We caught up with ESOL learner Mohammed, to share his story and ask him about the impact that the course has had on him.

"When I first moved to England, I couldn’t really speak much English, with Arabic being my first language. However, my desire to learn the English language brought me to Weston College, where I could learn, grow, and connect with the community and people from diverse backgrounds.

"The ESOL course at Weston College has really supported me. It has provided me with the tools and resources to improve my English skills. The classes are well-structured, and the teachers are dedicated to helping students succeed.

"We have a lot of fun in college, and I always look forward to coming to class.

"One of the best bits is the great trips we go on. We have done several different things and experienced different industries to help me pick the right course after this one – we even went to the police station.

"The teachers at Weston College are incredible. They are not only knowledgeable and skilled, but they teach everything in an easy and understandable way. They are super helpful too, even with things outside of college.

"This course has helped me to build my skills and grow my confidence with speaking English too. In September I want to start my career in marketing and will be looking for an apprenticeship.

"If English isn’t your first language, and you want to improve, then I think you should definitely study this course. It is a great course and has been the best choice for me to settle into the community and offer my skills to an employer."

Mohammed, ESOL Learner

If you would like to find out about our ESOL course, or apply for the course, click here. 

AICO, the European market leader in home safety, came to Weston College recently to deliver industry Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training to our apprentices and full-time learners in electrical. The CPD training session delivered by Peter Price-Higgott at Weston College was met with enthusiasm from learners, who were eager to learn more.

The interactive presentation showcased AICO's range of home safety products, highlighting their advanced features and functionality. Through practical demonstrations and informative discussions, our learners gained valuable insights into integrating these devices effectively into electrical systems.

Alex Jackson, Electrical Lecturer at Weston College, said: “It was great to welcome Peter to South West Skills Campus, who delivered a fantastic session for our learners.

“Our learners relished the opportunity of hearing from an industry leader, gaining insights into real-world applications of safety products and solutions. This exposure to cutting-edge technology and best practices has enhanced their skills and improved employability prospects.

“Working in partnership with local and national companies is a key part of the student journey at Weston College, and we look forward to working closely with AICO over the coming months.”

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

A group of Weston College Level 1 and 2 Health and Social Care learners recently participated in a special initiative at the Healthy Living Centre on the Bourneville. The learners demonstrated their exceptional skills and commitment by organising and leading creative activities aimed at supporting social and emotional development for the EXTEND toddler group. 

The enthusiastic learners showcased their dedication to the field of health and social care by engaging with parents and children from the EXTEND toddler group in a nurturing and supportive environment. The activities were designed to promote emotional wellbeing and facilitate social interaction among the young participants. 

Throughout the session, the Weston College learners exhibited commendable confidence and exceptional communication skills. Their empathetic approach created a warm and inclusive atmosphere, fostering an environment where children and parents felt comfortable and encouraged to express themselves. 

The creative activities encompassed various forms of expressive arts and interactive play, encouraging children to explore their emotions, develop their social skills, and express their creativity. The learners' resourcefulness and adaptability were evident as they tailored the activities to meet the individual needs and preferences of the children, ensuring a meaningful experience for all. 

This opportunity not only allowed the learners to gain hands-on experience in their respective discipline but also provided them with a valuable opportunity to observe and understand the practical application of the theories and concepts they have learned in the classroom. 

Excellent work! 

To find out more about our Health and Social Care programmes, click here.  

Yesterday, a group of dedicated ESOL learners gathered in the Weston College kitchens, to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments with a delightful cooking session.

The event, organised by their tutor, provided a fun and interactive experience for the students after their exams and a year of dedicated study.

The cooking session served as a platform for the students to share their culinary expertise, representing the diverse cultures and cuisines from where they come from.

Their tutor, Liam O’Callaghan, said: "We wanted to do something fun for the students after their exams and a long year of working so hard.

"They're always talking about their food from their respective countries, and although the class is very close, we've never actually broken bread together. So, we thought it would be a good chance for them to showcase their talents and strengthen our bonds as a class.

"We're always looking for things that empower our learners and put them in the driving seat in terms of knowing what to do and how to do it. Cooking is another way of doing that.”

Throughout the term, the learners had been working on various language skills related to food and cooking. They explored vocabulary such as names of foods, adjectives to describe flavours, cooking verbs, and quantifiers.

Liam added: “Combining their linguistic prowess with their culinary expertise, the students created a cookbook as a testament to their hard work. It is worth noting that English is the second, third, or even fifth language for some of these learners, making their achievements all the more remarkable.

“As unaccompanied refugees, the learners possess few sentimental souvenirs. To commemorate the day and strengthen their bonds further, a section was dedicated in the cookbook for each student to sign for one another. This heartfelt gesture served as a meaningful reminder of the friendships formed and the support they have received throughout their journey.”

The cooking session not only showcased the students' talent and cultural diversity but also fostered a sense of camaraderie within the class.

It exemplified the inclusive and supportive environment fostered by the ESOL program, highlighting the transformative power of education and the value of celebrating achievements collectively.

For more information about the ESOL programme, click here. 

The United Kingdom has been experiencing a nursing shortage for several years, which has led to increased pressure on healthcare services.

However, there is some hope in the form of apprenticeships, which are being used to help tackle the nurse shortage issue in the country. In particular, Weston College and the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), who are leading the way with 25 new degree apprentices starting earlier this year.

Nursing apprenticeships provide an opportunity for individuals to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills and experience on the job while also receiving a qualification. The apprenticeships are funded by the government, which means that the cost of training is covered, and apprentices receive a salary while they work.

This is a win-win situation for both the healthcare sector, which gains skilled and motivated staff, and for the individuals themselves, who have the opportunity to enter a rewarding career and gain valuable qualifications without the burden of student debt.

Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, Sir Paul Phillips, said: “We are delighted to work closely with UHBW, and provide opportunities for people to join the National Health Service.

“The partnership offers an innovative approach to nurse training, combining academic learning with hands-on experience in a real-world setting. The curriculum was created in partnership with our colleagues at UHBW and in collaboration with University West of England, being delivered at the Bristol Training Institute.

“This approach ensures that apprentices are well prepared for the challenges of working in the healthcare sector and have the practical skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on patients' lives.”

The nursing apprenticeships offered by Weston College and UHBW are open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including those who may not have considered nursing as a career path before.

Rich Francis from Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) and Victoria Howells from UHBW, shared: “BNSSG Integrated Care System (ICS) are developing a ‘grow your own’ approach to increasing the nursing workforce. We are delighted to be working collaboratively with one of our local university centres, Weston College (UCW) to support this educational training initiative.

“In March, over 25 Trainee Nursing Associate apprentices from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) enrolled on the nursing associate apprenticeship based in Bristol which is all part of the range of apprenticeships to tackle the shortage of nurses across the region. Weston College has been delivering this apprenticeship in Weston for the last 2 years but we’re excited to expand this offer to meet the needs of our local NHS health and care organisations and start to deliver in Bristol. The delivery schedule was a joint curriculum partnership with our colleagues at UHBW and overall, this degree has been developed in collaboration with UWE and delivered at our Bristol site.

“As part of this work, across the region, the ICS are also increasing the number of Apprentices across all areas including clinical, facilities, administration, and management careers.”

For more information on apprenticeships within the health industry, click here.

In a heart-warming gesture, Level 2 Hair and Beauty learners provided a range of mini treatments for the dedicated NHS staff at the Wellbeing Centre in Weston Hospital.

The learners wanted to express their gratitude for the workers’ tireless efforts and provide a well-deserved moment of relaxation and pampering.

The Wellbeing Centre at Weston Hospital has been the perfect spot for NHS staff to unwind, de-stress, and recharge. Recognizing the immense dedication and selflessness exhibited by healthcare professionals, the hair and beauty learners wanted to contribute to their wellbeing by providing a series of indulgent treatments.

Under the guidance of skilled instructors, the learners skilfully carried out an array of mini treatments, including hand massages, file and polish services, and expertly applied makeup. These treatments were specifically designed to uplift the spirits of NHS staff and give them a much-needed respite from their demanding roles on the front lines.

The event was a resounding success, with NHS staff members expressing their gratitude for the thoughtful initiative. Many shared that the experience not only helped them relax but also boosted their morale, reminding them of the unwavering support they receive from their local community.

Jenna Ratcliffe, Divisional Lead of Service Sectors, expressed her pride in the learners' dedication and commitment to making a positive impact. She stated, "Our learners were thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the incredible NHS staff who have been working tirelessly to keep us safe. This event allowed them to showcase their skills and demonstrate the power of beauty and self-care in promoting overall well-being."

Jodie Alden, HR and Management Assistant at Weston Hospital, commented: “It was a real treat to have the beauty students join Weston General Hospital to provide mini hand treatments and make-up. I opted for the hand massage, which was excellent, but all of the treatments looked fantastic! It was lovely to see the Hospital staff taking time to relax and chatting away with all of the students.”

If you would like to find out about Beauty Therapy courses, click here!

My name is Sam Matthews and I’m an Accounts manager at Brooking Ruse. My role consists of running my own client portfolio which includes a wide range of businesses, as well as assisting the directors with their more complex clients. I also line manage our accounting apprentices.

I decided to become an accountant during my second year at university. I had visited Brooking Ruse on work experience whilst at school, which evolved into some paid seasonal work during the summer holidays – so it was a no-brainer when I was offered a graduate trainee role.

Accountancy involves a lot of maths, and this wasn’t something that I was initially interested in, or considered pursuing until I sat my GCSESs when I surprised myself with good grades! My interest in maths certainly developed over time after that.

Being an accountant is challenging but rewarding.

Becoming an accountant gives you access to a wide range of industry sectors and job roles. I knew that if I didn’t enjoy working in general practice then I could look to move into industry as a management accountant. I could also have chosen to specialise within a particular area such as audit, tax, or insolvency, etc.

Once you’ve done your bit it’s then time to communicate with the client. This can be a great opportunity to build professional relationships and meet people you’d have otherwise never met.

There are lots of great things about the job – I really enjoy meeting with clients to understand their goals and working with them to ensure they’re achieved. I’ve taken on a couple of clients recently who found themselves in a spot of bother – seeing the relief on their faces when the matters were resolved was a great feeling.

If you’re thinking of becoming an accountant, my advice is to go for it!

Accountancy qualifications are a passport to anywhere – every business needs someone financially-minded so there are infinite possibilities.

I also think there’s a myth that you need A Level or degree standard maths skills; you really don’t. What’s more important is being able to approach problems with logical and structured thinking…. our calculators do the sums for us!

If like Sam you’d like to become an accountant, you can start your journey with our T Level in accountancy, click here to find out more.

Local attractions have teamed up with respected local music producers and artists to bring a night of entertainment and competition to our seaside town this June.  

Summerfest, a one-night event curated by the Lipinski Brothers in collaboration with the Pier, is set to take place in Weston-super-Mare on Saturday June 30th. 

The spectacular show is expected to draw a crowd of two thousand paying customers, and will feature a selection of well-known local performers, including Senna Weeks. Senna, a former FE learner, has performed alongside many high-end professional Blues artists such as Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa.  

As well as the live acts, Summerfest will also include a competition open to Weston College learners. Participating acts must perform two live tracks to a respected panel of local guests, who will review the performance and critique it.  

The successful act will be awarded the opening slot at the prestigious event, as well as a cash prize. Organising the competition, alongside the Lipinski Brothers, is Weston College’s Music Instructor and Technician, Oz.  

Oz told us “This is a great opportunity for our Music learners. The Music Industry is notoriously tough to break into, so having the chance to audition in front of the panel is an invaluable experience. As well as the technical and performance skills, learners will also develop their resilience and determination – crucial transferrable life skills, which will support them in future ventures.”  

Summerfest promises to be a highlight event of Weston-super-Mare’s summer season. Lipinski will be headlining centre stage this year at the Grand Pier, supported by a host of wonderfully talented musicians throughout a fun-filled evening of entertainment. With the opportunity for local learners to also take part in the festivities, this truly is an event not to be missed.  

Tickets are on sale here now, so be sure to get yours soon and guarantee yourself a place at this exciting event. 

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