Weston College and GKN Aerospace Welcome 21 Foundation Apprentices
Employers
Weston College is celebrating the launch of its first cohort of Engineering Foundation Apprenticeships, with 21 learners enrolling with GKN Aerospace this week. This represents almost two thirds of all Foundation Apprenticeship starts nationally since the programme launched in August 2025.
Engineering Advisory Event to Strengthen Employer Collaboration
Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) brought together leading engineering employers on Wednesday 19 November 2025, for a high-level Engineering Technical Advisory Board session, which was aimed at shaping the future of technical education across the region.
The event was hosted at GKN Aerospace, Bristol, and focused on strengthening collaboration between industry and education to ensure that training, curriculum design, and skills development continue to meet the needs of the local engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Sport, NCFE
If you’re excited by fitness, coaching, and helping others improve their performance, this qualification provides a strong foundation for your sport career. You’ll build practical knowledge, leadership skills, and industry understanding while learning in outstanding professional environments.
Course Overview
You will be based at our Health and Active Living Skills Centre, home to specialist facilities including fitness suites, sports halls, 3G pitches, and outdoor training areas. This CIMSPA-aligned qualification focuses on developing the skills needed for roles in sport, physical activity, and the fitness sector. You’ll train in our modern sports and fitness facilities, take part in practical coaching sessions, and build confidence delivering sports activities to a range of participants.
You’ll cover a range of topics, including anatomy, fitness for sport and exercise, practical sports performance, sport leadership, plus a number of other specialist employment-related units
The programme blends classroom learning with hands-on coaching, supported by tutors with backgrounds in elite sport, personal training, and sports development. You’ll also benefit from employer links through our Career Excellence Hub, giving you opportunities to understand how the sport industry operates.
What will I study?
- Foundations of sport coaching
- Planning safe and effective physical activity sessions
- Health, fitness, and training principles
- Behaviour, motivation, and communication in sport
- Leadership and professional practice
- Sports organisation and industry knowledge
How will I be assessed?
- Online exams
- Practical coaching observations
Additional Information
- Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
- Industry-style coaching environments
- Opportunities to lead sessions with community groups
- Trips such as sports events, gym visits, or guest coaching workshops
- Access to gym, sports hall, and performance spaces
- Support with progressing into further sport study or coaching roles
- Career Excellence Hub opportunities
Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at grade 9–2, with at least two at grade 4
- A willingness to take part in practical sessions and leadership activities
What can I do after this course?
- Progress to Sport & Exercise Science Extended Diploma or Sports Coaching & Physical Education Extended Diploma
- Begin Level 2/3 coaching or fitness apprenticeships
- Start working in roles such as activity coach assistant, fitness support, or community sport mentor
- Long-term careers include personal training, sports coaching, PE support, and sport development
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.
Exciting New Partnership with White&Co Hair Salon in Bristol
Employers
Last month, our Hairdressing and Barbering Careers Excellence Hub (CEH) signed a new partnership with White&Co hair salon in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity for students to work with industry professionals, learn new techniques and gain real-world experience through workshops.
Hair and Beauty Students Take a Trip to the Harry Potter Studios
Swissport Discusses Aviation Careers with Tourism Students
Employers
Last week, our Travel and Tourism students welcomed global aviation services provider, Swissport, for an engaging and informative session which explored career pathways within the aviation industry.
Careers and Employability Team Blog: April Edition
Dance Company, Ekleido, Hosts Workshop with Performing Arts Students
Employers
Earlier this month, our Performing Arts students took part in a workshop with professional dance company, Ekleido. This was a great opportunity for our students to develop their skills and learn from professionals with their guidance and expertise.
Hospitality and Catering Students Host Weekly Dinner Services
Every week, Hospitality and Catering students deliver a professional dinner service for friends, family and members of the public, offering high-quality, three-course meals at an affordable price. These services provide students with invaluable real-world experience while giving the community access to excellent food at a reduced cost.
