Trauma is believed to be the largest public health issue facing our children and young people today, the scale of which has been intensified post-COVID-19. For the last four, but more specifically the last two years, we have cohorts of students entering post-16 education who have had over 15% of their whole life associated with educational disruption, social isolation, loss, uncertainty and anxiety.

Trauma is believed to be the largest public health issue facing our children and young people today

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.

In December, a group of A Level Media students and

Level 3 Uniformed Protective Service students braved the wintery conditions of the Bristol Estuary this December for an unforgettable day of coasteering. This adrenaline-fueled activity saw students swimming to cliffs, scaling rugged rock faces, and leaping into the icy waters below—all in the name of teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. 

Tyntesfield National Trust has been brought to life this festive season with a stunning collaborative display that celebrates history, community, and creativity.

Last Thursday, our Protective Services lecturers, Nicola Stent and David Usher, hosted a highly impactful and collaborative event involving students from Protective Services, Performing Arts, and UCW Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics. With expert guidance from Tara O'Hare, a lecturer in Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics, this exciting simulation provided learners with real-world, practical experience in emergency response scenarios.

In an era where employers seek creative thinkers, adaptable problem-solvers, and effective communicators, the skills honed by video gamers are becoming increasingly valuable.

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.

Many employers now recognise that hiring individuals with gaming backgrounds can provide a competitive advantage.

So, what skills do gamers bring:

In the last month, our Level 1 Education and Early Years learners hosted two ‘Stay and Play’ sessions for families in the local community to join a fun-filled drop-in session led by our learners.  

Students from various subjects, including Health and Social Care,