<p>Delivered in partnership with <a href="https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/">Avon Fire &amp; Rescue Service</a> and the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pension… for Work and Pensions (DWP)</a>, our Ignite Programme continues to make a positive impact, with all learners in the latest cohort successfully completing the programme and gaining the confidence to make their next steps, either in employment or further education.</p><p>The three-week programme supports unemployed young people aged 19–24 to recognise their potential, develop practical skills and explore opportunities in employment, education and further training.</p><p>With a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning, Ignite gives learners the opportunity to challenge themselves, try new experiences and build the confidence to take their next steps.</p><p>Throughout the programme, learners took part in a range of interactive activities, including:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e59074e879478d11e2a81c29120b94cae">Fire station visits and activities with <a href="https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/">Avon Fire &amp; Rescue</a></li><li data-list-item-id="e56dab10c8e13903d79af2c4d6c705f08">Team challenges and problem-solving activities</li><li data-list-item-id="eb49a6a0cc17aa83e98c09e1c3a38491a">Confidence and resilience workshops</li><li data-list-item-id="ebad46039b19cb478d238bf3aaf4634ad">Goal setting and planning their future</li><li data-list-item-id="e6158e4a6da7f0f3b453b3fc5af7a4fdc">Communication and presentation skills</li><li data-list-item-id="e2843f409757cb1175429d1c52303b204">Health and wellbeing sessions</li><li data-list-item-id="e72ac1705a061e1ab29d395199dee3f53">CV writing, interview practice and employability workshops</li><li data-list-item-id="eb181424c1798a84e35fd86b1f61a49ac">Outdoor activities</li></ul><p>By combining community-based activities with employability and progression support, the programme helps learners identify their strengths, build positive relationships and feel better prepared to move into work, college or further training.</p><p>The progress made by the group was recognised by Ben Woolfson, Youth Intervention Lead at Avon Fire &amp; Rescue Service, who said: <em>“It is amazing to see the progress these young people have made in such a short amount of time, they should be very proud of themselves.”</em></p><p>The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Owen James, was also impressed by the learners, praising how articulate and engaged they were. He highlighted the fantastic community support provided by <a href="https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/">Avon Fire &amp; Rescue Service,</a> alongside the employability guidance and progression support delivered by Weston College tutor Paul Haycraft.</p><p>The Ignite programme demonstrates the value of partnerships between education providers, public services and employment support organisations in helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence and access new opportunities.</p><p>By creating a supportive environment where learners can develop their skills through practical experiences, Ignite helps them recognise what they are capable of and take positive steps towards their future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Major funding award will expand training opportunities for learners, apprentices and adults across Weston-super-Mare and beyond.</strong></p><p>Weston College has secured £8.8 million in government funding to support the continued development of its South West Skills Campus (SWSC) in Weston-super-Mare.</p><p>The £8.8 million investment has been awarded by the Department for Education through the Post-16 Capacity Fund and Construction Skills Capacity Fund and is one of the largest capital investments in the College's history.</p><p>The investment will create additional capacity at the South West Skills Campus, improve existing facilities and allow Weston College to support more learners, apprentices and adults looking to develop their skills.</p><p>It will also strengthen the College's ability to deliver the technical and vocational training that local and regional employers need, with a particular focus on construction and the technologies shaping the future of the industry.</p><p>The investment reflects Weston College's ambition to be a national leader in education, while remaining firmly rooted in the communities it serves. It will create more opportunities for people of all ages to access high-quality education and training, supporting learners to build their skills, confidence and careers.</p><p>As part of the development, the College will enhance its facilities for Carpentry and Joinery, Brickwork, Plumbing and Electrical Installation, alongside training in emerging areas of construction and low-carbon technology.</p><p>This will include:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="ed0271dc1c3204636940ef951a874fc53">Digital Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM)</li><li data-list-item-id="e5a8c1f4144f41841d476802329371685">Drone Surveying</li><li data-list-item-id="e8e3cc4ee34e2a78c91a008ddb31b9e1b">Low-carbon technologies, including heat pumps, renewable energy systems and retrofit.</li></ul><p>The project will also support the ongoing decarbonisation of the South West Skills Campus, with investment in more energy-efficient infrastructure and low-carbon technologies. This reflects the College's commitment to sustainability, ensuring investment in its campuses delivers long-term value for learners, staff and the wider community.</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said:</p><p>"This £8.8 million investment is transformational for Weston College, our learners, our town and the wider region. It reflects the confidence that government has in our ability to deliver the skills that employers need, both now and in the future.</p><p>"The South West Skills Campus already plays a vital role in supporting learners, apprentices and industry partners. This funding will enable us to further expand capacity, enhance our facilities and ensure students gain experience with the technologies that are shaping the future of construction and technical industries.</p><p>"Most importantly, it will create more opportunities for local people to access outstanding education and training, helping them build successful careers while supporting economic growth across our region."</p><p>The College's approach is grounded in its values of integrity, compassion, ambition and being people-centred. These values will continue to shape how the new facilities are developed and how learners, apprentices, employers and partners experience the South West Skills Campus.</p><p>Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare, said:</p><p>"Investing in the next generation is exactly what this Labour Government is here to do, and I'm delighted that Weston College has secured £8.8 million through the Department for Education's Post-16 Capacity Fund and Construction Skills Capacity Fund.</p><p>"This is one of the largest capital investments in the College's history and a real vote of confidence in Weston. It will expand opportunities for post-16 students, apprentices and adult learners, while creating state-of-the-art facilities for construction, digital technologies, drone surveying and low-carbon skills like heat pumps and renewable energy.</p><p>"I've worked closely with Weston College since becoming an MP and have seen first-hand the incredible work they do to prepare people for the jobs of the future. This investment will help local people gain the skills employers need, create more pathways into good careers, and strengthen Weston's economy for years to come."</p><p>The investment comes at a time of growing demand for technical skills and for training that reflects the changing needs of employers.</p><p>For Weston College, the funding will mean more people can access high-quality technical education and gain practical experience with the technologies and skills increasingly required across the construction and wider technical sectors.</p><p>It will also help strengthen progression routes into employment, further and higher education, apprenticeships and skilled careers, supporting the College's wider contribution to the economy of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset and the South West.</p><p>This project is supported through Department for Education funding awarded via the Post-16 Capacity Fund and Construction Skills Capacity Fund. Weston College acknowledges the support of the Department for Education in enabling the development of the South West Skills Campus and the expansion of high-quality technical education and training opportunities across the region.</p>

<p>Weston College and <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">UCW</a&gt; Degree Apprentice Aiden has been gaining valuable hands-on experience in IT and cyber security during his time with <a href="https://ascentflighttraining.com/">Ascent Flight Training.</a></p><p>Aiden joined Ascent’s IT team in September 2025 as a <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/digital-and-technology-solutions-bsc-hons… Security Apprentice</a>, completing his degree apprenticeship alongside his role at the organisation. Ascent provides training for <strong>RAF, Royal Navy</strong> and <strong>Army aircrew</strong> at six sites across the UK, with Aiden based at its Training Hub in Bristol.</p><p>Having originally considered going to university, Aiden decided to explore alternative routes into his chosen career and discovered apprenticeships through the government website. He was particularly interested in the opportunity to work in cyber security while gaining experience within an organisation working closely with the armed forces and major industry partners.</p><p>He said: <em>“I was really interested in the cyber security project that Ascent offered and interested in working with the armed forces. Additionally, I liked the fact that we are constantly working with large companies, such as Babcock and Lockheed Martin. This allows me to have so many different experiences from so many different people.”</em></p><p>Throughout his apprenticeship, Aiden has had the opportunity to get involved in a variety of projects across Ascent’s ICT and Cyber Security teams, allowing him to put the knowledge gained through his degree into practice.</p><p>One of his projects has involved improving IT knowledge and training resources across the business. This has included reviewing and updating internal documentation, training materials and learning platform content, testing links, checking information was accurate and working with colleagues to improve the user experience.</p><p>Through this work, Aiden has developed his documentation, problem-solving and stakeholder communication skills, while helping to create a more effective learning experience for employees across Ascent.</p><p>Alongside his ICT responsibilities, Aiden has also supported a range of cyber security initiatives. These have included investigating security alerts, assisting with vulnerability management, reviewing user access permissions and helping to promote cyber security awareness among colleagues.</p><p>These opportunities have helped Aiden strengthen his understanding of cyber security operations and risk management, while giving him the chance to apply his degree learning in a real-world environment.</p><p>For Aiden, one of the biggest benefits of an apprenticeship is being able to combine academic study with practical experience. He said: <em>“Learning and working inside industry can provide skills and experiences not found elsewhere.</em></p><p><em>“The benefits are that you gain real-world experience with the same accreditation as a university degree. You can meet and work with people who have vast experiences and are experts in their field and you can learn physical skills, not found in a classroom.”</em></p><p>Aiden spends one day a week at Weston College alongside his full-time role at Ascent, giving him the opportunity to develop academically while continuing to build his professional experience.</p><p>Since joining Ascent, Aiden has continued to grow in confidence and capability, becoming an increasingly valued member of the IT team.</p><p>Ascent’s Head of IT, Edward Anderson, said: <em>“Aiden has become a fully integrated and valued member of the team during his first year at Ascent. His confidence has grown considerably, and he now makes a meaningful contribution across the business, bringing fresh thinking, innovative ideas and practical support, particularly through the use of AI-driven automation.</em></p><p><em>“It has been a pleasure to see his development and the positive impact he continues to make.”</em></p><p>Aiden’s manager, IT Operations Manager, Ed Morgan, said: <em>“By investing in apprenticeships, Ascent aims to build a strong learning culture that promotes mentorship and leadership development. It will support community and open opportunities to people from varied backgrounds, and strengthens our reputation as an employer that attracts high quality talent and partners, while helping close the Digital divide.</em></p><p><em>“Setting up and managing an apprenticeship requires some upfront planning and ongoing guidance, but once the structure is in place it becomes a manageable part of daily operations, as the apprentice grows in capability and contributes more to the team. Anything that has value requires effort, we spend half a day per week in support as minimum.”</em></p><p>For Aiden, his apprenticeship is providing a strong foundation for his future career, with plans to continue developing his skills across IT, cyber security and AI.</p><p>His experience highlights the opportunities available through degree apprenticeships at Weston College, combining higher-level study with valuable industry experience and the chance to develop skills within a real working environment.</p>