Coming to College can be a daunting experience. There will be lots of new faces and this could be the first time you’ve been split up from your friends since primary school. This short guide will hopefully make everything seem a little bit easier...

Talk!

On your first day you will find that lots of people will be in the same boat as you, so you will not be the only nervous one. Although most of our students have friends from school that come to the College, they might all be in different classes - or even different campuses! When you start your course don’t be afraid to talk to people. Your class mates will appreciate you making the first move and this can be a quicker way of getting to know the people that you’ll be spending the next two years with.

Set a goal

Challenge yourself to talk to a new person every day, whether this be at the bus stop, in your class, or in the library. The more people you chat to the more likely it is that you’ll find someone with similar interests, and make friends. By talking and hanging out with different people, you’ll get to meet their friends as well and this will be a great way to expand your social group.

Get to know people outside of class

When your class finishes see if anyone wants to hang out in the canteen, or go to one of the College's cafes for a Starbucks or Costa. This can be a great way of getting to know each other in a more relaxed environment, and also means you won’t be hanging around on your own while you wait for your next class. If you take the initiative by asking your class mates then you can build connections and you’ll soon make friends.

Join a club

There are lots of sports teams and clubs which you can join when you come to Weston College, and this can be an effective way of meeting like-minded people. You will already have something in common and if you don’t bond with the people on your course, then this can be another great way of meeting new people.

Be yourself

You'll be studying alongside people with the same interests and ambitions of you, so just be yourself and you'll naturally bond with the people on your course. Don't forget - if you ever want to talk to someone at the College or need help settling in - our expert welfare and pastoral support teams are on hand to help!

Following an assessment, the College was awarded the Matrix standard, which recognises the quality of information, advice and guidance. This re-accreditation – the College first achieved the standard in 2012 – lasts until 2021.

The College was awarded the standard by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. It recognises the work done by the College’s ASPECT; Welfare Support, Additional Learning Support; Apprenticeship Sales and Recruitment; and College Information Services (CIS) teams.

During the visit assessor Bob Moffat spoke to students, staff and several external partners. The assessor commented that over the last few years, the College has developed a progressive, learner-focused and dynamic organisation where staff have risen to the challenges of change and continue to achieve high levels of success in what is a team-based and collaborative culture.

He recognised that the College has a clear and purposeful direction, which is achieved through a measureable strategic plan and associated service standards, underpinned by a meaningful mission statement.

It was highlighted that information, advice and guidance (IAG) provided by the College is consistently impartial, objective and people-centric. The assessor was also impressed with how the College has embraced the use of technology to continuously improve their service.

Marie Beaver, the College’s Strategic Lead School Partnerships and Student Progression, said: “We are delighted that the dedicated work of staff in these areas has been recognised. As a result of monitoring and evaluating learner outcomes, the College has continued to develop and enhance its service, including IAG”.

The new Matrix accreditation is the latest in the list of awards received by the College for the quality of its support to students.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Weston College has won the FE leader of the year at the annual TES FE Awards 2019. 

In his 18 years at the helm of Weston College, Dr Paul Phillips has directed a dramatic turnaround in its fortunes. The judges commended Phillips for the proven impact of his leadership which has been sustained over time. 

Turnover at the College has increased from £9 million when he joined in 2001 to more than £63 million in 2016-17 – making it one of the 10 biggest colleges in England.

He has personally championed social mobility for all, including raising standards across prison education in the South West.

The digital age we live in puts a wealth of resources and technology at our fingertips.

At Weston College, we use these digital advantages to make learning more accessible through the ‘Flexible Learning Fund’ (FLF). Our digital learning team works closely with curriculum staff to adapt lesson content into digital formats, whilst ensuring virtual learning remains engaging and high quality.

This enables people whose circumstances might prevent them from physically attending college to access the same opportunities and make the most of some of the fantastic part-time courses that are available. This flexible approach also helps students on Access to Higher Education courses, by enabling work and research to be completed outside the academic year so it doesn’t interfere with other courses.

Compared to an average online learning course, the digital learning team goes the extra mile to connect learners with a personal tutor. These lecturers, who have a breadth of experience in their industry, provide their students with the same care and attention as those studying in a ‘traditional’ sense.

This is all done through the Virtual Learning Environment where participants receive and submit work and interact with their tutors. Hattie Abretti, Digital Learning Development Manager, said: “Although we are still in our infancy as a team, we already have a strong ethos and model to which we develop our courses.

“We want learners to engage with content, not be spoon fed. Our primary focus is providing quality access to our outstanding subject specialists and opportunities to participate in, and build, learning communities.”

The team made fantastic progress since being formed just over a year ago, with courses such as the Autism Awareness Award experiencing high levels of intake. The team currently comprises five members of staff:

Weston College is running a free event to help school leavers make decisions about their future.

‘What Next?’ will provide pupils in school years 10 and 11 – and their parents – with advice and information about qualifications, courses and career pathways.

They will get to speak to expert College staff and employers, and have a go at a range of work-related activities.

The event takes place from 5.30-7.30pm on Wednesday 2nd October at the Winter Gardens in Weston.

Ben Cocks, Assistant Director and the College’s Careers Leader, said: “Leaving school is a daunting time for young people and their parents. They are bombarded with a range of confusing terms and asked to make choices that will affect the rest of their lives.

“’What Next’? is designed to take the headache out of those decisions, and explain the confusing educational jargon and how it relates to them. With new qualifications such as T Levels being introduced, alongside exceedingly dynamic UK industry sectors, it’s important that young people know what skills, knowledge and behaviours will be needed to be successful in tomorrow’s job market’

“We wanted this to be different to your usual careers convention and really focus on giving people access to employers and industry experts. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people who are leaving school in 2020 or 2021 as they’ll get to talk to knowledgeable staff and employers from all over the UK in a fun, friendly environment.”

The College’s expert careers team will be on hand to offer guidance on a range of work-related topics, including:

• Exploring career opportunities
• Weighing up options and making decisions
• Job hunting and applications
• CV writing
• Applying to university and student finance

School leavers will be able to meet a range of employers and experience the world of work, by having a go at some exciting industry demonstrations.

Those baffled by the range of subjects, qualifications and levels available at College, will have the opportunity to talk to lecturers about courses, levels and the grades they might need.

Click here for more information and to register your attendance

If you would like advice on qualifications or careers, call 01934 411 415 or email aspect@weston.ac.uk

Weston College is celebrating its status as market leader in the delivery of apprenticeships by organising two events to mark National Apprenticeship Week (March 9-16)

In the last year the College has seen a 300 per cent growth in employer work placements, which has resulted in lots of vacancies as young people look for alternatives in a tough job market. Employers have also found them to be a very useful way of training 'on-the-job', with 90 per cent of Weston College apprentices being offered a permanent position.

Mid-March marks the start of a national annual drive to promote apprenticeships. From March 9-16 Weston-super-Mare's Sovereign Centre will be hosting a Weston College 'pop-up shop', in which visitors are able to learn more about apprenticeships from expert staff, who will be on hand to give out any information and advice they require.

Also on offer in the shop are a range of free activities related to apprenticeships including wall-building, nail art and manicures, hairstyling, life-saving and learning how to estimate property values.

On Wednesday March 13, between 6-8pm, the College is hosting an Apprenticeship Information Evening at Knightstone Campus (BS23 2AL). Parents, potential apprentices and businesses are all welcome to attend this free event, which is a vital source of information.

Weston College is the biggest facilitator of apprenticeship programmes in the region and its Training Solutions, based at the South West Skills Campus on Locking Road, was set up to provide businesses with relevant and flexible training programmes.

The College has seen a 77 per cent growth in apprenticeship applications, with more than 20 new apprenticeship job vacancies each month.

Helen Booker, Apprenticeship Manager at Training Solutions, said: “The College offers a very wide programme of apprenticeships to people aged 16 and over, with more than 50 different areas to choose from. Naturally, school-leavers are very well represented in this area but apprenticeships can be taken up by anyone, especially adults looking for a new career via a training programme, and also offer a route to degree level study.”

The College's Apprenticeship programme can be studied at Levels 2, 3 4 and 5 and learners can progress through these levels while continuing to work in their chosen career. Apprentices develop the majority of their skills in the workplace, working alongside experienced and skilled staff.

Bobby Turner, 22, from Weston, undertook a Business Administration Apprenticeship at Weston College and has recently begun a new role with the procurement team at Lloyds Banking Group.

He said: “I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone as there are some great job opportunities available. They are tailored to your particular role and the experience teaches you what’s involved in working in a business environment.”

Nine College students so impressed local developer MLDUK on work experience that they have been kept on until August. Then, some of the Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence (CECE) Apprentices may be offered full-time positions working with the Weston-based company.

College Construction Curriculum Lead Shaun Canniford said: “MLDUK are doing maintenance work at the College and offered students some work experience. In August, they will be reviewed and some could be offered permanent positions.

“We try to embed work experience as part of their training. This is a fantastic opportunity and shows that MLDUK wants to invest in their commitment to the College."

MLDUK spokesman James Lloyd-Jones added: “We were delighted to support the College and impressed by the calibre of both the students and expertise offered to them by staff. We look forward to working with the College more closely in the future.”

The College’s popular multi-skilled maintenance course provides a taste of many different disciplines including plastering, tiling, decorating, plumbing and carpentry.

The CECE has won a ‘National Training Award’ for the South West of England and is part of a £10 million South West Skills Campus project at Weston College. As part of this, a £300,000 three-bed completely sustainable detached eco-home is being built for hands-on experience in sustainability.

There is also a £3 million refurbishment of the Hub building – an employment skills centre to aid people back into work. A further £6 million has been spent on the Business Enterprise Centre, £1.5 million on a new Automotive centre together with a £770,000 multi-sports surface.

The CECE delivers training in a wide range of construction occupations including plumbing, electrical installation, carpentry, trowel trades, painting, decorating, plastering, property maintenance, as well as renewable energy courses and Apprenticeships. There are specialist workshops for training electricians, bespoke brickwork and carpentry workshops, along with online learning. The CECE is also a test centre for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and health and safety card.

There is a 100 per cent success rate for Level 2 qualifications with around 70 per cent of CECE students finding work in industry, while others enhance their DIY skills.

Professional make-up artist Jennifer Lenard took a break from working on the set of the upcoming period drama Fanny Lye Deliver'd to guest lecture at Weston College on Tuesday (29th March).

Jennifer, who specialises in airbrushing, wig making and prosthetics, began her career working on TV productions such as Last of the Summer Wine, Dalziel and Pascoe, and Dancing on Ice, and her recent credits include The Office, Doctor Who, Pride and Prejudice, and Star Trek.

She came to Weston College to demonstrate a variety of airbrushing techniques to the College’s Hair and Media, and Level 2 Beauty students. She transformed College student Jessica Rees, age 17, into a geisha – complete with kimono – and answered question about working in the professional make-up industry.

Sandra Bull, Weston College’s Hair and Beauty Curriculum Manager, said: “Jennifer is a BAFTA award winning hair and media make-up artist with extensive industry experience and so it was a huge pleasure to have her here working with our students.

“Having influential demonstrations and instruction from key industry professionals is a great way to raise student aspirations and for them to see how exciting the hair and beauty industry is to be working within.” 

Weston College’s Hair and Beauty Centre is available to the public and offers a range of hair and beauty treatments at competitive prices. All treatments are performed to a very high standard by trainees under the supervision of experienced, qualified staff.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact the Hair and Beauty Centre at hair&beauty@weston.ac.uk. 

A Royal Marine who lost his leg helping a crashed motorist on the M3 visited Weston College to give an inspirational speech to sports and public services students.

Lee Spencer, 47, came across the car accident and began helping the injured driver and passengers using first aid training he had learned during his 24 years in the army.

Suddenly, another car crashed into the vehicle, sending the car’s engine and gearbox flying across the motorway lanes towards him. The impact severed his right leg and dislocated his left.

He used the training he learned as a Royal Marine to instruct a bystander to tie a tourniquet around his wounded leg and got the bystander’s daughter to stop the bleeding by standing on his femoral artery.

He told the students about the impact the accident had on his life, and how he was inspired to help change other people’s lives by raising money through a variety of sponsored walks, marathons and even rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

He gained a place in the Guinness Book of Records for being part of the first disabled crew to sail the Atlantic raising awareness for Row2Recovery.

Rebecca Ranson, Weston College Section Area Manager for Sports and Public Services, said: “This was a fantastic and inspiring opportunity for the students to find out about life in the army, how to act in an emergency situation, and how the training they're undertaking can help in real-life scenarios.”