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To celebrate International Women’s Day, we spoke with some of our inspiring colleagues to learn more about their lives both inside and outside the workplace, and to discover the women who have inspired them the most. 🌟

Tiffany

Can you tell us about yourself and what you do at Weston College / UCW?

I lead Talent Acquisition at Weston College Group, which means I help shape the teams that deliver everything we do for our students.

I’m very values-led in how I work. Honesty, clear communication and integrity matter to me. But I’m also motivated by innovation and improvement. I don’t believe in doing something a certain way just because it’s always been done that way. I’m naturally curious and often asking, is there a better way? Can we work smarter? Can we simplify? Can we try something different?

For me, recruitment isn’t just about filling roles, it’s about transformation. It’s about building strong systems, creating better experiences and continuously improving so we stay relevant and effective.

Outside of work, I compete in powerlifting. I started two and a half years ago out of pure curiosity, with no experience at all. Since then, through consistent training and a willingness to keep learning, I’ve progressed to competing at the British Championships alongside some of the strongest women in the UK.

What I love about the sport is its simplicity. You put the work in, you show up, and you improve. You don’t get every lift, and that’s part of it. You learn, you try again, and over time you get stronger. It’s a reminder that growth is built over time, and that failure is part of the process – in fact it’s often the quickest way to succeed!

Who are the women who inspire you most, and why?

One woman who has always inspired me is Maya Angelou.

She was an extraordinary poet, memoirist and civil rights activist, and her writing reached far beyond literature. She had a remarkable ability to connect with people, to educate, to challenge perspectives and to build understanding through her words.

Her work also played a part in shaping my own passion for writing poetry and spoken word. I’ve always been drawn to the way she used language with intention to create connection and to give voice to lived experience.

What I admire most is the way she combined truth with compassion. She spoke openly about race, identity and injustice, but always in a way that invited reflection rather than division. Her work created space for empathy and learning.

Her words, “People will forget what you said… but people will never forget how you made them feel,” have always stayed with me. That belief in the power of honest, thoughtful communication, and in the emotional impact of how we show up, is something I value deeply.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self at the start of your career?

It’s okay if people see things differently to you.

Differences in opinion aren’t something to worry about, they’re a reflection of the range of perspectives and experiences people bring. Diversity of thought strengthens teams. It challenges assumptions and leads to more rounded decisions.

I would tell my younger self to stay humble, stay curious and be willing to step outside her comfort zone. When you don’t understand something, lean into it rather than away from it.

The first step of growth is being open to it.

Emily

Can you tell us about yourself and what you do at Weston College / UCW?

I am currently a Teaching, Learning and Assessment Manager in the Quality Improvement/Assurance team and I have worked at Weston College for almost 10 years! During this time, I've been a Lecturer of English, TLA Coach, and manager. The part of my job that I enjoy the most is supporting staff develop their TLA and how this can positively impact the culture and practice of colleagues around them. I mentor staff who are on our Initial Teacher Education programmes, and I am constantly in awe of their creativity so early on in their careers.

Outside Weston College, I am also a published writer. My proudest achievement is having written a chapter in an academic textbook focused on working class women in academia, which was discussed on Woman's Hour. (Although I feel a little rusty these days!) I am a Welsh speaker and had the majority of my education through the medium of Welsh - something I took for granted at the time!

Who are the women who inspire you most, and why?

My daughter, Indie, is a huge inspiration to me. Her confidence to try new things and assertiveness in social situations are qualities and skills which I hope only strengthen over time. To watch a human grow and be unapologetic in who they are is truly a phenomenal experience. Her empathy at such a young age astounds me every day.

My mum, Jane, is unfortunately in the final stages of dementia. As a result of this disease, so much of who she is has been stripped away. However, this means it's even more vital to remember who she 'was' and in many ways still is. My mum spoke five languages, she was a teacher, a confidant to many, and was incredibly creative. She embarked on woodwork courses, taught people how to ski (with my sister on her back...although this was the early 1980s!), and stood up for what she believed in even if this wasn't shared by the majority. I am grateful for opportunities now where I can talk about the inspiration that she is.

I am inspired by women who advocate for others and make change - even if it doesn't directly benefit themselves or their current situation. To be empathetic and notice that you can be a catalyst for change is incredible. Gisele Pelicot, a French woman who waived her right to anonymity as the survivor in the Pelicot case showed courage, dignity and vulnerability by speaking out about her unimaginable experiences. An incredible woman who carries out important and life changing work for people across the world.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self at the start of your career?

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." - Lao Tzu. Fostering confidence and empowering others is something that I strive to do and embed in my life both personally and professionally. You don't have to be the loudest person in the room to be a leader. To champion, coach and celebrate so that others are empowered to believe in their own abilities are powerful tools which have lasting impact - on the individual and beyond.

Katie

Can you tell us about yourself and what you do at Weston College / UCW?

I’m Katie, a Lecturer in Initial Teacher Education. I’m an ex-art teacher, I have a three-legged cat called Archie and I love cycling.

Cycling is an incredible sport - it brings people together and creates a sense of freedom and adventure. However, it is also a sport that lacks parity. As a female cyclist, I’m underestimated. I’ve been patronised. When I’ve out-performed men, I’ve had comments made about my weight and physique in an attempt to explain why. These aren’t isolated incidents. Thankfully, female professional cycling is growing year on year and with that come more and more role models who are changing the face of the sport.

Who are the women who inspire you most, and why?

For me, the person who changed the game was Annemiek van Vleuten. Van Vleuten was the first pro female to train with the pro men. She argued for harder races so the women could show their true abilities, for more TV coverage for their events and for fair prize money. In 2022, one month before her 40th birthday, she raced the World Championship Road Race. She was one of the race favourites, but broke her elbow a few days before. Instead of going home, she raced in support of her Netherlands teammates. With 1km to go of the 160km race, she was the best placed Dutch rider. She put everything on the line, and rode away solo from a group of 13 riders. She crossed the line first, in utter disbelief at what she’d achieved. That moment encapsulated how powerful women are, what we can achieve against all odds and why we should never be underestimated.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self at the start of your career?

The advice I would give my younger self is to have belief in my opinions and decisions and acknowledge my successes.

To celebrate AoC Colleges Week and International Women’s Day, Weston College wants to recognise the journey of one of our employees, India Pasby. From starting at Weston Bay to achieving a Distinction in her Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship, India’s journey at Weston College has been truly inspirational. She not only grew in confidence and developed her communication skills, but she has now secured a full-time position within Weston College’s Reception Customer Service team. India shared her journey and the impact these experiences have had on her personal and professional development:

My Journey Through Weston College

My journey started at Weston Bay, a residential training centre for students on the autism spectrum, before I progressed to study the Level 3 Health and Social Care Course. After completing that course, I began a Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship with the Weston College Reception team. Each stage built my confidence, resilience, and practical skills, preparing me for the workplace in ways I never thought possible.

The Impact Weston Bay had on my Progression

Weston Bay was life-changing for me. Before attending, I struggled with everyday tasks such as cooking, managing social situations, understanding boundaries, and looking after myself. I also faced challenges linked to my autism and ADHD, alongside periods where my mental health made it difficult to attend for long stretches of time. When I first joined, I worried that I might be excluded because of these difficulties. Instead, I was met with patience, understanding, and tailored support. The team taught me how to work with my autism and ADHD rather than against them. Simple strategies, such as knitting during lessons to manage fidgeting or learning to sew as a positive outlet, made a significant difference to my focus and wellbeing.

The Bay supported me in developing independence and confidence, and it helped me learn how to advocate for myself in both education and employment. I had previously struggled to sustain work, but through their guidance I learned about reasonable adjustments and how to communicate my needs effectively. Most importantly, I felt seen as a whole person. I was never defined solely by my diagnosis; instead, I was supported to understand it, work with it, and recognise its strengths. I would not be where I am today without Weston Bay, and I am incredibly grateful for the impact it has had on my life.

How my Apprenticeship has Shaped Me

My apprenticeship gave me valuable, hands-on experience in a professional environment. I developed confidence in handling phone calls, welcoming visitors, resolving enquiries, and understanding how College policies operate, while gaining practical insight into the day-to-day running of a busy reception. The experience significantly strengthened both my communication skills and my confidence in the workplace.

After a previous role where I did not feel properly supported, my experience at Weston College has been completely different. My manager, Sarah Cammish, ensured I felt comfortable and confident by putting reasonable adjustments in place as well as keeping me informed of changes in advance. She created an environment where I felt valued and supported, reinforcing the importance of working in a role that recognises your strengths.

Throughout my apprenticeship, the Weston Bay team provided ongoing encouragement and regular check-ins, helping me build new skills and step outside my comfort zone. Alison Goodman, my autism practitioner, offered consistent guidance, supporting me in navigating workplace communication and managing periods of change. My assessor, Ffion Rose, also dedicated significant time to making assessments accessible and clear. Together, their support had a lasting impact on my confidence and overall success.

Receiving my Full-Time Position

When I received my Distinction, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and emotion. At the beginning of my apprenticeship, I doubted whether I would be able to balance the demands of work. To progress from that uncertainty to achieving a Distinction and securing a full-time role is something I once believed was out of reach and it is quite emotional.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Weston College to anyone considering studying here. I have always felt confident in attending Weston College knowing there is support in place for me. They never saw me as a number and have always had a holistic approach to learning. They’ve always recognised and celebrated all my small wins with me and have always cheered me on from the side line.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way and for seeing me as more than my diagnosis, you have helped me reach a point in my life that once I once thought was impossible.

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 here. 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. 

Last week, our Performing Arts and Hospitality and Catering students delivered an immersive 1920s-themed murder mystery dinner, combining a three-course meal with live performances throughout the evening. The event was a fantastic cross-college collaboration: our Level 3 Hair and Makeup students styled the Performing Arts students, while BA (Hons) Graphic Design students from University Centre Weston (UCW) designed promotional materials to support the event. 

This initiative brought together multiple curriculum areas from Weston College and UCW, creating a high-quality public event that showcased the wide variety of student talent across a range of disciplines. It was a great example of how collaborative working can elevate both the learning experience and the final production. 

Our Hospitality and Catering students designed and prepared an elaborate three-course menu, offering both meat and vegetarian options to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements. While students regularly host weekly dinner services to gain invaluable hands-on experience with real customers, this event presented a new challenge by delivering a fully immersive themed evening in partnership with other departments. This required adaptability, teamwork, and resilience, enabling students to develop their problem-solving skills and confidence in a dynamic, live-event setting. 

For our Performing Arts students, the evening offered the opportunity to work beyond the traditional stage environment and perform within an interactive dining space. They engaged directly with guests, performing between tables and creating an authentic 1920s atmosphere while remaining mindful of the operational flow of the dinner service. This experience broadened their understanding of performance in non-traditional settings and provided valuable insight into alternative career pathways within the industry. 

Collaborating across departments strengthened students’ communication and teamwork skills, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and build connections with peers from other subject areas. Through this process, they gained a deeper appreciation of the integral role that each discipline plays in delivering a successful live event. 

The evening was met with outstanding feedback from attendees, who praised both the professionalism of the performances and the exceptional quality of the food. Most importantly, the event connected our students with the local community, providing meaningful real-world experience and reinforcing the standards expected within industry settings. 

Experiences such as this encourage creativity, adaptability, and resilience which are essential qualities for future careers. By participating in ambitious, collaborative projects, our students continue to build the practical skills, confidence, and professional awareness needed to succeed in their chosen industries. 

A huge well done to all the students who took part in this collaborative project, it was a fantastic display of professionalism and talent. 

This collaborative project formed part of the Performing Arts, Hospitality and Catering, Hair and Makeup, and Graphic Design 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.  

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 here. 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.