<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">On September 30th, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… Apprentices</u></a> attended a Sustainability Conference in the Winter Gardens Ballroom where they received guest lectures from a range of employers and industry professionals regarding their approach to sustainability in the workplace and how they are incorporating it into their systems. &nbsp;</p><p>The day was kickstarted with guest speaker, Olivia Whittle, a Project Officer at <strong>Celtic Sea Power</strong>. She discussed the company’s work to develop a strong and sustainable workforce for the Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) sector in the Celtic Sea. This helps to deliver offshore renewable energy at scale, and support upgrades to ports, grid and infrastructure. This gave our learners a deeper understanding into sustainable, offshore renewable energy and the impacts this has on the environment. &nbsp;</p><p>This was followed by guest speaker, Clare Hennessey, the Planning and Sustainability Director at <strong>Bristol Airport</strong>. During her lecture, she discussed the sustainability progression of Bristol Airport in upcoming years, with the new refurbishment and plan for the future, making Bristol Airport one of the leading sustainable airports in the UK. Clare also discussed how Bristol Airport has completed the first successful UK airport trial for the ground-breaking airside hydrogen refuelling trial, led by <a href="http://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays">easyJet</a&gt;. This is a plan to create zero emission aviation and eventually introduce hydrogen-powered aircraft. &nbsp;</p><p>Following this was guest speaker, Matt Whale, the Framework Manager at <strong>Octavius Infrastructure Ltd</strong>, to discuss the leading transport solutions provider and how they enforce sustainability goals within their work. Their organisation ensures efficient transport networks by keeping trains running smoothly and traffic moving on the roads. They discussed their plans to make transport more sustainable by aiming for net zero carbon emissions, more efficient use of resources, as well as their goals for biodiversity net gain. &nbsp;</p><p>After lunch, learners were given a hands-on task to create a bridge with the other students on their tables. They were given a project brief and specifications to follow which they were later marked on. They were asked to create a powered bridge which opened to allow for goods and services to pass through, with other criteria to follow to ensure it was practical for the location. They also had to create a comprehensive and annotated diagram of their designs, show clear calculations based on the figures provided in the specification, and provide a project plan which identified the team roles and responsibilities. &nbsp;</p><p>Students had a range of materials to choose from to create their design, and once they had decided on a design, they collaboratively worked to execute their ideas. Their work was marked on how well they followed the project brief, if their drawings of their designs were detailed, labelled with materials, and explained how they would be manufactured. They were also marked on their calculations to ensure their designs were feasible, as well as how sustainable their products would be by providing innovative solutions. There were 80 points available in total for each team to achieve. &nbsp;</p><p>All groups created innovative designs which closely reflected the brief using the materials available. They all came up with strong sustainability ideas and themes within their designs by considering the impactful solutions that the employers had discussed in their guest talks earlier in the event.&nbsp;</p><p>This project was an excellent way for a range of different apprentices to work together to create a design that followed strict criteria, an excellent reflection of what many of them will be required to do when working with clients and employers. It gave them great experience to think practically and come up with innovative ideas as well as consider alternative solutions for the same conclusion. It is projects like this that prepare our students for the industry and allow them to meet like-minded individuals who will have different ideas and broaden each other's problem-solving skills. &nbsp;</p><p>This event was an excellent opportunity for students to hear about the different sustainable approaches that large organisations are taking to ensure a greener future and improved systems. As the future generation of engineers, it is important for them to learn ways to adapt and develop new structures and approaches to keep moving forward. They also learnt more about the possible career pathways available depending on their interests, so they have a better understanding of their options after their apprenticeships.  &nbsp;</p><p>Thank you to Celtic Sea Power, Bristol Airport, and Octavius for taking the time to visit our students and discuss the sustainable approaches you are taking to improve your organisations. &nbsp;</p><p>This event forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… &amp; Green Skills</u></a> 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. &nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/engineering-and-construction/"…;! 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/courses-by-subject/engineering-and-construction/"… here!</u></a>&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.sby.org.uk/"><strong><u>South Bristol Youth Charity</u></strong></a> brought together a group of enthusiastic Year 9 students from <strong>Hans Price Academy</strong> and <strong>Broadoak Academy</strong> for an engaging visit to Weston College’s South West Skills Campus.&nbsp;</p><p>The students participated in an interactive Motor Vehicle Workshop led by Iain Forster and Tony Lowe from the Weston College <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor… Vehicle</u></a> Team. Working in small groups, the students got hands-on experience learning about and disassembling different car components, using high-quality tools and equipment to simulate real industry practices.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student assembling part of the car wheel mechanism&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="04c48812-a06f-4de6-b669-46ee78eeb74e" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>The day also included an insightful apprenticeship talk delivered by Erin Allsworth, the Apprenticeship Recruitment Advisor at Weston College, where students were encouraged to ask questions and explore the variety of apprenticeship opportunities available to them. This valuable session helped to explain alternative education routes and highlighted the potential of vocational training and hands-on careers.</p><p>To round off the visit, students toured the South West Skills Campus, including the cutting-edge <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; facilities, gaining a broader understanding of college life and the diverse opportunities available after secondary school.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Two students being taught how to fix the wheel of a car by a member of staff&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2018f89a-a56b-4f43-aa61-0b6ea401aa25" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p><strong>South Bristol Youth Charity</strong> aims to motivate and empower young people by expanding their awareness of different career and education pathways, helping to build students’ confidence, resilience, and long-term aspirations.&nbsp;</p><p>This kind of experience is crucial in helping young people make informed choices about their futures. By collaborating with schools and industry professionals, we create a safe, supportive environment where prospective students can discover their potential and feel empowered to pursue high-quality education and careers.&nbsp;</p><p>The initiative forms part of the charity’s ongoing mission to inspire the next generation through practical learning and meaningful connections with local employers and educators.</p>

<p>As we look towards 2050 and the UK's longer-term ambitions around reducing our carbon footprint and greenhouse emissions, Colleges in the region are stepping up to the challenge by preparing their students for the careers that will be plentiful around green energy and power supply.</p><p>The transition to green energy isn’t just a national ambition—it’s an urgent necessity. The South West stands at the forefront of this revolution, with colleges playing a vital role in shaping the workforce that will power the future. With major investments like Hinkley Point C and the rise of EV manufacturing, the region is poised to lead, but only if we equip students and businesses with the right skills.</p><p><strong>The South West region has real potential to be a national player in the nation’s energy supply solution.</strong> We've already seen the investment in Hinkley Point C, due to go live in the early 2030s, and with the growth in electrification of transportation, the announcement of a new battery factory within the South West is also a positive position for our region. Looking ahead, the mid-2030s could bring flight powered by hydrogen, electrification, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Alongside this, offshore wind can generate substantial electricity, and the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in the North of the region adds to the energy landscape. These are known developments, and our role as college leaders is to prepare students for these future opportunities. We must take this information and prepare our students for the jobs of the future. There is every possibility that a student with the right knowledge skills and behaviours could start their career in battery manufacture then move to offshore wind and then into hydrogen infrastructure within their career lifetime.</p><p><strong>So how do we help our students prepare for the future?</strong></p><p>Employers are looking for employees who have an inquisitive mind and want to work in that industry. Senior leads report that the <strong>desire to be there</strong> is more important, as employees can be taught the skills they need if they want to learn them. It is therefore our responsibility to make sure that our students are ready to learn and have the necessary essential and core skills to equip them to embrace a fulfilling job path for the future. Skills such as communication, teamwork, curiosity, and determination are all needed to move through and across job roles and sectors for the future. As part of the early work of the<strong> Local Skills Improvement Plans</strong>, we trialled the development and delivery of new micro-credentials for the development of the future workforce building on the feedback from employers on the need for these essential skills. We are hopeful that the proposed changes to employer-led qualifications, and the development of <strong>Skills England</strong> will allow more of the short, focused courses to be developed.</p><p><strong>Weston College, one of the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT)</strong> education partners has implemented a sustainability strategy that includes offering programmes focused on green skills and environmental awareness. Sustainability has been integrated into various vocational courses, from construction to engineering, and offers specialised courses in renewable energy. For example, its<strong> University Centre Weston (UCW)</strong> offers free modular courses like Level 4 Quantity Surveying and Sustainability, integrating environmental considerations into construction and engineering education.</p><p><strong>Sustainability is the imperative, not the nice-to-do</strong></p><p>As part of the awareness of sustainability <strong>Weston College</strong> throughout the year offers different focused events such as an Innovation Sustainability Day where different groups of students are brought together to solve a problem. This helps students see the value of teamwork and communication and focuses them on a particular challenge that needs to be addressed. Weston, along with all Colleges supports the <strong>UN sustainable development goals</strong> (SDGs) and staff and students are often asked to reflect on the impact of decisions on the 17 SDGs. These are particularly important to consider for the SDGs around clean energy, climate action and life below water strategies as a minimum.</p><p><strong>Supporting Adult Learners and the Workforce Transition</strong></p><p><strong>It’s not just about young people—the energy sector's transformation requires the upskilling of the current workforce. </strong>This is where colleges' responsiveness to their local communities becomes crucial. Through the WEIoT partnership, colleges in the region collaborated to create an <strong>electric vehicle upskilling package for local garages</strong>. These garages, now servicing EV-powered vehicles previously under main dealer warranties, needed staff trained in safe working practices and technical skills. By shaping and sharing this knowledge across the college network, numerous SME garages have been able to update their staff and meet growing EV servicing demands. As EV demand grows, targeted technical training ensures the region remains competitive, fostering economic growth and creating sustainable jobs.</p><p>Another significant development for the region is the use of hydrogen, and there are many different companies from Cornwall to Gloucestershire all working on different solutions on how hydrogen may be produced, moved around the region and used. Whether the outcome is for transportation, heating, power solutions and other possibilities it is an area set for growth in the future. The <strong>WEIoT alongside Business West and National Composite Centre</strong> (an WEIoT Anchor Partner) invested in early research with businesses that grew into a highly successful <strong>Hydrogen South West</strong> model. Recognising this growing market both <strong>Weston and Yeovil Colleges</strong> have delivered training to local businesses, and in the case of Yeovil a significant investment in a Hydrogen test facility that opens this month. It is the collaborative working and shared knowledge of the partnership between colleges that makes investment in collaboration worthwhile and delivers a better solution for the wider region.</p><p><strong>Shaping the Future</strong></p><p>Still, there is more to do. The <strong>WEIoT</strong> and its wider partnerships have been fortunate to engage in these industry-led initiatives, ensuring that educational programmes evolve in alignment with <strong>cutting-edge research and manufacturing</strong>. By linking education with <strong>innovation and sustainability</strong>, the South West is positioning itself as a leader in the green industrial transition.</p><p><strong>In a recent speech unveiling support for Clean Energy jobs, Skills Minister Jacqui Smith emphasised:</strong></p><p>“Skills will be a vital part of our Plan for Change and transition to a clean energy future, and I have spoken to many young people who are really keen to break into this booming sector. This initiative is an example of how skills training can support our number one mission to grow the economy whilst helping to meet Britain’s energy needs and support the move towards net zero.”</p><p>The South West has all the pieces in place to become a <strong>national leader in green energy</strong>. But we must act decisively ensuring our education system keeps pace with <strong>industry needs</strong>, our businesses invest in upskilling, and our students seize these opportunities. Through <strong>collaboration, innovation, and education</strong>, we can power a greener, more resilient future.</p>