<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>Weston College and <a href="https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/">Bristol Airport</a> have strengthened their long-standing partnership with the launch of a new <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… &amp; Tourism Careers Excellence Hub</a>, creating even more opportunities for students to develop the skills, confidence and industry experience needed to succeed in the aviation, travel and tourism sectors.</p><p>The new Hub has been designed to bring learning closer to the workplace, providing students with an immersive industry-inspired environment and direct access to employers, helping them understand the breadth of career opportunities available across one of the region's most important industries.</p><p>As part of the partnership, Bristol Airport has helped transform the College's Travel &amp; Tourism facilities into an industry-inspired learning environment. Featuring airport-branded installations, authentic operational equipment and a space designed to reflect the passenger journey, the Hub provides students with a realistic introduction to the world of aviation. Planned future enhancements will further strengthen the experience, creating one of the most distinctive employer-led learning environments in the region.</p><p>The launch reflects a shared commitment to developing local talent and creating clear pathways from education into employment. Through the partnership, students benefit from employer-led projects, industry visits, guest speakers, recruitment activities and real-world learning experiences that help prepare them for successful careers.</p><p as="" part="" of="" their="" college="" programme,="" students="" regularly="" engage="" with="" leading="" employers="" including="" bristol="" airport,="" swissport,="" jet2,="" british="" airways="" and="" great="" western="" railway,="" gaining="" valuable="" first-hand="" insight="" into="" the="" sector="" building="" professional="" networks.="" was="" delighted="" to="" welcome="" these="" industry="" partners="" launch="" event,="" recognising="" vital="" role="" they="" have="" played="" in="" supporting="" programme's="" success.="" <p="">The partnership is already delivering exceptional outcomes for learners. Earlier this year, 16 Weston College Travel &amp; Tourism students secured employment at Bristol Airport with <a href="https://www.jet2.com/en/">Jet2</a&gt;, <a href="https://www.swissport.com/en">Swissport</a&gt; and <a href="https://www.easyjet.com/en/">easyJet</a&gt; progressing directly from education into careers within the aviation industry.</p><p>The Careers Excellence Hub model has also supported students through live recruitment opportunities. Earlier this year, four Travel &amp; Tourism students were offered Customer Service Agent roles with Swissport following on-campus interviews with the global aviation services provider, demonstrating the tangible impact of employer engagement on learner success.</p><p>Alongside employment opportunities, Travel &amp; Tourism students have benefited from a range of industry and international experiences, including visits to destinations such as <strong>New York, Paris</strong> and <strong>The Gambia,</strong> helping them develop the wider skills and confidence needed to thrive in a global industry.</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said:</p><p><em>"What makes our partnership with Bristol Airport so special is that it's about much more than a facility. It's about creating opportunities. Through their support, our learners can see first-hand the exciting career pathways available within aviation, travel and tourism, and understand the skills and qualities employers value most.</em></p><p><em>"We have already seen students progress into careers with organisations including easyJet, Jet2 and Swissport, and this new Careers Excellence Hub will help even more learners take that next step. Together with Bristol Airport, we're creating inspiring experiences that raise aspirations, build confidence and connect education directly with employment opportunities across our region."</em></p><p>Weston College students who complete their course and secure jobs at the airport can travel to and from work for free on the A3 Flyer Bus – a service funded by Bristol Airport. Over the years this has proved a huge incentive for local people in Weston to work at the Airport as often transport to work can be a barrier to employment.</p><p>Dave Lees, Chief Executive Officer of Bristol Airport, said:</p><p><em>“Through our long-term partnership with the College we have been able to work together to ensure local people are equipped with the skills and training needed to fulfil successful careers in travel and tourism – with many securing jobs at the Airport. It means we can retain local talent who might otherwise seek roles outside of the region.</em></p><p><em>“To further support the Careers Excellence Hub, we help facilitate visits and provide insight into jobs roles available, which really helps inspire students at Weston College.</em></p><p><em>“We’re delighted to have been able to support the new Travel &amp; Tourism Careers Excellence Hub, which I am confident will strengthen connections between education, skills and career opportunities.”</em></p><p>The <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… &amp; Tourism Careers Excellence Hub</a> forms part of Weston College's wider commitment to delivering employer-led education, creating opportunities that transform lives and ensuring learners are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.</p><p>By building strong partnerships with employers and providing students with meaningful industry experiences, Weston College and Bristol Airport are helping local talent access local opportunities while supporting the continued growth of the South West's aviation, travel and tourism sectors.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Earlier this month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; students took part in the <strong>CSIDES</strong> Cyber Security event to give our students a deeper understanding of the different careers within the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; industry and network with professionals to gain valuable advice and guidance following their course.</p><p><strong>CSIDES</strong> is an initiative that embodies Cyber, Coastal, and Community. It is a community-led cyber security event held at The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare, designed to make cyber security more accessible to the public, businesses and students. It is the UK's first cyber security event built by and for a coastal community.</p><p>The event brings together cyber security professionals, industry experts, educators and local organisations for a day of expert talks, interactive workshops and networking opportunities. Topics include online safety, recognising scams and phishing attempts, protecting personal and business data, and understanding the different career opportunities available within the cyber security industry.</p><p>The main aim of CSIDES is to improve digital awareness and confidence within coastal communities, helping individuals and businesses protect themselves online while inspiring more people to explore careers in the growing cyber security sector. For students, it provides valuable opportunities to develop their knowledge, gain practical insights from industry professionals and discover potential career pathways.</p><p>Attending the CSIDES Cyber Security event provides <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… and Computing</u></a> students with a valuable opportunity to explore the rapidly evolving world of cyber security and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing organisations in an increasingly digital society. By engaging with industry professionals and learning about current cyber threats, online safety, data protection and the importance of secure digital systems, students can develop their knowledge beyond the classroom and see how their studies apply to real-world scenarios.</p><p>The event also helps students discover the wide range of career opportunities available within the cyber security and wider digital industries, from ethical hacking and network security to digital forensics and cyber threat analysis. Hearing directly from professionals can inspire students to consider future career pathways, understand the skills and qualifications employers look for, and appreciate the importance of keeping up to date with emerging technologies. Experiences such as this help prepare students for progression into higher education or employment, while highlighting the vital role cyber security plays in protecting individuals, businesses and society.</p><p>Sean Shearing, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; Curriculum at Weston College, said, “Events like this provide our students with valuable, real-world knowledge from experts in the field, giving them first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities within the cyber security industry. It allows them to build on what they learn in the classroom, gain insight into the latest developments in cyber security, and explore the diverse career pathways available to them. Opportunities like these are invaluable in helping our students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to progress into the digital and computing industries.”</p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/computing-and-digital-technolo…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a></p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p>