Last week we were extremely pleased to welcome Iain ‘Robbo’ Robertson to our Loxton Campus for an exciting guest lecture. Iain has years of experience in the music industry, allowing him to give students a direct insight into the music industry and how it works.  

Iain worked as a Tour Manager, a key role in the music industry which means looking after all of the musicians and crew while on the road. This role includes communicating with concert producers and venues to coordinate sound check and set times. On top of this, a Tour Manager will often look after the band's hospitality needs and ensure that the artist's rider requests are met.  

Some of the artists that Iain has managed tours for include Gary Moore, BB King, Spandau Ballet, Sisters of Mercy and even Oasis! He is now Managing our very own alumni Alex Lipinski who a rising star on the Music scene! Iain was able to give learners knowledge, insights and tell riveting stories about tour management. This helped our learners to learn the realities of an ever changing, fascinating and wonderful industry. 

Oz Cahill, one of the music instructors at Weston College organised the guest lecture and had this to say: “One of the most important and valuable opportunities for our learners is to connect with genuine industry professionals. It was a real privilege to have Iain Robertson, an Industry Legend, give us his time in the Music Department of Weston College.” 

This guest speaker forms part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub. At Weston College our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It's not just about getting a job; it's about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches. 

A huge thanks to Iain for coming in and supporting our students!  

To find out more about music at Weston College, click here.

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.

Learners studying Level 2 and 3 courses part of our Career Excellence Hub in Hair and Beauty, embarked on a thrilling trip last week to Beauty Rooms Medi Spa, where they had the opportunity to see a health spa in action.

Guided by Amanda from Beauty Rooms Medi Spa, our learners were treated to a tour of the spa, and were also able to gain hands-on experience with Caci and Guinot machines, as well as discovering all about franchising opportunities.

Jenna Ratcliffe, Divisional Lead for Service Sectors at Weston College, said: “It was fantastic for our learners to be able to visit Beauty Rooms Medi Spa.

“The feedback from learners has been overwhelmingly positive, with several expressing how they feel more motivated since visiting the spa.

“At Weston College we are all about careers, and not courses, and this is the perfect example of our Career Excellence Hub in action. A big thank you to Amanda for the tour, we look forward to working closely with you over the coming months.”

Find out more about our Beauty courses, by clicking here.

As part of Futures Month, Weston College had the privilege of hosting a transformative workshop led by renowned Sports Psychologist Marcus Nel. This workshop left a lasting impact on L3 and L4 learners, providing valuable insights into the world of sports psychology and performance optimisation. 

Marcus Nel, a highly qualified and respected figure in the field of sports psychology, brings a wealth of experience working with elite athletes, including his contributions to the success of Bristol Bears and Gloucestershire Cricket. His expertise and proven track record in enhancing mental resilience and performance have made him a sought-after professional in the sporting world.

The workshop aimed to empower learners with practical strategies and psychological tools to maximise their potential both in and out of the sporting arena. Marcus Nel delved into key aspects of mental toughness, stress management, and goal setting, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. 

The workshop was structured to engage participants in interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, providing them with a hands-on understanding of the principles Marcus Nel advocates for peak performance. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on the psychological aspects of athletic achievement, fostering a holistic approach to their personal and professional development. 

"We are thrilled to have had Marcus Nel join us for this enriching workshop. His expertise and engaging presentation style captivated our learners, and the knowledge shared will contribute to their growth and success," remarked Dan Lomax, FE Curriculum Coordinator in Sport and Health. 

This workshop forms part of the Sport and Fitness Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

Interested in finding out more about our Sport and Fitness courses? Click here. 

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.

We are thrilled to announce that today our Health and Sport department hosted of the 'Biggest Ever Football Session' for Year 4/5 girls in celebration of International Women's Day, March 8th. The event was proudly supported by our talented female BTEC Sport students and Football Academy players. 

In collaboration with the North Somerset Schools PE Association (NSSPEA), this tournament aimed to celebrate girls' football by providing a unique opportunity for local primary school girls to actively participate in the sport. Throughout the morning, our female sport learners lead various activities and refereed matches, adding an extra layer of mentorship and guidance to the participants. 

Georgia, our Female Academy Head Coach, expresses the importance of this event, stating, "The aim of the tournament was to celebrate women and girls’ football by providing an opportunity for local primary schoolgirls to play the sport and showcase that football is accessible to them. Following the success of the Senior England Women’s Football team over the last few years, it is important that we continue to build on the legacy that was created by our Lionesses in 2022 through winning a home European Championship and provide opportunities for young girls to take up the sport." 

"International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate women in sport and their achievements. It’s a chance to educate and raise awareness about the bias, stereotypes, challenges, and discrimination that women in sport have experienced and how we can celebrate difference as well as how we can drive inclusion and equality in sport. 

As Georgia emphasises, " For the younger generation, International Women’s Day can highlight sporting heroes, whether that be athletes, coaches, officials, or other inspirational figures that they can look up to. The day can help inspire positive change for young women and girls in sport and hopefully move us closer to an industry that is equal for all". 

Thank you to our health and sport learners and staff for an incredible tournament, happy International Women's Day!

For those interested in exploring Sport and Fitness courses at Weston College, please visit Sport and Fitness | Weston College 

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.

Weston College's Automotive Careers Excellence Hub recently hosted Block Automotive for an engaging workshop. Lee Trussler showcased a cutting-edge Hydrogen Fuel Cell Training vehicle, inspiring both staff and students alike.

Lee showcased their innovative Hydrogen Fuel Cell Training vehicle, modeled after the renowned Toyota Mirai. This demonstration not only provided an invaluable learning experience for Automotive and Engineering staff but also offered an exciting glimpse into essential green technology for learners.

Block Automotive has over 40 years of manufacturing experience and is the market leader in innovation and design providing automotive, HGV, and agricultural vocational training equipment.

The collaboration between Weston College and Block Automotive highlights a commitment to staying at the forefront of automotive education and sustainable technology. By introducing this cutting-edge training vehicle, Weston College aims to equip its staff and students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

This demonstration not only served as a professional development opportunity for staff but also provided learners with firsthand exposure to eco-friendly automotive technologies. As the world shifts towards greener solutions, Weston College remains committed to preparing its students for the future of the automotive industry.

Chris Priest the Subject Area Manager for Automotive at Weston College, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Welcoming Lee Trussler and the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Training vehicle to Weston College is an exciting milestone for our Automotive Department. This demonstration aligns with our mission to provide cutting-edge education that prepares our students for success in a rapidly changing world."

Justin Lavery, Finance Director at Block Automotive, added: "Lee Trussler, National Sales Manager for Block Automotive Limited travelled to Weston College last week to provide a full demonstrate our new Hydrogen trainer to Weston College. "Weston College’s team made Lee feel very welcome, the level interest and excitement was marvellous. The demonstration allowed learners to inspect the training rig exacting parallels between education and Industry through the provision of cutting edge education in the Hydrogen and Electric Vehicle space. "We are very grateful to be working with Weston College and are excited to be contributing to the further evolution of their Automotive Department. Our thanks to Chris Priest, Ross Hawkins and their TEAM for hosting us at their amazing premises in Weston-Super-Mare."  

This workshop forms part of the Automotive Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

To see more about our Automotive courses, click here.

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.

Weston College Automotive students received a generous donation from Avon & Somerset Police this week when they contributed three Vauxhall car engines. The donated engines are set to enhance the hands-on learning experience for our automotive students, providing them with valuable opportunities for skill development and practical application.

As the engines had reached the end of their fleet life, rather than allowing them to go to waste, Avon & Somerset Police decided to donate them to the education of our future automotive professionals.

The hands-on aspect of our Automotive courses is fundamental to developing well-rounded and skilled automotive professionals. With the addition of these engines, students will have a further opportunity to work with real-world equipment, gaining practical knowledge that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. The engines will be integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to actual engine repairs and maintenance tasks.

A massive thank you goes to Avon & Somerset Police for their thoughtful contribution, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the education and future careers of our Automotive students.

As we celebrate this contribution, we also extend an invitation to other potential donors or supporters who may wish to contribute in similar ways. Whether it be spare parts, equipment, or industry expertise, we welcome partnerships that enrich the educational experience of our students and prepare them for successful careers. For any enquiries regarding donations or partnerships, please contact Louise Greene at louise.greene@weston.ac.uk

For those interested in exploring Automotive courses at Weston College, please visit Motor Vehicle | Weston College

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.

Joe Miller, Weston College’s lecturer in Performing Arts, recently confirmed his dedication to both education and professional performance with a triumphant return to the stage. For 21 years, Joe graced international venues with his talent, particularly as the lead in the acclaimed Irish dance show "Spirit of the Dance." After a five-year hiatus from performing, where Joe concentrated on his teaching, Joe received a special invitation to lead the show once more, this time in Beijing, China, during the February half-term break.

Joe's decision to continue his involvement in the professional dance scene shows his commitment to inspiring his students in Dance and Performing Arts at Weston College. By demonstrating first-hand the rewards of dedication and pursuit of one's passion, Joe hopes to instil a similar drive in his students. Witnessing their lecturer actively engaged in the industry in which he teaches serves as a powerful motivator for students to pursue their dreams with enthusiasm and resilience.

Performing at the prestigious National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing, Joe captivated audiences of up to 5000 attendees each night for a week.

Reflecting on his experience, Joe shared, "I love what I do, and seeing my learners' excitement as they watched videos and photos of me performing professionally once again is truly inspiring. They need to see that passion and hard work can lead to fulfilling careers in the performing arts."

In addition to his performances, Joe seized the opportunity to contribute to the show's promotional efforts by participating in the filming of a new promotional video.

Joe's return to professional dance not only reaffirms his expertise but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for our aspiring performers. His dedication to maintaining industry relevance while nurturing the next generation of talent embodies the ethos of Weston College's commitment to excellence in arts education.

Interested in applying for Performing and Production Arts? Click here.

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. 

Weston College and North Somerset Council are pleased to announce a partnership aimed at providing invaluable real-life experience for Education and Early Years learners while offering vital support to families in the local community.

Through this partnership, North Somerset Council will be running their ‘Let’s Play’ group from the 17th April, every Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 am at Weston College's Knightstone Campus. This initiative brings together Senior Children Centre Workers and Children Centre Workers from the Council to facilitate the sessions, and the College’s students will be able to take part in planning and delivering these sessions to gain a real insight into the sector.

The Council’s ‘Let’s Play’ team’s expertise will not only support the College's Early Years learners but also enrich the lives of local families with children under the age of 5.

The ‘Let’s Play’ group is a free weekly gathering open to all families with young children in the local community. It aims to provide a nurturing environment where children can engage in activities aligned with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) developmental goals. Additionally, the group fosters a supportive atmosphere that encourages positive interactions and enhances the home learning environment.

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, Families and Lifelong Learning, said: “This partnership is a fantastic way for North Somerset Council and Weston College to work together and enhance people’s skills, learning and employment opportunities, while also helping local families.

“Students can learn from our knowledgeable and skilled children’s centre colleagues, and by helping to deliver ‘Let’s Play’ sessions they’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience of working in the early years sector.

“Local families will also benefit, as our popular free ‘Let’s Play’ sessions provide a range of fun indoor activities for children under five, designed to help their development.”

This collaboration demonstrates North Somerset Council's dedication to supporting the College in nurturing the workforce of the future. As an employer endorser of the Weston College Education Careers Excellence Hub, this is another example of the Council being committed to providing learners with hands-on experiences that prepare them for the demands of the workforce while serving the needs of the community.

By witnessing first-hand the role of support and social workers in the community, learners will gain valuable insights into the complexities of child development and family dynamics.

This initiative aligns with Weston College's mission to provide innovative educational opportunities that empower learners to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. By partnering with North Somerset Council, the College continues to break new ground in experiential learning and community engagement.

Click here for more information about the ‘Let’s Play’ group and North Somerset Council’s Children’s Centres.

You can also follow the Children Centres team on Facebook.

If you are interested in studying an Education and Early Years course or apprenticeship at the College, click here.

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. 

Weston College's Level 2 Hair and Beauty learners recently lent their skills and expertise to Worle School's Staff to celebrate Wellbeing Day, offering mini hand treatments to the school's hardworking staff. The event proved to be a resounding success, providing an opportunity for staff members to unwind and indulge in a pampering experience. 

The Beauty Therapists demonstrated their proficiency in the field, showcasing a combination of professionalism and genuine care throughout the event. The mini hand treatments were well-received, leaving a positive impact. 

"We are delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to Worle School's Staff Wellbeing Day," said Jenna Ratcliffe, the Divisional Lead of Service Sector Industries at Weston College. "Our Hair and Beauty learners have not only showcased their talents but have also embodied the values of our college – professionalism, skill, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of others." 

The mini hand treatments provided a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation for Worle School's staff, reinforcing the importance of self-care and wellness in the educational community. 

This pampering day forms part of the Hair and Beauty Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.   

To see more about our Hair and Beauty, click here. 

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.