Thomas, a former Weston College student, is excelling in the engineering and manufacturing industry. Now working at the National Composites Centre (NCC), Thomas reflects on his journey, from his time at Weston College to being shortlisted for the prestigious Make UK Awards. 

Ewan, a Hospitality and Catering Apprentice, has been working hard during his placement at COR Restaurant, where his dedication and growth have not gone unnoticed.

Hi, I’m Nick, and I am a Maintenance Controller in the Operational Engineering Department at The Bristol Port Company.

This morning at DoubleTree by Hilton - Cadbury House, we hosted the Future of our Region employer conference, which was a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to come together and discuss how we can address local skills gaps, attract new talent, and shape the future of work within our region.

Deciding what to do after college is often daunting, whether you’re interested in university, an apprenticeship, or going straight into work, the best way to decide is to be fully informed of every option.  

In today’s business landscape, digital skills are not just an advantage—they’re essential. Yet, many businesses, particularly smaller ones, struggle to find or afford the right talent to optimise their digital presence. Degree apprenticeships are emerging as a powerful solution to bridge this gap, enabling companies to access fresh talent and develop in-house expertise without the high costs of hiring fully qualified professionals.

In the recent UK Autumn Budget announcement, various measures were introduced to support both large corporations and small businesses, with a particularly valuable opportunity in the area of apprenticeship hiring.

The government has rolled out a key financial incentive: employers hiring apprentices under 25 are now exempt from paying National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on their wages.

North Somerset Council are backing a Weston College programme designed to help local businesses address skill shortages and foster regional growth. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), this initiative focuses on supporting employee development and providing training solutions for businesses of all sizes.

UCW is excited to announce the addition of a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited diploma as part of its Operations / Departmental Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship. This new addition aims to provide learners with essential leadership and management skills, empowering them to excel in their careers and achieve chartered manager status through the CMI. 

By Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships, Weston College