Digital & Computing Department Vacancies
Want to help create brighter futures? We are excited to be recruiting exciting and fulfilling roles within our department.
Due to continued expansion, and to support our ambitious plans, we are looking for passionate individuals to inspire the next generation of digital professionals to support the delivery of our FE programmes that continue to meet the high demands of the sector in the South West.
We are the lead College for the West of England Institute of Technology and are the training destination for employers.
We can support candidates to undertake a Level 4/5 Diploma in Education and Training (or equivalent/higher level teaching qualification) where relevant.
An attractive package with a generous pension scheme and holiday entitlement in place, located in state-of-the-art modern campus facilities.
RECENT NEWS STORIES
<p>In an era where employers seek creative thinkers, adaptable problem-solvers, and effective communicators, the skills honed by video gamers are becoming increasingly valuable.</p><p>While video games are often associated with entertainment, they cultivate a diverse set of competencies that translate directly into the workplace, particularly in high-demand areas like critical thinking, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.</p><p>Many employers now recognise that hiring individuals with gaming backgrounds can provide a competitive advantage.</p><p>So, what skills do gamers bring:</p><p><strong>1. Problem-Solving and Creativity</strong></p><p>Video games often present players with complex challenges that require innovative thinking. Gamers must experiment with strategies, adjusting their approach when faced with roadblocks, which fosters an adaptive problem-solving mindset. Creativity is crucial in many games, from building expansive virtual worlds to devising winning strategies under constraints. This creativity can significantly enhance productivity and innovation in a professional setting, where a fresh perspective can lead to new solutions and long-term success.</p><p><strong>2. Decision-Making and Risk-Taking</strong></p><p>A defining characteristic of video gaming is decision-making under pressure. Gamers must evaluate options quickly, anticipate future scenarios, and weigh risks—skills that are equally valuable in business, where strategic decision-making is essential. This experience builds a tolerance for calculated risk, as players frequently navigate unknown environments, a skill that prepares them well for industries that value risk-takers who can think on their feet.</p><p><strong>3. Communication and Teamwork</strong></p><p>Modern gaming, especially in online multiplayer environments, emphasizes clear communication and collaboration. Many gamers work in teams where they need to relay strategies, give and receive feedback, and support each other toward shared goals.</p><p><strong>4. Adaptability, Patience, and Perseverance</strong></p><p>The dynamic nature of gaming requires players to adjust to new environments, tools, and challenges. This adaptability fosters resilience, an asset in fast-paced or constantly evolving industries. Patience and perseverance are essential in games that require long-term goals or repeated attempts to succeed.</p><p><strong>5. Emotional Intelligence and Remaining Calm Under Pressure</strong></p><p>Gamers learn to maintain composure in high-stakes situations, enhancing their ability to remain calm under pressure. This ability is a key component of emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to stay focused, think clearly, and manage stress effectively in demanding work environments.</p><p>At Weston College, we offer learners the opportunity to turn their passion for video games, into a career, through our Esports course. The course isn’t just about playing games, it is about learners developing key transferable skills through aspects such as live streaming, content creation and branding. Learners are leaving full of confidence, progressing into exciting roles once they complete the course too, we also have alumni that are now at university competing in Esports, as well as degree apprenticeships.</p><p>In conclusion, video gamers bring a unique combination of soft skills that can greatly benefit today’s workplaces. As businesses look for employees who can solve complex problems, make critical decisions, and thrive in team settings, the transferable skills from gaming are more relevant than ever. By recognising and valuing these skills, employers can tap into a resourceful and resilient talent pool ready to contribute and succeed in diverse environments.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… you would like to find out more about our Esports programme, or Digital offer, please click here.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/employers?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=… you would like to access support from Weston College for your business, please click here.</a></p>
<div style="float:right;width:50%;"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oeWk0CxblmI?si=46WOepQfs45F5Boe" width="560"></iframe></div><p>It’s official, <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> is among the best places to study at university level in the UK, according to the results of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) published on September 28th 2023.</p><p>The TEF panel considered the overall rating for UCW to be Gold, placing it among the country’s best university and college higher education providers. This recognition by the TEF Panel reflects UCW’s unwavering dedication to providing outstanding education to a diverse student body and places it within the top 20% in the UK and one of only six colleges nationally to achieve the status.</p><p>The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.</p><p>The TEF does this by assessing and rating universities and colleges for excellence above a set of minimum requirements for quality and standards.</p><p>Providers that take part in the TEF receive an overall rating as well as two underpinning ratings – one for the student experience and one for student outcomes.</p><p>The ratings reflect the extent to which a provider delivers an excellent experience and outcomes for its mix of undergraduate students and across the range of its undergraduate courses and subjects.</p><p>Hundreds of higher education institutions in England, Wales and Scotland have had their teaching quality, learning environment, and student outcome data assessed by the TEF Panel and rated as either Gold, Silver, Bronze or Requires Improvement.</p><p>The TEF Panel judged that UCW delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students, which is of the highest quality found in Britain.</p><p>Jacqui Ford, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group expressed her delight, saying,</p><p>“This achievement represents a significant milestone for our region, confirming the excellence of our institution for higher education. Furthermore, it underscores the Weston College Group’s positive impact on learners both locally and nationally. Attaining Gold status also validates UCW’s approach of seamlessly blending high-quality academic learning with practical, career-oriented education, providing our students and university partners with confidence in our offerings.”</p><p>Ford extended her gratitude to the dedicated staff at UCW, Weston College, and partner universities, recognising their instrumental role in achieving this remarkable status. She noted:</p><p>"Our journey to this point would not have been possible without the invaluable support of my predecessor Sir Paul Phillips who led the Weston College Group since 2001 until his retirement in August 2023, our partner universities, the University of the West of England, Bath Spa University, and Hartpury University, as well as UCW’s Vice Principal for Higher Education, Sadie Skellon. The dedication of our staff, and governors, and the collaborative efforts with the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and North Somerset Council have also been essential in reaching this remarkable achievement.”</p><p>UCW’s Vice Principal for Higher Education, Sadie Skellon added:</p><p>“The TEF Panel has recognised the efforts of the talented and dedicated students and staff that we have at UCW and across the Weston College Group, and the value of the outstanding support we provide.</p><p>“UCW is committed to being an inclusive institution, promoting participation from students from all backgrounds and supporting students to ensuring positive outcomes for all. We have strategic aims to articulate this and are pleased the OfS has acknowledged that UCW ‘tailors provision and succeeds in its aim of supporting underrepresented groups of students from its region to achieve in their studies’.</p><p>In addition to praise for the student experience, UCW was praised for its supportive learning environment, offering students access to a wide range of high-quality academic support tailored to their needs. The institution has also demonstrated a commitment to embedding employability and entrepreneurship into its course content, preparing students for successful futures.</p><p>UCW’s dedication to research, innovation, scholarship, professional practice, and employer engagement further enhances the academic experience, contributing to the institution’s outstanding standing in the TEF.</p><p>This Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework solidifies UCW’s status as a leading institution committed to excellence in higher education.</p><p> </p>
<h3 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{92e773d4-1232-4642-9c63-18c44160e2d6}{98}" paraid="39411887" xml:lang="EN-GB">My name is Ben and I study Esports BTEC Extended Diploma at Weston College.</h3><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{92e773d4-1232-4642-9c63-18c44160e2d6}{98}" paraid="39411887" xml:lang="EN-GB">Esports has become a rapidly growing industry in recent years, and it is no surprise that more and more students are choosing to study Esports at the BTEC level. If you are considering this route, here are five reasons why I enjoy studying my <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Esports BTEC Extended Diploma</a> at Weston College. </p><h3 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3f9ec1b2-1016-4060-9623-08560e131bf9}{46}" paraid="918795685" xml:lang="EN-GB">Incredible Lecturers </h3><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3f9ec1b2-1016-4060-9623-08560e131bf9}{140}" paraid="1339724505" xml:lang="EN-GB">One of the main reasons why studying Esports at the BTEC level can be so beneficial is the quality of the lecturers. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom, and they are passionate about helping their students succeed. </p><h3 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3f9ec1b2-1016-4060-9623-08560e131bf9}{223}" paraid="1759943305" xml:lang="EN-GB">Amazing Facilities </h3><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a74ff197-232c-4547-b78c-50ac32c2eb3a}{44}" paraid="770190201" xml:lang="EN-GB">Another benefit of studying Esports at Weston College is the amazing facilities that are available to students. For example, students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology that allows them to hone their skills and develop their craft. Whether you are interested in gaming, streaming, or Esports management, there are facilities available to help you succeed. </p><h3 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a74ff197-232c-4547-b78c-50ac32c2eb3a}{113}" paraid="878633139" xml:lang="EN-GB">Close Relationships </h3><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a74ff197-232c-4547-b78c-50ac32c2eb3a}{161}" paraid="1389696433" xml:lang="EN-GB">Studying Esports at the BTEC level also provides students with the opportunity to build close relationships with their peers and lecturers. This is especially important in the Esports industry, which is built on collaboration and teamwork. By building strong relationships with your classmates and lecturers, you can develop a network of contacts that can help you succeed in the future! </p><h3 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a74ff197-232c-4547-b78c-50ac32c2eb3a}{205}" paraid="1426942874" xml:lang="EN-GB">Vast Knowledge </h3><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a74ff197-232c-4547-b78c-50ac32c2eb3a}{239}" paraid="1363650616" xml:lang="EN-GB">Of course, one of the main benefits of studying Esports is the vast knowledge that you will gain. Whether you are interested in gaming, streaming, or Esports management, you will learn about the latest trends, techniques, and strategies in the industry. This knowledge will be invaluable as you begin to build your career. </p><h3 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a2e70235-b3ca-452f-8ac7-8ea3879ddd54}{14}" paraid="224950201" xml:lang="EN-GB">Improved Skills </h3><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a2e70235-b3ca-452f-8ac7-8ea3879ddd54}{34}" paraid="1582794661" xml:lang="EN-GB">Finally, studying the Esports BTEC Extended Diploma can help you improve your skills in a variety of areas. Whether you are interested in gaming, streaming, or Esports management, you will develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills will not only help you succeed in the Esports industry but will also be transferable to other areas of your life and career. </p><h3 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a2e70235-b3ca-452f-8ac7-8ea3879ddd54}{175}" paraid="1022671451" xml:lang="EN-GB">To find out more about Esports at Weston College, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">click here</a>. </h3>
OUR DIGITAL & COMPUTING VIDEOS
BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE COLLEGE
Over recent years, the College has gone from strength to strength, proving to be one of the top education providers in the country.
The College has also been featured in the ‘Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For’ list and the top-ranked college nationally.
Furthermore, the College holds the highest possible Investors in People ‘Platinum accreditation, which demonstrates our commitment to continually invest in our staff to achieve their full potential.
Our higher education provision University Centre Weston is graded ‘Gold’ by TEF, putting us amongst the top universities in the UK, and in 2018 we received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
All establishment staff at Weston College are entitled to a minimum of 30 days plus statutory bank holidays per year (allocated on a pro rata basis for part time staff).
All staff are automatically entered into a pension scheme relevant to their role with generous employer contributions.
Business support staff are automatically entered into the Local Government Pension Scheme, provided by the Avon Pension Fund.
Teaching staff are automatically entered into the Teacher’s Pension Scheme, a contributory scheme administered by Teachers’ Pensions on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
We provide an excellent programme of staff development and CPD opportunities to all staff through internal development courses and training or through programmes such as LinkedIn Learning.
Not JUST available to students, college staff are also eligible to purchase a student discount card through Totum.
As well as access to the college’s in house student-led training restaurant, staff members also receive a 10% discount at The Green House coffee shop.
All employees of Weston College, are able to benefit from a free subscription to Microsoft 365 whilst employed by the College.
All staff are eligible for the Discount for Teachers scheme offering a wide range of discounts across all sectors.
Throughout the year, staff will also be notified about exclusive deals and discounts for local tourist attractions or businesses.
The health and wellbeing of our staff is very important, so as well as an excellent Occupational Health referral system, the College offers the following to all staff:
• Health Assured EAP Scheme (Employee Assistance Programme). This health programme is available to all staff. The service provides free and confidential support that is available 24 hours a day.
• A dedicated Staff Welfare Officer.
• Eyesight tests - The College will contribute towards the cost of your eye examination and up to £40 towards the cost of glasses, if it is deemed necessary for your role.
• College Fitness Suite - All staff have access to the fully equipped, sport and fitness centre on the 7th floor of the Knightstone Campus. There are no membership fees involved, however a full gym induction must be completed.
• Hair, beauty and relaxation treatments - Discounts are available to all staff across the College on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments including hair cuts and colours, massage and manicures. The treatments are carried out by our Weston College students under the close supervision of the highly qualified hair and beauty lecturers.
We recognise that many of our staff have responsibilities for family or dependants and operate a number of initiatives to help colleagues balance these responsibilities with work.
The College has a number of schemes that cover the following family circumstances:
• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Adoption leave
• Parental leave
• Dependant's leave
• Fertility treatment leave.
We are happy to consider requests for flexible working in line with the Flexible Working Policy.
We recognise that many of our staff have responsibilities for family or dependants and operate a number of initiatives to help colleagues balance these responsibilities with work.
The College has a number of schemes that cover the following family circumstances:
• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Adoption leave
• Parental leave
• Dependant's leave
• Fertility treatment leave.
We are happy to consider requests for flexible working in line with the Flexible Working Policy.
EXPLORE OUR GREAT FACILITIES
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Alisha
“Alisha is not only the only female to achieve a Distinction* nationally but is also one of four learners to achieve this grade. This an incredible accomplishment as this equated to being in the top 1.2% nationally!”
One Message, Different Voices
Take a look at this powerful film made by the staff of Weston College to show how important it is for everyone from different backgrounds to be included. The film shares heartfelt stories and interviews with a diverse group of staff, showing how accepting different identities and backgrounds can make a big difference. Its purpose is to encourage viewers to think about their own biases and work towards making our community more welcoming to all. We invite everyone, regardless of their background, to join us and be a part of our journey toward a more inclusive future.
Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. In this workplace, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employee's ability to succeed.
FAQ's
Yes – Weston College may provide a relocation supplement to the right candidate(s) to support with relocation.
Yes – you will be placed on Weston College's internal teacher training programme or the Education Training Foundation's 'Taking Teaching Further' programme. This will include undertaking a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (or equivalent/higher level teaching qualification) starting in September 2021 and will be completed by July 2022.
As a new teacher, the programme includes intensive support for the first eight weeks to support the transition into the educational sector, followed by a support model that provides a reduced workload until the end of July 2022.
As part of this programme, you will be allocated a mentor to support your transition from the industry.
Yes – we would still encourage applicants to apply. Candidates can organise a virtual discussion with one of our team to discuss further. Please find the booking link above.
Yes – Weston College actively promotes staff to maintain industry currency and/or membership. The College provides an extensive CPD programme whilst supporting staff to engage with industry-specific training.
