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 

Our very own marketing apprentice, Claudia, had the exciting opportunity to be featured on BBC Radio Bristol this Monday morning, where she shared her experiences of being an apprentice. During the interview Claudia was asked a range of questions, including the specifics of her apprenticeship, how she discovered the opportunity, and the valuable skills she has gained so far. She also touched on her plans for the future, whether she had always envisioned this career path, and how the apprenticeship has progressively boosted her confidence.

Weston College welcomed over 700 local people to the Winter Gardens, for their first open event of the year, What Next?

A key date in the calendar, ‘What Next?’ is one of the biggest events of the year, showcasing so many opportunities for year 11 students, and this year’s event did not disappoint.

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending the Somerset Business Awards 2025 Launch Event at The Mount Somerset in Taunton. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow sponsors and judges, while gaining valuable insights into what the awards, scheduled for March 2025, will involve.