Weston College is set to play a lead role in tackling the construction industry skills shortage by opening a state-of-the-art industry focused training centre.

The Weston College Construction Training Centre, based just off Junction 21 of the M5, will open in spring 2019 and represents a £3.8 million investment.

It will offer training in three key construction areas – plant operations, scaffolding, and groundworks.

Courses have been selected and designed with employers’ needs in mind and in response to the growing demand for a trained and skilled construction workforce in the region.

Training will be available as required by employers and individuals, rather than fitting into the traditional academic year.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group said: “The Construction Training Centre is a natural step into commercial training and starts an exciting chapter for us.

“Over the last ten years, we’ve built strong relationships with employers to develop our apprenticeship provision.

“But we’ve recognised, more and more, the need to deliver training at the point of need – not only for school leavers during the academic year.

“The Construction Training Centre means employers can come to us at any time for short courses, top-up courses, and to up-skill staff who are taking on new roles. We’ll also provide apprenticeships in these new areas to train the next generation of this industry’s workforce.”

The new centre has been designed to equip industry with the workforce it needs now and into the future.

Dr Paul Phillips said: “It’s a direct response to the skills shortage in the three areas.

The ability for the centre to offer plant training for all major site plant will be a significant development for the South West, whether that is with 360 excavators, dumper trucks or telehandlers, the centre will offer easily accessible training, key to meeting industry demand.

The College has commissioned Midas Construction to build the centre.

Dr Paul Phillips said: “We have a long-running relationship with Midas. They understand the College, our priorities and how to provide the learning environment that students need.”

Weston College will team up with national leader for scaffolding, safety experts Simian, to provide outstanding scaffolding training.

This training centre has been made possible through the efforts of Weston College in partnership with the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and North Somerset Council.

The financial investment has been provided by the College match-funding a successful bid for funding from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through the Local Growth Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.

Chair of the West of England LEP, Prof Steve West, said: “We’re really pleased to support the fantastic new Construction Training Centre at Weston College. This will help to equip our current and future construction workforce with the skills they need to drive forward the building of new homes, business premises and infrastructure as our region grows. It will also help them to secure better career prospects and make the most of the opportunities available right here in the West of England.”

Derek Quinn, Executive Director for Midas Construction, said: “We are delighted to be continuing the strong framework partnership between Weston College and Midas. As a regionally-based business we are active in promoting opportunities for careers within construction and so we are particularly proud to be involved in bringing forward this new facility which will help develop a skilled and highly-trained workforce for the future.”

Find out more about the Construction Training Centre here.

Hello, I’m Sharna. I’m a Business Administration apprentice, in the Traineeship team at Weston College.

For National Apprenticeship Week, I am going to be telling you about my experience as an apprentice, here at Weston College.

I started my apprenticeship in March 2018 and it has been a really exciting journey. I was very anxious to start my new job as I had never worked in an office environment before and I wasn’t familiar with this sort of work. As soon as I started everyone was so nice to me, and always willing to help which allowed me to settle in quickly.

Being a part of the Weston College team has allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge within the business admin sector. I was very fortunate to be invited to attend the 2018 Business Awards, which gave me a chance to witness the hard work and dedication it takes to be a Weston College employee. I was also given the opportunity to work on social media throughout the night, which was a great experience.

Throughout my time working in the Training Solutions team, I have been given multiple opportunities to support the staff as well as the learners - providing administration and recruitment support. This is something which I have really enjoyed, as I have been able to influence learner outcomes and development.

I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is looking for experience and to try something new. It is the perfect way to get the work experience you need to kick off your career. I haven’t looked back since starting my apprenticeship, it was definitely the right route for me to take, and it has allowed me to get my foot in the door at Weston College.

For more information on apprenticeships, click here. 

With Brexit around the corner, many organisations are looking for new ways of bringing talent into their business. One approach that is often overlooked, is employing an ex-offender.

By giving an ex-offender the opportunity to get back into work, you’ll have access to this pool of work-ready talent.

Our work providing education in 19 prisons has revealed the untapped potential that’s available. There have been numerous success stories, including ‘Billy’.

‘Billy’ struggled to find a job after being released from prison. He had many skills to offer, having previously worked in retail and managerial roles, but, having been out of work for a while, lacked confidence.

‘Billy’ was knocked back for roles he was more than capable of doing, and set out to change the perception employers have of people with criminal convictions.

‘Billy’ decided that to find employment he would have to get some ‘work experience’, so he completed an extended placement with a well-known high-street store. His confidence soon grew, as he received excellent feedback from customers and his employer. He also had a hugely positive effect on the store and showed he was capable of more responsibility.

‘Billy’, whose skills had not gone unnoticed, soon outgrew his placement and landed a role as an assistant manager. He is now going from strength to strength in his new role, and his employer was thrilled to find such a high-calibre candidate. ‘Billy’ has certainly helped change the perception of those within his business of ex-offenders, and the store has definitely benefited from his expertise.

If you are interested in discovering the opportunities that ex-offenders can offer your business, get in touch today through the 600 in 6 page of our website.

Have you wondered what it’s like to be a computing student? Meet Ben, an applied computing student.

Ben joined Weston College when he enrolled on the IT Practitioners Diploma, Level 3 course.

This course improves your knowledge and practical skills in a range of IT areas including, IT systems, social media in business, data modelling, information management and website development. You find out how computer systems work and learn to utilise different applications. The assignments are based on workplace situations, so you get a real insight to the careers available in IT and what it is like to work in the industry.

He then moved to UCW to study applied computing. This popular foundation degree emphasises the practical application of computing principles and on development of IT skills.

The course also provides the core knowledge in software design, systems analysis and web technologies required to either progress to further study or gain employment in an IT role. It covers:

• Computing applications
• Software design and development
• System analysis and databases
• Web technologies and platforms
• Computing project management
• Digital devices implementation and usability
• Object-orientated software design and development
• Service support tools and techniques
• Work experience.

During the degree, Ben worked on a project for Coates English Willow, who produce baskets, furniture, artist pieces and sustainable coffins.

The website brief included:

• Revamping the retail element of the website
• Offering tours
• A museum
• Showing the rental opportunities in the court yard.

Ben said: “It was very different to a class-based project as you not only had to manage your time but you had to factor in getting information or replies from the client.

“Weston College and UCW have helped me advance my computing knowledge and helped me develop ‘soft’ skills such as public speaking.”

www.englishwillowbaskets.co.uk

Peter Misson, 50, of Locking Road, was reluctant to come on the Changes course - aimed at those making the transition from Incapacity Benefit and Employment Support Allowance - because he suffers from dyslexia and hasn’t worked for a long time.

But after completing the course at the College’s Training Solutions in Locking Road, Peter has now gone on to a higher course and hopes either to enter employment or full-time education.

“I didn’t want to come on the course at all,” he said, “because I felt I wasn’t good around people and found it hard to engage. But after just two weeks I found my attitude had changed tremendously. I always thought I’d struggle in groups, but the others on the course, and the staff, were fantastic to be with.”

Peter, a former warehouse manager, said the Weston College staff had been ‘very understanding’, which had given him the confidence to think he could break out of the benefits cycle.

“They helped me to realise that I was capable of being around people and actually enjoy that,” he said. “I’ve now got my CV up together, plus a covering letter, and I’m thinking about a much brighter future.”

Changes is a four week course focusing on several areas including IT, Healthy Eating, Employability Skills and volunteering. The course culminates with an event the participants organise themselves.

Peter has now gone on to the College’s Aspire course, which teaches employability skills. “Weston College has changed my life,” he said. “I feel much more confident and I’ve really surprised myself.”

Laura Leadbetter, Peter’s Trainer Assessor on the Changes course, said his story was just one of a number of similar transformational stories resulting from the course.

“Some of the learners have been off work a long time, and have suffered from various illnesses which have kept them away from work. However, there has been a tremendous amount of positivity around Changes and because we treat people as individuals we find we get excellent results, as with Peter. He enjoyed the course so much he asked if he could do it again!

“We wish him all the best of luck for his future.”

A multi-million pound plan to create a brighter future for Weston-super-Mare's Winter Gardens has been approved by North Somerset Council.

Weston College will create a new Law and Professional Services Academy at the seafront site, while restoring the iconic ballroom to its former glory.

It is hoped this project will be the catalyst for bringing significantly more students to the town, and will play a key role in the council's bold plans for a prosperous, modern and vibrant town centre, in which learning plays a pivotal part.

In 2015, councillors agreed to transfer the landmark building to Weston College as part of the council's continued support and match funding for the delivery of the new Academy.

The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership has earmarked nearly £15 million for the project.

Redevelopment and modernisation of the building will include replacing part of it with a new two-storey extension containing lecture theatres, seminar rooms, meeting and conference spaces, offices and associated facilities.

The historic 1920s pavilion, ballroom and other parts of the Winter Gardens will be repaired and refurbished, and will remain available for wider community use.

Dr Paul Phillips OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: "I am delighted that North Somerset councillors have granted planning permission for this exciting development.

"We were approached by legal companies who wanted to establish a law and professional services academy in the area.

"This facility will meet the needs of employers and continue to raise Weston-super-Mare's reputation nationally as a centre of excellence for education and training.

"I also hope it will make a significant contribution towards the regeneration of the town centre, and also secures a brighter future for this prominent building which will once again become a jewel in Weston's crown."

North Somerset Council Leader, Cllr Nigel Ashton, said: "The expansion of further and higher education is central to our ambitious vision for the future of the town as a centre for the best of urban living, learning and lifestyle.

"This flagship project is a unique opportunity to inject vitality into the town centre through attracting new talent and a greater diversity of people to live in Weston, while addressing local skills gaps and creating new jobs at the same time.

"We really welcome the College's proposals to give a new lease of life to one of Weston's landmark buildings which will continue to be an important facility for the local community."

The Winter Gardens is due to be formally transferred to Weston College in spring 2016.

Once the funding from the West of England LEP is confirmed, work will begin in the hope of opening the new academy later in 2016.

Weston College students had a chance to meet Michael Gove, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, and local MP John Penrose, last week at an event hosted by Weston-super-Mare Conservative Association.

The students, who are currently studying A Level Government and Politics at Weston College’s Sixth Form Centre, were invited to the Royal Hotel for a three course meal followed by a speech from Mr Gove, who last week was voted out of the Conservative Party leadership election.

Kori, 17, said: “I found the evening thoroughly interesting. It’s cool to see politicians in the flesh because it shows us that the things we learnt in class are more than just theory or history.

“Meeting the politicians brings the concept of politics back to reality.”

Mardi McLay, Lecturer in Government and Politics at Weston College, said: “This was a unique experience providing the students with an opportunity to see first-hand, politics in action.”

Eve Mason, Weston College’s Curriculum Lead in Humanities, Legal and Social Studies, said: “Mr Gove was an interesting and entertaining speaker, who spoke on a range of contemporary matters.

“The students gained a valuable insight into the political process, talking at length to one of Mr Gove’s advisors to find out how he got into politics and what it’s like working for an MP.”

During his speech, Mr Gove paid special tribute to the students, saying: “It’s good to see the amazing young people from Weston College here this evening.

“Everyone in the town should feel proud of the College, and it deserves congratulations for everything it has achieved.”

Mr Gove has previously commended the College for its work in the offender learning sector, where it delivers education in nine prisons across the South West of England.

So, you’ve found the job that’s right for you, you’ve applied, and now you have to go to an interview…

This is a scenario most people will find themselves in, and one of our aims is to ensure that our students leave Weston College with the qualifications that employers look for as well as the soft skills such as interview techniques that will put them ahead of the rest when applying for a job.

We have plenty of experience when it comes to employment. Weston College itself is one of the largest employers in the region, which means we’re well versed when it comes to providing interview advice and guidance.

Here are our top tips for interview candidates…

Find out about the employer

The more you know about an employer, the closer you will be to understanding the company’s ethos and skills requirements. You’ll have a better understanding about what the business expects than other candidates. Doing background research into a company also shows that you like to be prepared and are willing to put effort into your work. Knowing about the employer may also come in handy during the interview.

Think about the questions you’re likely to be asked

It’s impossible to tell for sure what questions you’ll be asked at an interview, however some questions are more likely to come up than others. At your interview you’ll be asked some specific questions about the job as well as some more generic ones. Click here to find out the frequently asked interview questions and how to answer them.

If the job you are being interviewed for requires certain skills or qualities, think about the key points that make you the ideal candidate.

Dress to impress

First impressions count, and it’s always good practice to dress professionally when attending a job interview. Not every interview requires a suit – a general rule is to think about the dress code that the workplace has and aim to dress one level higher.

For example: if the dress code is casual, go one step higher and wear smart casual such as a shirt and tie.

Arrive on time and come prepared

There is no better way to spoil your chances at getting a job than arriving to the interview late. Arriving early means you can benefit from getting a feel of the organisation and will give you some time to calm down and mentally prepare for the interview.

Make sure you bring some extra copies of your CV, a pad of paper, and a couple of pens just in case you want to take notes. If you have one to hand, a portfolio of your work could also put you ahead of the other candidates.

The first impression is often the most important

You only get one chance to make a first impression, but studies show that the first impression is often the most important. When going to a job interview, try to be as polite as possible to everyone you meet, regardless of their job.

When you meet the interviewer, shake their hand, smile and make eye contact.

Give concise answers

Pay attention to the questions being asked and your communication style, and try to give concise answers. When you enter the interview, you should already have an idea of the more general questions they might ask and how to answer them. Click here to find out about the most common generic questions and how to construct your answer.

You should also have thought about the key points that will put you ahead of the competition. Try to refer back to these points in your answers and aim to mention all of them.

Think about your body language

80% of how we communicate is non-verbal, and body language plays a huge part in how we come across during an interview. Although you may be nervous, try not to fidget or sit in an awkward position.

Smiling, making eye contact, and nodding when listening to the interviewer are an effective way to use body language to your benefit.

Thank the interview panel

This is common courtesy, but interview candidates often forget about this simple and effective way to end the interview.

Just like first impressions, the impression you make as you leave has a lasting impression on the interviewers.

Want more advice and guidance?

If you’re a Weston College student you can contact the ASPECT team for more helpful careers guidance.

If you’re not currently a student, the College has a variety of courses to teach you how to succeed at an interview.

Click here to find out more.

Thursday 1st February was national ‘Time to Talk’ day, dedicated to encouraging everyone across the country to begin opening up and starting important conversations about Mental Health. As part of this, Weston College launched a new exciting partnership with an online support service called ‘Togetherall’.

All Weston College students can now access free online support with Togetherall (www.togetherall.com). Whether students are struggling to sleep, feeling low, stressed or not coping, Togetherall can help them get support, take control and feel better. At any time of the day, all around the clock.

Togetherall provides 24/7 online peer and professional support in addition to providing a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings and learn how to improve and self-manage your mental health and wellbeing. It is run and monitored by professional psychiatrists and allows the College’s students to explore ways to better manage stress, worry and general wellbeing.

To sign in, all students have to do is use their Weston College log in. The College has invested in a year’s subscription to this service, and is one of only 13 pioneering colleges in the country to do so.

Georgie Amos-Ford, Lead Specialist Practitioner in Mental Health at Weston College, said: “Togetherall reflects the changing dynamics of the mental health needs of students’ and allows a proactive approach to positive wellbeing. Mental Health needs arise 24/7 and Big White Wall provides support for students outside of college hours utilising the technology that is so familiar to them.

“We hope that Togetherall will have a big impact within the college and allow all of our learners to reach their full potential, emotionally and academically.”

For more information, go to: www.togetherall.com