd September 2025 <strong>(For learners who will be starting University in September 2026).</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p></li><li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/whatnext">'Whats Next?' </a>- Career Showcase for school leavers - 24th September 2025.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="mailto:cet@weston.ac.uk">Get in touch with the Careers and Employability Team, by clicking here.&nbsp;</a></p>