Last week, Weston College had the privilege of hosting alumni Naomi, the proud owner of the Music and Movement business, Boogie Beat. Naomi paid a visit to Level 2 Early Years learners, and her engaging talk and interactive session was an incredible experience for the class, emphasizing the importance of hard work, determination, and the wide variety of opportunities that follow an Early Years course at college. 

Naomi's journey from a Level 2 Early Years student at Weston College to becoming a successful business owner is nothing short of inspiring. As she addressed the eager learners, she shared her remarkable transformation. Naomi emphasized how her time at Weston College had provided her with the foundational knowledge and skills she needed to embark on her career path. Her experience demonstrated that with determination and dedication, it's possible to turn your college education into a thriving business.

Naomi's talk was not just a nostalgic reflection of her time at Weston College; it was also filled with invaluable insights for the Level 2 Early Years students. She underscored the significance of working hard during their college years, a message that resonated with the young minds eager to set their own path in the field of Early Years education. By sharing her personal journey, Naomi provided students with a tangible example of how a college education can be a stepping stone to entrepreneurial success.

One of the highlights of Naomi's visit was her ability to open students' eyes to the vast array of opportunities available in the Early Years sector. Her success story served as a testament to the versatility of a career in Early Years education. It was a reminder that this field extends far beyond traditional teaching and can be a launchpad for diverse and fulfilling career paths.

The engagement didn't stop at an inspirational talk. Naomi had the students up and active with a lively practical session. Learners had a blast as they participated in singing and dancing, wielding rainbow streamers, and even sharing the floor with Giggles the Boogie Beat Monkey. This hands-on experience not only added an element of fun to the afternoon but also reinforced the idea that learning can be both enjoyable and instructive.

This guest speaker forms part of the Education 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.

As the session concluded, the Early Years learners were buzzing with excitement and inspiration. Their feedback echoed the sentiment that the afternoon was not only informative but also incredibly enjoyable. Naomi's visit left an indelible mark on these students, reminding them that with hard work, dedication, and a passion for what they do, they can carve out successful and fulfilling careers in Early Years education.

Find out more about our Early Years & Education courses, here.

At Weston College, we’re always trying to raise awareness for important causes. That’s why we’re very pleased to announce that our Level 3 Media learners recently teamed up with Meningitis Now, a leading charity in the UK for raising awareness and supporting people with meningitis. They have invested tens of millions of pounds in research surrounding the illness, playing a critical part in life-saving vaccines.

Our students were tasked with creating Instagram Reels and TikTok videos to help Meningitis Now with their annual awareness campaign. To do this, our learners travelled to their headquarters in Stroud. Here they met with survivors of meningitis and carefully interviewed them to record their experience, allowing them to recount their stories.

After this, the students went to Bristol to meet with more people who have suffered as a result of Meningitis, including a mother who sadly lost her child to the illness.

Inclusion was a key part of the brief given to learners, as an important part of an awareness campaign is ensuring that the message can be received by as many people as possible. To help with this aim, students used a Makaton interpreter to help subtitle their reels. Makaton is a type of sign language used by over 100,000 children and adults as a communication aid for people who have difficulty communicating and understanding concepts.

This employer project forms part of the Creative Arts 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.

Well done to all of these learners for raising awareness of such an important issue in a creative way. We wish all of these students the best for the rest of their course!

We recently caught up with Maria, a talented second year student currently studying T Level Production Design and Development.

Maria began her journey at Weston college with the T Level Computing and Digital technical progression programme which provided her the opportunity to develop skills such as teamworking, basic python coding and website deigning. Maria stated that the level two technical progression programme helped ‘develop her skills and understanding of programming’ and ‘gave her an insight about the technical and non-technical skills that she needed to develop further’.

Moving onto the T Level Digital Production Design and Development Maria continued her excellence, especially when completing her industry placement. Her determination and passion drove her to be the first student to complete all the industry placement hours working on PHP development systems. Her hard work was reflected with excellent feedback from her industry placement employer.

Maria decided on studying a T Level due to the 315 hours of industry placement offered, which she realised would allow her to gain knowledge and experience to help her continue into either a skilled job, higher apprenticeship or university. Maria found her T Level ‘fun, and not as difficult or stressful as it might seem’, she also thoroughly enjoyed when she got to create her own website from scratch.

The Digital Production Design and Development T Level, is a two year course based at Knightstone campus. The T Level is designed and developed in collaboration with employers, which allows students to have a mixture of classroom learning and work-based experience to help build technical skills to kick start your career into the digital sector. Studying this course means you will be apart of our computing and IT career excellence hub, as well as provided with the opportunity to join our esports academy!

Throughout the T Level Maria has grown in both confidence and knowledge, and her tutor is confident she will continue this trend and become an invaluable member of any team within the industry. After completing her course, Maria hopes to take a gap year to develop her skills further and the progress onto a higher apprenticeship!

We wish you the best of luck Maria!

Last week, learners studying courses as part of our Public Services Career’s Excellence Hub, went on an exciting trip to Weston-super-Mare Fire Station. The initiative aimed to expose learners to the multifaceted world of firefighting and kindle their aspirations of becoming future heroes of the community.

Hosted by the dedicated Blue Watch team at Weston-super-Mare Fire Station, the visit proved to be an unqualified success. Watch Manager Chris Bacon, who was involved with the visit, reported: "The day was a real success, with four of the group expressing an interest in joining our Service at the next recruitment window."

Approximately 20 students from Weston College seized this unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a firefighter. Their day began with a hands-on experience, participating in practical firefighter tests and interacting closely with the seasoned crews. This immersive experience allowed them to gain insights into the life of a firefighter, including the challenges and rewards.

The highlight of the visit was a dynamic question-and-answer session with the fire service's recruitment team. This gave the students an invaluable platform to delve deeper into the intricacies of a firefighter's role and gather information on potential career paths.

Subject Area Manager for Public Services, David Beresford, said: “At Weston College we prepare our learners for a career, rather than just to pass their course. This trip has inspired our students, giving them a real insight into a career as a firefighter. Thank you to Chris and the team for hosting our learners.”

This employer project forms part of the Public Services 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.

Find out more about our Public Services courses, by clicking here.

Emma, the owner of Unique hair salon in Weston-super-Mare, has been a Career Excellence Hub Endorser for our Hair and Barbering Department for over a year now. As a solo artist in the world of hairdressing, Emma does it all. She not only styles and transforms hair but also manages the intricate details of her salon's operation.  

Emma recently led a masterclass with hairdressing learners here at the College, in which she taught and demonstrated using effective and safe working methods when perming and neutralising hair, as well as the necessary preparation and aftercare. 

We were lucky enough to catch up with her and reflect on her experience with the college so far. 

Working with the college is an opportunity to share her love for hairdressing and ignite the same passion in the next generation of hairstylists. Over the past year, Emma has had the pleasure of hosting numerous students from Weston College for work experience in her salon. These students are often a mixture of excited but nervous, but are gaining the hands-on experience in the industry that will be a huge help in their future careers. 

Emma shares that having these students at her salon has been an opportunity to witness the remarkable transformation of their confidence. Their evolution is something Emma is proud to show her clients, who can see first-hand the impact of her mentorship. 

The highlight for Emma is watching the incredible growth in these students. Many arrive uncertain, but by the end of their work experience, they have blossomed into more confident individuals. Emma's guidance and expertise create an environment where these training stylists can put into practice what they’re learning at college, and excel in the world of hairdressing. 

Emma's excitement for the future knows no bounds. She eagerly anticipates working even more closely with Weston College, nurturing fresh talent, and helping them find their unique style in the world of hairdressing. With her continued support and the college's education, we can expect to see even more incredible hairstylists emerging from Weston College. 

Unique Hair Salon forms part of the Hair & Barbering 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.

Find out more about our Hair and Barbering courses, here.

Weston College are delighted to announce that Bristol Sport Foundation are partnering with the

College’s Sports & Fitness faculty to offer opportunities to students. Bristol Sport Foundation has a mission to use the power of sport to create active, healthy and happy communities in the greater Bristol area. The foundation works in communities to facilitate physical activity and delivers sports coaching to a range of people, including at after school clubs and holiday camps, with 3,878 children attending their holiday camps in July and August.

The College, which offers Sports & Fitness courses including BTEC Fitness and Sports Exercise Science, Apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications in Community Coaching, has award-winning Career Excellence Hubs for each faculty subject area across the College with several industry partnerships in place. The purpose of Career Excellence Hubs is for College subject areas to work closely with employers to deliver a curriculum designed by industry, inspiring students with a skills focused curriculum. The Sports & Fitness Career Excellence Hub has key industry partnerships that highlight the breadth of careers available to students, offer work placements, develop the skills of learners beyond the qualification they are studying, supporting their progression to higher education and employment.

David Crew, Head of Business Growth & Employer Partnerships commented “Bristol Sport Foundation are a committed employer partner of the College, providing guest lectures to sports students and various work experience opportunities alongside their coaches who deliver inspirational activity in the greater Bristol area. Weston College, through our Career Excellence Hubs, are building collaborative employer partnerships aligned to our curriculum areas, creating a high-quality learner experience at our College and learners ready to progress to employment and higher education when they complete their course. We’re looking forward to having Bristol Sport Foundation as part of our employer community.”

Hannah Davis-Coward, Partnerships and Workforce Manager at Bristol Sport Foundation commented “We are committed to creating active, healthy and happy communities through our work in the region. Partnerships are key to the foundation, as is developing the pipeline of skilled talent that we need in the future to deliver our mission. We’re delighted to be partnering with Weston College, a large forward-thinking further education college with an established sports faculty, and we look forward to supporting students to gain experiences of work.”

To view our sports courses click here. Employers looking to work with Weston College can email employers@weston.ac.uk.

Weston College has always been a breeding ground for creative talent, and it's about to witness a remarkable reunion as former student and accomplished singer-songwriter, Alex Lipinski, returns to record a brand new album.

On October 12th, alongside his band, the Crown Electric, Alex will step back into the familiar surroundings of Weston College to embark on a musical journey that not only captures his own evolution but also offers aspiring students a chance to learn and create alongside him. This album, considered a retrospective of his songwriting journey, symbolises a union between past and present, mentorship, and creative growth.

Alex's musical journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Having honed his skills at Weston College, he has gone on to release popular albums such as Lonesome Train and For Everything Under the Sun, establishing himself as a gifted songwriter and performer.

His decision to return to the place where it all began reflects his deep connection to the college and his desire to give back to the institution that played a pivotal role in his artistic development.

One thing that sets this album recording apart is the active involvement of Weston College students.

From production to filming, students will have the opportunity to work alongside external professionals and their experienced tutors, on a live album recording. This hands-on experience is invaluable for aspiring music industry professionals, providing them with real-world exposure and the chance to learn from the best in the business – a key part of Weston College’s Career Excellence Hub.

Alex Lipinski, said: “I wanted to curate a ‘document’ of the songwriting journey, from my first collection of songs, ‘Lonesome Train’ recorded in Weston, through ‘Alex’ which we did in Berlin - to the recent ‘For Everything Under the Sun’ which was crafted in London’.

“I wanted to give something back; so, we’re bringing the band, a professional sound engineer, and top-flight videographer to work collaboratively with students at the college, in a real, and incredibly important piece of work.

“I’ve seen the enthusiasm, and high standards to which this next generation of technicians work, and couldn’t be more confident of a successful outcome.

“The finished live album, and concurrent performance video will be available around Christmas 2023 through www.alexlipinski.com as a limited edition, signed, numbered CD. We will limit the run to 250, and this will sit alongside my existing body of work, as the first look at my entire career, across one album.”

This guest artist forms part of the Music 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.

The recording session on October 12th will be a memorable event. Music students and the up-and-coming band, the Like Minded, will open the evening, setting the stage for Alex Lipinski and the Crown Electric to take centre stage.

This promises to be a night filled with music, creativity, and inspiration, where the past and future of music come together in perfect harmony.

You can find out more about our Music courses, by clicking here.

Callum is currently completing his first year of the T Level in Design: Production Design and Development, following the Level 2 course in computing, which acted as a crucial step in laying the foundation for his T Level aspirations. This choice was born out of the need for flexibility and skill-building, especially since Callum had received home education during his final years of secondary school due to medical conditions. The Level 2 course not only provided him with valuable education but also allowed him to regain essential skills, such as punctuality and professionalism, which are crucial in a professional environment. 
 
What truly ignited Callum's desire to pursue a T Level was the resounding praise he heard from a friend who had recently completed her own T Level. Intrigued by her positive experience, he embarked on an investigation into what Weston College's T Level had to offer. After conversing with his tutors and considering the incredible work experience, high-quality education, and professional atmosphere that awaited him, Callum knew that the T Level was the path he wanted to follow. 
 
The transition from the Level 2 course to the T Level brought with it exciting challenges and opportunities. One particular highlight for Callum was the coursework focused on data analysis. It was demanding, but it allowed him to engage in a real and time-consuming project, preparing him for the rigors of the T Level program. 
 
However, the real gem of Callum's T Level journey lies in the work placement component. Callum eagerly anticipates gaining real-world working experience and skills, a prospect made possible by Weston College's support in finding suitable placements. He has set his sights on securing a work placement with Lloyds Bank, a company renowned for its commitment to T Level students and for its investment in their development. Hearing about a friend's successful transition into an apprenticeship at Lloyds Bank post-T Level further motivated Callum to pursue this opportunity. 
 
The support from Weston College's staff has been instrumental in Callum's success so far. From academic guidance to a brilliant resource for seeking support when needed, the college has been a constant pillar of assistance. As a student with ADHD, Callum has been particularly appreciative of the support provided by the college's ADHD support teams. They have not only made him feel comfortable but also offered practical solutions to navigate challenges effectively. 
 
Callum's journey at Weston College exemplifies the transformative power of T Level programs. His story serves as an inspiration for those considering embarking on their own educational journey. To those contemplating joining the T Level transition course, Callum offers valuable advice: it's an excellent starting point, whether you're looking to bolster your grades or overcome personal challenges. The transition course provides the flexibility and time needed to prepare oneself for the enriching T Level experience that Weston College offers. With dedication and the right support, students like Callum can thrive in the professional world, ready to make a meaningful impact on society.

Last Thursday, we welcomed over 350 enthusiastic Key Stage Four school learners and their guests to our highly anticipated 'What Next?' Careers Showcase!  

This dynamic event provided a unique platform for school leavers to explore a multitude of exciting career opportunities, with participation from more than 50 local and national employers including Wessex Water, Ministry of Defence, Ashton Gate Stadium, Boeing, Jet2, and Thatchers Cider! 

The 'What Next?' Careers Showcase was a resounding success, empowering young individuals to make informed decisions about their future careers.  

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with representatives from a diverse range of industries, gaining valuable insights into the various career paths available to them. This immersive experience allowed students to envision their future possibilities and connect with potential employers who are actively seeking new talent. 

James Shakespeare, Founder of EVO Agency commented: “There were so many people the queue went out of the door, and down the road! We’ve been exhibiting at these fairs for years and this was the busiest one we’ve seen. We hope to have inspired young people that a career in tech and digital has so much more to offer than ‘just coding’, and that there are alternative training routes, such as apprenticeships, available with further education providers such as Weston College.” 

One of the highlights of the evening was the insightful talks on what Weston College can offer school leavers and the varied study options we offer including the new T Level qualifications, as well as our award-winning apprenticeship offer, having just been named the 2023 best apprenticeship provider in the whole of the South West! 

Furthermore, the event facilitated one-on-one interactions between attendees and Weston College staff, enabling school leavers to receive personalised guidance on choosing the right courses that align with their career aspirations.  

Our dedicated team of educators and advisors were on hand to provide valuable insights and assistance, ensuring that every student was equipped with the information they needed to embark on their chosen career path. 

Ben Knocks, Vice Principal at Weston College, said: “Our ‘What Next?’ event was a resounding success, and it was great to welcome and inspire so many young people from across the region on their next steps. 

“The energy in the room was electric, I couldn't be prouder of our college community and the opportunities we provide to inspire, educate, and empower our future leaders. 

“At Weston College we are passionate about careers, not courses, and I think this event is the perfect example of putting that into action.  

“A big thank you to all of the employers that attended as well, they play a critical role in our Career Excellence Hubs, which are having such a positive impact on our learners.” 

Find out more about our Programmes for School Leavers starting next September here. 

Come along to our October Open Evening and visit our campuses, see our facilities, meet our amazing staff and learn more more about the courses we have available to start in 2024. Register your place here.