Careers and Employability for Learners at Weston College
Careers And Employability Team At Weston College
Our Careers and Employability Team work closely with learners to ensure they are provided with a quality, relevant and up to date service through the delivery of our careers programme.
Our careers team:
- Ben Knocks, Deputy Principal (Careers Leader) – Benjamin.Knocks@weston.ac.uk
- Anna Holton, Head of Careers and Employability (Assistant Careers Leader) – Anna.Holton@weston.ac.uk
The Careers and Employability Coordinators are available to:
- Provide up to date information, advice and guidance on all options available to learners once they have completed their study programme whether that is going to Uni, applying for an apprenticeship, writing a CV or something else!
- Support learners with preparing for, sourcing and monitoring Industry Placements (more information below)
- Support learners to make effective and informed decisions so that they are ready for their next steps.
If you would like to get in contact with a member of the team please email CET@weston.ac.uk
Applying To University
Our dedicated UCAS and HE Advisor works closely with faculties to support learners through the process of applying to higher education. To get in touch with the UCAS and HE Advisor please contact unihub@weston.ac.uk
We can help you with:
- Choosing the right course and university
- Writing strong personal statements
- Understanding entry requirements
- UCAS applications and deadlines
- Student finance and funding
- Next steps after receiving offers
Careers Strategy, Entitlement And Policies
At Weston College, we are committed to providing high-quality careers education, information, advice and guidance that helps learners make informed decisions about their future. Our Careers Strategy outlines how we support and inspire learners to explore career pathways, develop employability skills, and progress into further study, apprenticeships, or employment.
We are proud to deliver a comprehensive careers programme that meets the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance and ensures every learner receives their Careers Entitlement. Through employer encounters, work experience opportunities, careers events, 1:1 guidance, and curriculum-linked careers learning, we help students understand the opportunities available to them and prepare for life beyond college.
You can view and download our careers documents, policies, and procedures by clicking the link on the right.
Industry Placements And Work Experience
As part of your study programme, you will undertake some form of industry placement, work experience or work-related activity – this is depending on which course you study. The Careers and Employability Coordinators will help and support you to find an industry placement that compliments your study programme, your tutor will support you to find work experience and any work-related activity.
If you are studying a T Level learners are expected to complete a minimum of 315 hours work placement. This placement must be course relevant and aligned to your career aspirations. The Careers and Employability Team will support you through the process of securing a placement, from sourcing an employer to reflecting on the experience following the placement.
We have links with a wide range of employers, from across the region, with lots of opportunities available. Our team is committed to supporting you towards your future career goals and creating your brighter future.
Experience in the workplace allows you to develop the knowledge and skills relevant to your course and future career.
You will gain an understanding of what it is like to work in your chosen industry and enhance your CV to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you leave college.
How Will You Be Supported?
We will:
- Help you to find a suitable placement from our employer network.
- Prepare you for your placement.
- Carry out health and safety checks to ensure the workplace is ready for you.
- Encourage you to reflect on your experiences of the workplace through your online logbook.
- Check in with you at regular intervals to ensure everything is going to plan.
If you're an employer and would like to know more about hosting a learner on an Industry Placement contact us using CET@weston.ac.uk.
CLICK HERE TO EMAILYour monthly Careers and Employability round up
We're delighted to share the latest edition of the Careers & Employability Monthly Blog!
Each month, we'll bring you news, updates, success stories, and insights into how we support learners across Weston College. You'll also find important dates and details of upcoming events, workshops, and opportunities to get involved in.
Careers Advice and Support for Adults
If you are a current adult learner or enrolled on an apprenticeship with Weston College, support is available from the Careers and Employability Team. Whether you are looking for more information on careers in general or would like to discuss a specific career route, our Careers and Employability Coordinators offer 1:1 personalised support to provide you with clarity and reassurance about your next steps. Please email cet@weston.ac.uk and a member of the team will be in touch to discuss your query.
If you are and Adult but not a current learner at Weston College and are looking to improve your English and Maths, upskill or retrain in something new or would like to talk through your options at Weston College then click here to check out this page for information about how to access support and our full range of courses.
Another great source of information and support is the The National Careers Service who provide help, support and advice to adults nationwide. Click here to use their website to access to information on courses, careers and all of the options available to you.
Career-focused events
Weston College offers career-focused events to connect students with employers and explore opportunities. Networking, job fairs, workshops, and guest speakers empower students for successful futures. Take a look at our film to give you an example of our annual Careers Fest for our students.
FAQS
Each campus has a dedicated Brighter Futures Hub where you can find support from The Careers and Employability team. Please be mindful that we might be supporting learners in other areas of the campus such as leading group tutorials. Please use cet@weston.ac.uk to get in touch with the team and we will get back to you.
As a learner at Weston College you are entitled to access the Careers and Employability programme. This programme is designed to support you with impartial information, advice and guidance throughout your time as a learner. You will take part in group tutorials, access to our Careers events and be offered 1:1 sessions with a member of the team. Our 1:1 sessions can take place in person, Microsoft Teams or a phone call.
Yes, all our learners can access our support. We understand as an apprentice you will be with your employer most of the time. We offer 1:1 guidance outside of the normal working day, to arrange this please email cet@weston.ac.uk and together we will agree on an appropriate time to speak. This does not have to be in person and can be a Microsoft Teams call or a phone call.
Yes, The Careers and Employability team will work alongside your tutor to ensure you feel confident to complete your Work Experience/Industry Placement. The Careers and Employability Team have a range of optional tutorials to help prepare you for the world of work. Once Work Experience/Industry Placement has started, the college will support you with any concerns or questions you may have.
This will differ depending on the study programme that you are on so please check with the Careers and Employability member linked to your faculty to find out.
Unfortunately, we can only support our current learners however we are happy to sign post you to organisations that can support you depending on what you need. Our college website lists all of our courses that might be appropriate plus The National Careers Service is a great resource that provides adults with help and advice nationwide.
