Weston College has set an ambitious target of achieving 200 apprenticeship pledges in just 100 days.

Following the success of the previous 100 in 100 campaign, the College has decided to raise the bar, by matching 200 passionate apprentices with great local employers in just 100 days.

The campaign itself will be starting on January 22nd, and will run through until June 8th. Throughout the campaign the College will be updating their progress via social media, using the hashtag #200in100 on Twitter.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, said: “One of the most effective ways of bringing a new generation of employees to your company is through apprenticeships. Apprenticeships have expanded over the years, and we have seen the growth in popularity of our Degree Apprenticeships, giving organisations a hands on approach in the development of the student, to meet their business needs.

“Weston College is excited to be launching this campaign to create 200 apprenticeships in 100 days. With the support of existing and new employer partners from across the region, we look forward to supplying more opportunities to our students in the year ahead.

“We’re appealing to organisations across the region to pledge and support this exciting mission to create 200 local jobs.”

The businesses that pledge will have their logos featured in the dedicated ‘200 in 100’ section of the website, be featured predominantly in the social media campaign and have other publicity through press releases and video. 

Weston College's Sevens Squad took to the field for its first tournament of the 2018 circuit against Surrey Schools 7s on Wednesday (7th March). The tournament was a pivotal part of their preparation for Rosslyn Park which takes place on 21st of March.

Weston started the tournament strongly with a convincing win over Gordon’s School in their first group match. Weston’s defensive shape controlled the majority of the game which saw the team score plenty of points from turnovers.

In the second game Weston came up against a strong Cranleigh School team which gave our boys some harsh lessons with their aggressive defence and accurate distribution. Cranleigh came out convincing winners and went on to win the whole tournament, which have our team a good experience to learn off one of the best teams there. The third game was a mixture of both previous games with Weston getting off to a great start, but with mistakes and the players being fatigued the game swung to Berkamstead's favour.

Although the results may not show it, the boys learnt a lot from the day and will now be much better prepared to succeed at the national sevens tournament in two weeks. Outstanding effort from all involved, however special mention to skipper Luke Harrington, playmaker Ethan Thomas and speedster Joe Freake for their contributions during the day.

Football

Weston College Men's 1s v SGS College Men's 2s

Weston College Men’s 1s travelled to SGS Men’s 2 for the South West ECFA cat 2 (south) game.

Weston College started strong, dominated the ball, and created a number of chances. SGS remained strong and defended well and tried to hit Weston on the counter, however Weston defended well and stopped their attacks and competed well. Weston then had the break through, Tom Llewellyn with a well taken finish into the far corner. With Weston Controlling the rest of the half and keep SGS at arm’s length.

The second half started without real chances created. SGS started to grow into the game with Weston giving away cheap possession, however it was Weston which scored next through a good counter attack with Lucas Vowles placing into the far bottom corner. With Weston taking the lead it was SGS who had the aggression to get back into the game. SGS began to throw more bodies forwards and created a number of good opportunities from set pieces. Weston still tried to control the ball and maintain possession. 

SGS scored from a well-taken free kick. Going into the last 15 minutes of the game with the score 2-1 to Weston, SGS threw everything at Weston, but Weston remained strong, defended well, and saw a late break away by Lewis Neal who placed his shot wide of the post which was the last kick of the game.

Final score: SGS College 1 – Weston College 2

Weston College Men's 2s v Wiltshire College

Weston College 2nds team travelled to Wiltshire Football Academy for their AoC fixture against top of the league Wiltshire College. Weston totally controlled the tempo of the first half of the game, dominating possession and creating many chances which saw 1st year sport student Jakub Kartasinski open the scoring to make it 1-0. Toby Jones finished from close range to make it 2-0 before Wiltshire scored from a double-deflected shot. Weston looked to switch play well and this saw space open up for Jakub Kartasinski to deliver a cross for Aden Criddle to head home. A questionable offside led to Wiltshire’s 2nd goal to make it 3-2 going into half time. 
 
Having conceded late in the first half to make it 3-2, Wiltshire seemed galvanised by this and came out in the second half with an attacking intent. Weston struggled to deal with this and it soon become 3-3 after a defensive mistake. Wiltshire were then awarded a penalty when Andy Sinclair brought down the attacker in the area. Charlie Woodards came to the rescue with a superb save to keep the scores level and give Weston the lift they needed. However, disaster soon struck when a Wiltshire attacker found himself free in the area and his header was superbly saved by Woodards, however the striker managed to get to the rebound first and slot the ball home to complete the comeback. Criddle had a great opportunity late on to equalise, however his effort went wide of the target.

Despite the result and obvious disappointment of letting a two-goal lead slip, the squad can be pleased with how they performed against the top of the table. 

Final score: Wiltshire College 4 - Weston College 3 
MOM: Toby Jones & Harry Crowley 

Netball

Weston College v Exeter College
 
Weston was excited to replay Exeter on their home ground and knew it was not going to be an easy match. Weston started the first quarter with speed and confidence, we knew we had a versatile squad and were eager to showcase our potential. Weston had been working on its centre set plays and used these to its advantage by not losing any centre passes in the first quarter. End of first quarter was 6-6. 
 
The second quarter was very much goal-for-goal. Weston managed to create some turnovers from some magnificent interceptions and great defensive play. The College team persevered against an extremely tall Exeter defence but managed to keep within 1 goal of Exeter, finishing the second quarter 13-14 to Exeter. 
 
Third quarter Weston changed things around to put some more height into its attacking circle. This proved to be a success from the first whistle, creating confidence within the team's attacking and defensive play. The play was goal-for-goal with Weston pulling ahead and then Exeter pulling it back. It was Weston College's most intensive quarter, showing some amazing teamwork and great back up play. Third quarter ended 22-23 to Exeter. 
 
In the fourth quarter, the Weston College team knew it had nothing to lose and went out at 100%, a few mistakes were made and Exeter managed to get ahead by a couple of goals. Weston got their heads down and managed to get one for one goals but it proved to be too late. Weston played an amazing game and it was one of our closest matches. Each Academy player played so magnificently and it was a tough call for Players' Player.

Well done to Exeter and look forward to re-playing you next season. 

Final score: Exeter 36 - Weston 31
Players' Player: Ella

It's the Royal Wedding this weekend (although you probably knew that by now)!

Students at our Hair and Beauty Centre have been putting together their favourite wedding hairstyles, that'll look great regardless of whether you’re the bride or a guest!

Read on to find out more...

Students at Weston College will be among the first in the country to study the new T Level qualification.

The College is one of just 54 providers selected to launch the new technical equivalent to A Levels.

T Levels will be available in 15 industry-related subjects, known as ‘pathways’. Weston College will deliver the Digital (software applications design and development) programme from September 2020 – two years before the full roll-out.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “T Levels have been described as the biggest overhaul in post-school education for 70 years.

“For Weston College to be at the forefront of this revolution is an honour and an exciting challenge. We’ve built a national reputation for the quality of our sixth form and helping to launch this pioneering programme only enhances that standing.

“It also represents a tremendous opportunity for school leavers in Weston-super-Mare and beyond.

“T levels are shaped by employers and benefit from the unique insights of industry leaders. This means learners will be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to get ahead in the modern jobs market.”

Delivered over a two-year period, T Levels provide an alternative to A Levels and are aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds who would rather study work-related courses than traditional academic subjects. They have been launched to counter the long-held assumption that only A Levels and a degree can lead to a fulfilling job. Though, T Level students will still be able to progress to university or higher-level technical qualifications.

T Levels have been created by expert panels of employers, are also designed to deliver the necessary skills required to strengthen and grow the UK economy. They will provide a mix of industry-specific technical knowledge and practical skills; relevant maths, English and digital skills; and a work placement of at least 45 days.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m the real deal – a chef who wears many hats. I’m a husband, a father and a grandfather, as well as the singer in a band called The Leylines, and an ex-student of Weston College.

I love, love, love cooking with learners. Not only cooking for them, but inspiring them – teaching them and igniting their passion for food and new flavours. I have great fun teaching learners how to cook and what it means to eat healthily.

When and what did you study at Weston College?

I was here in 1992 and studied a 706 1 and 2 in Catering (now a City and Guilds Level 1 and 2 Professional Cookery)

I came back in 2012 to do an NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Professional and Advanced Cookery.

Do you have any fun stories or fond memories of your time here?

It involves a dark night, Jack Daniels, bambi and a security guard. If you want to know more, you’ll have to find me and ask! I also remember one of the first dishes we created which was a chicken ballotine in a white wine and mushroom sauce, I have since adapted this recipe and it is still my signature dish.

How did Weston College help you get where you are today?

The College gave me the skills, connections and knowledge I needed to enter the workplace and to run my own businesses. It’s given me a solid base. My tutor, Tony Rawlins, was fun and seemed to be able to relate to us, which meant coming to College was easy.

What other jobs have you done?

Where do I start? I’ve owned my own restaurant, burger van and private catering company for events – including weddings.

I’ve also worked in restaurants, school kitchens, hotels and cafés.

How did you get into the catering industry, and why did you choose it?

When I was 16 I wasn’t sure what to do, as I didn’t excel in anything academic. I had a part-time job delivering Chinese takeaways and I was always intrigued about the smells, the colours and of course the taste of the food. Before that, I’d never considered a career in food.

I later joined a YTS course and one of my first placements was the Italian restaurant at Cadbury House Country Club and Hotel in Congresbury. I then got a part-time job at the Anchor Head Hotel, where I did the breakfast and lunch service, and, at weekends, I worked at the Orange Tree Café. The hours were long and hard work, but it taught me how varied and interesting a career in catering could be.

Tell us about today and your role here

The Lead Association for Catering in Education (LACA) South West School Chef of the Year competition was at Weston College at the end of January 2019.

5 south west finalists including Robert Doble of Sandroyd School, and Tollard Royal and Dave Leeper of The Trafalgar School in Downton, competed in the regional final, demonstrating creative dishes that are suitable for 11-year-olds.

The contestants had up to £5.20 to spend and 90 minutes to prepare, cook and serve four identical two-course menus to judges.

The meals were judged by three people, Mark Rigby, executive head chef at the event main sponsors Premier Foods, Stuart Brereton from event sponsors MKN Catering Equipment and Carol Horwood who is the National organiser for LACA SCOTY.

As a committee member for LACA and a former winner of the regional School Chef of The Year title, I was humble to be asked to be the regional organiser and present the awards.

The winner Dave Leeper was named LACA South West School Chef of the Year 2019 and will go through to the national final in March.

You can see photos, video clips and more at https://twitter.com/LACA_UK

It’s been widely publicised that that there is a shortage of skills in the catering and hospitality industry. Why do you think more people should join the industry?

Because everyone loves someone who can cook. If you want to treat someone you take them out for dinner, but if you can do this yourself, it opens up so many possibilities.

If you’re at uni – the best way to make friends in the first week is to be able to help others cook.

If you’re in a band and on the road – the band needs someone who can cook for them (always me).

If you get home late and there are only three ingredients are in the fridge, and a potential girlfriend or boyfriend is coming over, you want to be able to throw something together.

There’s no better feeling than cooking something on the course and taking it home to friends and family – or cooking it at home. You get such a buzz and satisfaction from it.

There are so many potential avenues to follow after catering courses at Weston College, as there are so many opportunities to work locally in one of the many great local restaurants or hotels.

If you have the drive, passion and determination, and want to make money, you can set up your own business. Or, you can move to London and work in a Michelin stared restaurant, work on a cruise ship, take charge of the catering for an F1 team or on a private yacht of VIPs. The opportunities are out there, and Weston College helps set you on your journey with the best skills.

Do you have any advice to future students?

Catering doesn’t have to just be a job, it can be vocation, a lifestyle – don’t be mundane be ‘mazing!

Tell us about your book.

I think there are two key stages in life when it comes to cooking. First, from the age of 3 to 13, when kids enjoy spending time with significant others, whether that’s baking a cake for the family or helping to make dinner. Then, at 16, when you realise you can do exciting things in the kitchen – like flipping pancakes or flambéing (when alcohol is added to a hot pan to create a burst of flame).

‘Family Cooking with The School Chef’ is aimed at the first age group. You don’t have to be a top chef to cook lovely, healthy – and sometimes naughty – nutritious, flavoursome and colourful food. It’s about creating fun, sharing but most of all spending time as a family cooking food.

Most of my recipes are simple, delicious and classic recipes that will bring families together in the kitchen to have fun preparing a meal. The book is also a reference to my family and how we cook together but also has buying guides and top tips.

Visit www.theschoolchef.co.uk for some free videos and easy-to-follow recipe downloads to get you started.

Anything else you would like to add?

I hope by reading this I have inspired you to find out what courses are available.

You can find out more by visiting www.weston.ac.uk today.

Date for your diary - Hospitality Event Taster Day at the Winter Gardens on the 20th March, 11.00 am until 13.00pm. Contact your school to see if they are attending or email Sandra.bull@weston.ac.uk to find out more!

Apprentice chefs and hospitality students at Weston College have showcased their skills at a prestigious awards dinner.

The talented students prepared dinner and served at the front of house at the Bristol Life Awards winners’ dinner at The Chocolate Quarter in the city.

Apprentices from The School of Food, an innovative chef training programme jointly run by Weston College, treated guests to a delicious meal of flat breads and dips; asparagus, nudi, puree salsa verdi; pressed lamb shoulder, lamb rump, potato terrine, sprouting broccoli; and lemon, lavender, raspberry delice and raspberry sorbet.

The Level 1 and 2 hospitality students, who train in the College’s Grove restaurant, served drinks, canapés and hosted tables. All of these skills are reflective of the work the learners need to complete to become competent in their sector.

The Grove training kitchen and restaurant, is a commercial eatery that is open to the public and run solely by students. You can check out its menus and events at www.weston.ac.uk/grove.

The Bristol Life Awards celebrate the very best Bristol businesses at a highly prestigious evening that’s become a highlight of the city’s social calendar. The awards are organised by MediaClash, publishers of Bristol Life, Bath Life and magazines for Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury, and award-winning foodie mag Crumbs.

The award categories included: Arts, Bar, Business Services, Café / Coffee Shop, Charity, Civic, Creative, Education, Event, Financial, Food / Drink Producer, Gastropub, Hair and Beauty, Health and Wellbeing, Homes and Interiors, Legal, Leisure and Tourism, New Business, Restaurant, Retailer, Technology and Innovation. Award winners have been invited to a special dinner, also at The Chocolate Quarter.

Find out more:

• The School of Food Commis Chef Apprenticeship
• Hospitality and Catering courses at Weston College and the Grove Training Kitchen and Restaurant

Weston College has smashed through its target of creating 600 work-related learning opportunities in six months.

The ambitious ‘600 in 6’ campaign aimed to persuade businesses to ‘pledge’ a range of opportunities to help learners gain the knowledge and they skills they need in workplace. These include apprenticeship, traineeship and work experience places.

It expanded on last year’s successful drive to create 200 apprenticeship vacancies in 100 days by including the College’s full range of work-based training services.

The campaign far exceeded expectations, securing 697 pledges in five months from business such as Wookey Hole Caves, Sedgemoor Council, Smurfit Kappa, Wessex Water and Carbase.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “It is highly impressive that we have managed to create opportunities for over 600 learners to gain experience with some of the best companies in the region.

“This year we wanted to showcase our full employer offer – to see businesses get behind this has been particularly exciting.

“Many organisations feel that they are suffering from a skills gap, and this campaign shows that we are actively supporting the community and matching enthusiastic learners with forward-thinking employers.

“Throughout this campaign we have built new relationships with employers, and I look forward to these progressing further in the future. Thank you to all of our employers and regional partners for supporting such a valuable initiative.”

If you’d still like to pledge an opportunity to the ‘600 in 6’ campaign, there’s still time. Find out more by speaking to our award-winning Training Solutions team on 01934 411 594.

Did you know that we offer pre-employment training to people that don’t have qualifications, and may not have any experience?

We asked our Referral Advisor for the Pre-employment team, Emma Crandon, some questions to give a better understanding on what they offer.

Where are you based?

I am based at Weston College’s South West Skills Campus, but I also visit the Weston-super-Mare Job Centre every Tuesday, Clevedon Job Centre every other Thursday, and hold sessions at the local food bank as well.

What support do you offer?

We offer a wide range of courses, and they are free to people that are unemployed, receiving benefits, or in a job earning less than £16,009.50 per year. These courses are beneficial in many ways; you can upskill, build confidence, open up employment opportunities and most importantly – become more employable.

How can people access this support?

The support we offer, is very easy to access. Job coaches are aware of our courses, and they can always refer you to a course that will benefit you. I also visit the Job Centres, so feel free to come and say hello or book an appointment and we can chat about ways to support you.

If you would like to get in touch, you can call me on 07580857699 or email me, emma.crandon@weston.ac.uk.

Why should people get in touch and ask for support?

If you are unemployed and looking for work, we can help you to gain qualifications and the confidence needed to find a job. We try and run our sessions during school time, and we also offer one to one support.

What has been your highlight of the job?

When you see people that have been out of work for years, their confidence is usually really low and they feel like they are unemployable. Helping these people gain skills, confidence and progress into jobs, is a specific highlight of my job.

Is there anything that you would like to add?

If you are interested in any of our courses please get in touch with me, and I will be happy to help.

You can find out more about our pre-employment courses, by clicking here.