Joe Martin, an Apprentice Sheet Metal Fabricator at GKN Aerospace, won the title of Engineering Apprentice of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards 2016.

Now in the sixth year, the awards recognise the exceptional achievements of employers and apprentices across a range of industries.

Joe was chosen as the engineering category winner by a panel of judges and was presented with his award on stage by keynote speaker, Sally Gunnell.

Joe is a natural leader within the group and has been invited to work on a go-kart which the second year apprentices are constructing. Joe has had to use his skills to manufacture parts of the titanium structure (which include the seat structure, brake mounts as well as other key components) while ensuring that they fit correctly.

Joe said: “While I was at school I was encouraged to stay on and complete the sixth form and then see if I could gain a place at university. All this I achieved but after a while I decided that this was not the path I wanted for my career. 

“I looked at apprenticeships but then I thought I may be too old. A friend told me that GKN Aerospace were taking on apprentices and upon applying it made me realise that I wanted to take a hands-on approach into gaining a career and an apprenticeship seemed to be the best way to do this.

“I really enjoy being an apprentice. I attend Weston College four days a week and work the other day at GKN, learning new skills which will help me in my career; all this and I get paid.

“My future plans are to complete my Level 2 apprenticeship, then my Level 3, establish myself as a skilled fabricator, then become a team leader and finally part of the management team.”

His employer said: “Joe has applied himself fully to all aspects of work at GKN and has performed to a high standard throughout the first year of his apprenticeship. He is one of our highest performers and has become the natural leader amongst our first years. All our other first years gravitate towards Joe for answers to engineering problems.”

GKN Aerospace also won two business awards at the ceremony: Large Business Employer of the Year and the overall Employer of the Year 2016 title.

For more information on the Weston College Business Awards visit: www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards. 

Construction students from Weston College have been helping years 1 and 2 from Mead Vale School get to grips with brickwork.

As part of a partnership project, the young learners aged 4-6 have been learning about materials, and in order to gain a greater insight into the materials that help to build a house, each class attended a session led by Weston College learners looking at how to build a brick wall.

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The young builders had great fun creating different types of walls, and understanding the reasons behind each design.

Over the four sessions over 100 pupils had a go at laying bricks, under the watchful eye and guidance of the full time bricklayers.

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Dave LeFeuvre, the subject area manager for Construction at Weston College, said: “This was a really successful project. Our students got to demonstrate their skills and abilities through teaching and inspiring younger learners, and I hope that some of them will consider a future in construction based on the skill I saw displayed.

"I am really proud of how our learners and staff embraced these sessions, were great ambassadors for the trade and for the College.”

Weston College's hospitality and catering students recently had the opportunity to serve front of house and make a variety of impressive canapés with Istvan Ulmann, Head Chef at Hattusa Restaurant at Berwick Lodge.

Istvan performed a cookery demonstration of Venison loin with shallots, salsify and red cabbage before working with our students to produce an impressive spread of canapés including: Medjool dates wrapped in pancetta, Sausage rolls with raz el hanout, Pancetta and emmental toasties, and Filo tart with pear, stilton and pine nuts.

The students also baked brioche buns to cater for a BBQ event later in the day, and worked to produce a delicious afternoon tea with passion fruit marshmallows, chocolate brownies, and baked vanilla cheesecake.

Louise Underhay, who studies Professional Cookery at Level 2, said: “We do these trips a lot to get some work experience and learn from the professionals, and I really enjoy them. 

“I really love baking and am really enjoying my course – It has given me a new lease of life, it has given me an edge! Istvan was great and gave us lots of little tips and pep talks to increase our confidence. I found it really helpful and loved it.”

This opportunity was part of a chefs' forum partnership aimed at introducing Weston College students to top chefs.

If you’ve visited our South West Skills Campus over the last few months, you may have seen the display engine, which now proudly sits in our reception, and wondered why it is there?

Well, it is all down to the hard work of our apprentices at GKN. 

GKN Aerospace is one of the world’s leading aircraft and aero-engine manufacturers. With each campus committed to reaching Net Zero by 2030, Weston College partners with high standard organisations that help to create brighter and greener futures. Read more about GKN's initiatives surrounding sustainability and their environmental protection practices here

Earlier this year, five of our Year 2 Aerospace Engineering Degree apprentices, Taylor, Jansen, Ethan, Harry and Chloe, decided to organise, manage and install the engine, as part of their Project Management module (work-based learning).

This is one of four modules they need to complete, on the second year of their degree apprenticeship. The module helps learners to develop new skills, as well as strengthening ones that they learnt in their first year.

The engine itself was donated by GKN, who we work very closely with to create exciting opportunities for our learners.

The learners showcased their communication and collaboration, as well as demonstrating their application of the knowledge, skills and behaviours in order to get this project running – one which was completed to industry standard!

Every day I walk past the engine with immense pride, not just at the achievements of these learners, but also of the power of partnerships. I think about the skills and knowledge that these incredible young people possess, thanks to their hard work and dedication, as well as the opportunities presented to them, through the college.

We’re excited to be launching T Levels in Engineering next September too, which will give us further opportunity to work closely with employers and watch learners develop into skilled professionals. The T Level will support learners who are taking their first steps in engineering, and will prepare them both academically and practically through their 45-day placements, in industry.

If you’re an employer reading this, then I highly recommend getting in touch with the industry placement team at Weston College. Not only will this give you an opportunity to meet the learner and find out whether or not they will be a fit for your organisation, but they also possess skills which can fill skills gaps and support your business.

Andreas Papadopoulos, HE Curriculum Co-ordinator Engineering

Term has only just begun, and Weston College Animal Management students have already had the chance to meet and learn from industry guest speakers about various careers within the sector, such as a Dog Groomers, Zookeepers, RSPCA Inspectors, Animal Keepers and Pet Shop Managers.

The industry guest speakers explained their own personal journeys into the animal management industry, the opportunities available, what a day in the life in their role is like and their favourite highlights too. The session was designed to inspire learners and provide them with an insight to what they might want to do in the future. This valuable experience for students is just one of the fantastic career enhancing opportunities available at the College, through the newly launched Career Excellence Hubs; each subject area has its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits; industry guest speakers is one of these benefits, enabling students to learn from people already in the industry and understand the requirements and career possibilities.

The day started off with Mac, Puxton Park Animal Team Supervisor and Weston College alumni. Mac began he journey as a BTEC student at the College, he then went on to study the Animal Management FdSc at University Centre Weston, before landing a job at the Park.

Mac commented: “I’ve been a keeper here for 4 years and the advice I would give students is to try as early as possible to get some broad experience of the multiple areas within the animal industry. This will ensure they enter the part of the industry that will suit them best and will provide them with diverse experiences that will look good and help with future employment.”

Mac’s session was followed by Jollyes Pet Shop Manager, Cat, based in Cadbury Garden Centre.

Cat advised students: “To be in a career within Animal Management, I’d recommend going to college and gaining a qualification, you then have the option to progress even higher and go to university. Many of the staff I work alongside have a degree in either Animal Care or Animal Management, this stands you in good stead to work in a Pet Shop or be a Veterinary Nurse for example. It can be a very competitive industry.”

Next the students were introduced to Alan, an inspector for the RSPCA since 1999, he gave students an interesting insight into how he landed his role, a day in the life and some of the dangerous situations you may encounter as an RSPCA inspector.

The audience of inspired students listened as Alan described how he rescued a horse from a cliff edge, by abseiling down to the beach below to guide him, and how even the royal marines had to intervene to save the horse’s life.

Following on was Georgia, Bow Wow Dog Groomers in Clevedon. George explained the process of how she became a dog groomer, starting at Pets At Home and working her way up to a stylist position before starting her own business.

Georgia expressed how impressed she had been with multiple Weston College students who had visited her groomers for work experience, she was so happy with one student’s hard work and skill, that she employed her on a full-time basis.

Maxine Park, Subject Area Manager commented: “The teaching team would like to thank the industry guest speakers who gave up their time to impart their knowledge on the sector and inspire the next generation. The launch of the Animal Management Career Excellence Hub has brought a variety of new opportunities to our Animal Management students, and this paired with their campus being in the heart of Puxton, has given the students a chance to gain valuable hands on experience, preparing them with all of the tools they'll need to succeed in their educational journey to their chosen careers.”

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Since achieving fantastic results on her Level 3 course, Beauty Therapy alumni Amelia Lee (18) is continuing to showcase her talent and tenacity as she was recently selected for the finals of the WorldSkills national competition. 

WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills olympics’. 

Over 3,000 people registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions back in March and Amelia is one of 400 who made it into the finals, which is split into 64 disciplines. 

Amelia commented: “I first heard of WorldSkills on my Interview evening for my first year studying Beauty Therapy. I was told the passion and dedication it took to be a part of it, I knew there and then this was something I was going to aspire to achieve. 

The ex-Worle school student had to go through multiple qualifiers in order to make it to the finals. For the regional round, contestants first had to submit a picture of an immaculate French manicure and red-carpet makeup look they had put together. This was followed by a five minute presentation video explaining what makes a good massage treatment, showing progression in execution since the entry pictures. Finally, a five minute video presenting all spectrums of massage techniques and pressures. 

Amelia commented: “Once the regional round had been judged, the total entry numbers went from 60 to 8. I am lucky enough to be one of the 8! 

“I feel so proud to be taking part in such a large nationwide competition, there was no other feeling better than when I received my email to say I had qualified for nationals. For me, it shows courage and determination, the sky is the limit now” 

The finalists will compete for gold, silver and bronze from 9-19 November, with the winners crowned at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Steph McGovern from her Packed Lunch studio on Friday 26 November. 

This exciting announcement is just one of the fantastic career enhancing opportunities available at the college, through the newly launched Career Excellence Hubs. 

At the College each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, WorldSkills competing opportunities is one of these.

Amelia added: “Enabling a student to become ‘Job Ready’ is massively important to build students confidence and prepare them for their next adventure that awaits them.” 

“Throughout doing WorldSkills, so far, I have learnt to take on constructive criticism, to be determined and to dig deep within for what you really want. Anything is possible if you believe!” 

Having finished her course at Weston college, Amelia now has a job in the industry, working at Elements Boutique Spa in Bridgwater. 

She continues: “The support I have received from the College has been incredible. I was lucky enough to have the most brilliant tutor who truly believed in me and is still constantly encouraging me to strive for excellence. Without Jenna (my tutor), I would have never been able to get this far. I am now proud to be working in the industry and Jenna has made me the best therapist I can be, for that I am eternally grateful. 

“For anyone that is thinking of studying Beauty at Weston College, I think you need skills like patience, determination and the passion for the subject.” 

The college is now offering technical qualifications in Beauty Therapy as well as vocational diplomas. Grades of five GCSE at grade 9-3, including English and maths at grade 4 or above, are needed for Level 3 and a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-2, with at least two at grade 4 or a qualifying Level 1 qualification, is required to study at Level 2. 

We’d like to wish Amelia the very best of luck with the national WorldSkills finals!

Click here to read more about our other WorldSkills contestants

Click here to read more about the Career Excellence Hubs

With the UK poised for high career growth as it emerges from the pandemic and employers looking to recruit the best talent to succeed in a post Brexit economy, Weston College has launched Career Excellence Hubs which will be introduced from September 2021.

Every subject area in Weston College, including health and social care, has signed up to the Career Excellence Charter, which further cements Weston College’s ethos of providing careers and not courses, with students having access to employers, which brings opportunities to maximise their potential and showcase their talent.

As a Future Talent Business Partner, Sirona care & health is pledging its support to develop young people and help them become industry ready, and will have the opportunity to:

• Co-design training provision
• Create an inspirational learning experience
• Provide the skills training required for their business and wider industry
• Deliver a talented workforce for the industry will thrive

Janet Rowse, Chief Executive of Sirona care & health said:

“This is a really exciting and valuable initiative set up by Weston College and we feel privileged to be a Future Talent Business Partner. We offer a full range of rewarding careers in health and social care and this partnership will enable young people to access hands on experience and see first-hand the many and varied opportunities there are. It is also helping to build a bright and prosperous future for the next generation.”

Andrew Webster, Education Sector Manager – Further Education & Skills at The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “The team at Weston College don’t just work on one off projects about careers and the world of work, they work strategically, embedding information and examples about careers into so much of what they do. All of this means their young people are as well prepared as possible to take on the future.”

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, added: “At Weston College, our mission statement is ‘creating brighter futures’ and we passionately believe in helping all our students reach their ultimate goal, focussing on their future employability and developing the skills they will need to have a successful career. “We are therefore thrilled to announce that we are introducing our Career Excellence Hubs across our provision from September. Our learners will be receiving unrivalled career benefits unique to Weston College that give them the opportunity to become career ready, get ahead and stand out from the crowd! “I’m also delighted to be working with Sirona care & health, who will play a real key role in our new Career Excellence Hubs, and we are very excited to get them underway and support our learners.”

Find out more about Career Excellence Hubs, here.

Earlier this academic year, Weston College launched the first ever Digital T Level, one of just 15 Further Education Colleges in the UK offering the course.

As part of the T Level, learners complete a minimum of 45 days with a relevant employer carrying out their Industry Placement to really hone what they learn in the classroom.

Almost a year into the course, and learners are having a positive impact on local employers, helping to enhance their digital visibility, whether that be through websites or social media, at a time when it is more important than ever.

Following the huge success, Weston College has decided to launch a new T Level transition programme, with the aim of supporting learners to get ready for the Digital T Level. This has caught the attention of local employers, who recognise the importance of the course, and the potential that it can bring for their organisation; by building a pool of new talent, gaining support from an additional pair of hands, who can bring fresh ideas and provide them with the opportunity to mould a learner into a future employee.

Leading digital companies: Bath Property Maintenance, Minotaur Software, One Big Circle, Sense IT and Synoptix, have all pledged their support for the new T Level transition programme, which will see them offer learners work experience, as well as give guest talks to the learners who are preparing to complete the T Level programme.

Emily Kent, Director at Intelligent Video specialists One Big Circle based in Bristol commented: “We have been really impressed with the work of T Level students, hearing fantastic reviews from local businesses, and we wanted to support learners on their T Level journey, and prepare them for our industry where the skills they have developed will be in great demand in the years to come".

Rob Barnett, HR Manager at Synoptix, said: “We have been working with Weston College for a few years now, and they have provided us with some fantastic young talent, who have thrived in a business setting. Our endorsement of this programme further cements our support not only for the college, but for young people across the region and to allow them a route into our industry.”

Bruce Reed, Director at Sense IT, added: “Industry Placements offer the opportunity to meet keen and eager potential employees, that can be developed into future leaders of your business. We are delighted to support this new initiative, as we know from experience that the College develops learners of a high standard, who we can help further grow their talents.”

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “I am so proud of our T Level learners, having heard about their success from local businesses, and how grateful local employers were for their support.

“The transition programme will allow more learners to enter this route, and working with these fantastic local employers will provide learners with the vital experience they need to enhance their skills. We are looking forward to working in partnership with these leading tech sector employers, to develop career pathways for our learners.”

You can find out more about the T Level transition programme, here.

Success stories about student progress always make great reading and this year we have seen more fantastic students, who have made the most of the opportunities presented to them.

Two students I want to focus on today, study a Level 3 Animal Management course. Both learners worked at The Pet Studio in Nailsea, where they put their theory into practice, and developed both technical and employability skills needed, to work as a dog groomer.

Both learners completed over 200 hours of work experience, and impressed so much, that they were offered a place at The Pet Studio Dog Grooming Training Academy based in Congresbury.

One year on, and not only have they successfully managed to complete their course at the Academy, but they are now employed by The Pet Studio.

The Pet Studio, run by Liza Smith, is using Weston College students as a talent pipeline for her business. Industry Placements have offered Liza many benefits, including developing young people and equipping them with the skills needed to work in the dog grooming business, and utilising an extra pair of hands in the studio.

Studio manager Danielle said “Liza gave me a chance to work here when I was a student, and now I am happy to give others that same chance. The students from Weston College are brilliant, motivated, and hardworking, we love having them here. The industry placement scheme is great, I can’t think why all businesses don’t take advantage of it.”

If you think that this might benefit your business then please do not hesitate to contact us, we have student from all courses that would love the opportunity to work with you. workplacementteam@weston.ac.uk

Sarah Roberts, Work Placement Officer