Weston College has been selected to provide the Future Skills Programme, which is funded by His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS). The College, which provides education to prisoners in the South West, has received funding to assist individuals in the last six months of their sentence. Employment, housing, and support for ex-offenders are essential factors in reducing reoffending rates.

The Future Skills Programme is a national initiative that works with providers to help ex-offenders secure employment by providing training programs, eliminating employment barriers, and offering ongoing support throughout the early phases of employment post-release. The programme will offer six-week courses in hospitality and catering, utilities, construction, and warehousing logistics, and employers will interview learners during the course to offer them job opportunities before leaving prison.

The initiative will launch in November 2023 and offer courses at HMP Exeter, HMP Guys Marsh in Shaftesbury, and HMP Portland in Dorset. The program is developed with the help of employers who will be involved in the training delivery and will offer those who complete the course a guaranteed interview for a live vacancy in their release area. Weston College is excited to deliver the Future Skills Programme and work closely with employers and learners to develop employment skills and secure jobs before leaving custody.

Jacqui Ford, Interim Principal and Chief Executive at Weston College said:

“Weston College is delighted to have successfully secured this opportunity to deliver the Future Skills Programme. As an existing provider of education in prisons, we look forward to working with partners to mobilise this exciting new initiative, working closely with employers, and supporting learners to develop skills for employment and secure jobs before leaving custody.”

Dave Crew, Head of Business Growth and Employer Partnerships at Weston College, said:

“As an established provider of prison education, we’re seeing an increased level of engagement from employers looking to offer opportunities to fill skills gaps in their business. We regularly hear from our learners that leaving prison can be daunting. Knowing that you have the skills employers need, and a job offer from an employer who believes in you, will make such a difference. I would like to thank those employers including Arthur David and GXO who supported our bid for the Future Skills Programme, and also Kier who will be offering vacancies in construction and street works, and GXO with vacancies in warehousing. We are looking forward to other employers reaching out who may also be interested in this opportunity.”

Weston College is seeking additional employers to work on this initiative, if you are interested in participating, please contact the employer engagement team at Weston College by emailing employers@weston.ac.uk

Source: Employing prisoners and ex-offenders - GOV.UK 

Weston College Sports students held a successful primary school football event at Weston College’s Health and Active Living Skills Centre. This event showcased the outstanding efforts of our dedicated Sports Coaching & Physical Education, Level 3 learners, who played a pivotal role in organising and executing a memorable day for all participants.

The Sports students demonstrated teamwork and commitment throughout the entire process, working collaboratively with the North Somerset Schools Partnership for Educational Athletics (NSSPEA) and the Education Learning Alliance Network (ELAN). Their efforts included reaching out to school staff before the event, coordinating various activities for the day, and ensuring the seamless running of the event.

The objective of this initiative was to provide the Sports students with valuable opportunities to take charge in organising events, fostering connections with local businesses and schools, and enhancing their coaching skills. By engaging in the planning and execution of the football event, students gained hands-on experience in event management, teamwork, and community collaboration. By actively participating in the planning and execution of the primary school football event, these students gained practical insights into organising sports events, enhancing their leadership skills in the process.

"We are thrilled to see our students taking initiative and actively contributing to the success of this primary school football event," said Dan Lomax, Curriculum Co-ordinator of Sport and Health at Weston College. "This experience goes beyond the classroom, providing them with practical skills and a sense of responsibility that will undoubtedly serve them well in their future careers."

The College remains committed to providing students with opportunities that not only enhance their academic knowledge but also empower them to become confident, capable, and community-minded individuals.

This student-led event formed part of the Sport and Fitness Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.

For further information about Weston College courses, please click here.

Throughout the month of October, Weston College’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, along with the Health & Social Care staff, organised activities and talks for learners at the College to engage in celebrations for Black History Month: Saluting our Sisters!

The month featured a diverse group of individuals who shared their unique insights and personal experiences, creating a valuable educational experience for staff and learners at Weston College. The central focus was on Allyship (the quality or practice of helping or supporting other people who are part of a group that is treated badly or unfairly, although you are not yourself a member of this group), Anti-racism, and developing knowledge about the women of colour who paved the way for progress and Black history and culture.

One of many speakers throughout the month was Korede, the Founder & Operations Director at the Vemoye Foundation, who provided a contemporary and enlightening perspective on Africa's future. Korede emphasized the importance of challenging stereotypes and encouraged the audience to think critically about preconceived notions. The interactive and engaging discussion left attendees with a renewed understanding of Africa's rich and dynamic history.

The feedback from the guest talks was overwhelmingly positive, with learners expressing their appreciation for the engaging and informative presentations. Learners and staff at Weston College found the event to be both enlightening and thought-provoking, sparking meaningful conversations about the significance of Black history and the crucial role of women in this narrative.

One learner told us: “The session was a great way of relaying fun stories and activities! I’ve learned a lot, particularly how I can help and how Africa isn’t just how it’s commonly perceived!”

In addition to the enlightening talks, the event also celebrated the vibrant and diverse culture of West Africa through its cuisine. Yemmy from Yemmy’s Kitchen, a skilled caterer, served traditional West African dishes including Jollof Rice, Chicken Gizzards and Puff Puff, that delighted the taste buds of everyone in attendance. The authentic flavours and aromas transported attendees on a culinary journey that complemented the educational aspect of the event.

Jo Philpott, Senior Vice Principal at Weston College, expressed her enthusiasm about the success of the event, saying, "Our Black History Month celebration has been a resounding success. We are immensely grateful to our guest speakers, educators, artists, and caterer for their valuable contributions, as well as our Health and Social Care Lecturer, Louise Hill-Davis who co-ordinated every event that has taken place. This experience has been a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and culturally aware educational environment at Weston College."

Weston College plans to continue organising and hosting events to demonstrate its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We have future talks planned with guests, such as Sope Wolffs PhD - Clinical Trials Manager and Research Facilitator who will be coming to the college in the new year to discuss her journey as a Black Female researcher working in a white male dominated field.

Earn while you learn, at global engineering organisation, GKN Aerospace.

We have teamed up with GKN Aerospace to offer 23 vacancies, with roles including:

• Aerospace Engineer Degree Apprentice
• Engineering Production Apprentice
• Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice
• Engineering Technical Support Technician Apprentice.

BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION HERE

GKN Aerospace design, manufacture and service systems and components for manufacturers around the world. This opportunity will give you the chance to not only gain a qualification but also get experience from some of the best engineers in the country.

This exclusive apprenticeship programme starts in September 2024 and will allow you to be in paid employment from as young as 16 year old, whilst also studying towards one of three professional and recognised engineering qualifications.

As a GKN Apprentice your time will be split between the real-world production facilities (Filton) or Western Approach (Bristol) and Weston College’s engineering campus on Locking Road (Weston-super-Mare). 

It's easy to apply, fill in the form below and we will be in touch to discuss your application, answer any questions and support you with your next steps.

The closing date for applications is 23rd February 2024, which will be followed by an initial assessment for successful candidates. 

T Levels are the future of technical education, designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical workplace experience. These two-year courses offer students a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills that are directly relevant to their chosen industry. At Weston College, there are 13 different T Level courses on offer, spanning from Education & Early Years to Engineering & Manufacturing, and Construction, plus many more. 

Weston College are the largest provider of T Levels in the region, and on results day in August, an 100% pass rate was achieved by our learners.

One of the standout features of T Levels is the industry placement, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing the learner's understanding of the real-world workplace. There are a huge number of benefits of industry placements, and the results show a positive impact on the employers and their business. 

T Levels are tailored to the specific needs of industries and provide students with a deep understanding of their chosen field. When businesses host T Level learners for industry placements, they contribute to the development of a more skilled and job-ready workforce. Employers can actively shape the future workforce by imparting industry-specific knowledge and skills to the next generation. Some of the fantastic employers we already work with include national employers such as the NHS, regional employers such as Wessex Water, and local SMEs. These employers have recognised the untapped talent that can be provided to the business, and were first in line to experience it. 

One example is one of the largest financial employers in the UK, who had five T Level students on placement last year. The students made such a positive impression that the employer has given four of those students a job offer to work for them when they finish their course. That’s proof that T Levels work.  

Recruiting and training new employees can be an expensive and time-consuming process. When businesses provide T Level learners with industry placements, they are effectively getting to know potential future employees. This hands-on experience allows employers to assess the learner's aptitude, work ethic, and compatibility with the company culture. This reduces the risk of making poor hiring decisions and can ultimately lead to cost savings in recruitment and training. 

T Level learners bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to businesses. They often have a strong theoretical foundation and can apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations. Employers benefit from the infusion of new ideas and approaches, which can lead to improved processes, products, or services. 

Students on industry placements are highly motivated to learn and make a positive impression. Employers often find that T Level learners contribute to increased productivity by taking on tasks and projects with enthusiasm. Their energy and eagerness to learn can inspire and motivate existing employees, creating a positive work environment. 

Hosting T Level learners on industry placements is an excellent way to identify and nurture potential talent for the future. Businesses can establish a pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable workers who are already familiar with their operations and industry. This can lead to more seamless onboarding and faster integration of new employees when they transition from students to full-time workers. 

T Levels offer substantial advantages to both businesses and learners. By providing industry placements to T Level learners, employers can help shape a skilled and job-ready workforce, reduce recruitment costs, introduce fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, enhance productivity, create a talent pipeline, contribute to corporate social responsibility, and align with government initiatives. 

The positive impact of T Levels on businesses is a win-win scenario, benefiting both employers and the future workforce. Encouraging more employers to pledge to have T Level learners on placement with them is not just a sound business decision but also a valuable investment in the growth and prosperity of industries and communities. 

Throughout the month of November, we have set ourselves the challenge of receiving 150 T Level pledges from business owners and employers just like you. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to change the future of your business through an industry placement - click here to find out more. 

We look forward to working with you! 

Dave Crew, Head of Business Growth & Employer Partnerships 

Meet Jess from VADO! Jess completed her Leadership and Management Apprenticeship with Weston College and received top honours at the Weston College Business Awards. She was named Leadership and Management Apprentice of the Year and Overall Apprentice of the Year. Learn more about her story below...

"I really enjoyed my apprenticeship journey; it opened a world of opportunities to me. The modules were broken down clearly and this made it manageable. Once I had set up a structure to how I would complete each module I could really commit and throw myself into it! The whole experience was a highlight, even modules that I did not think I would enjoy as much actually turned out to be some of my favourites, I love to learn and understand, and this apprenticeship was right up my street.

The knowledge and skills I gained during my apprenticeship were transformative, both personally and professionally. I delved deep into the nuances of being a manager, understanding the various facets of leadership, and mastering the art of emotional intelligence. These newfound skills didn’t just stay confined to my coursework; they became an integral part of my managerial approach. 

I applied these skills to navigate complex situations, manage change effectively, and foster a positive work environment. The project management skills I acquired proved instrumental, especially when I transitioned to a new team. Every lesson learned, every theory grasped, and every skill acquired became a stepping stone, propelling me toward my goal of senior management within VADO. I was promoted at the end of my course and the skills I developed have helped me make this transition, I am still learning but it has given me a great foundation overall to make that step further and continue to develop. 

Balancing work and study was undoubtedly challenging at first however, with time and determination, I discovered a rhythm that worked seamlessly for me. Having a supportive network made this balancing act much easier. The unwavering support from my manager, Michelle, and my tutor, Greg, played a pivotal role in shaping my learning experience. Michelle’s hands-on approach and dedication, coupled with Greg’s mentorship, guided me through the intricacies of the course. Their understanding and encouragement allowed me the time and space I needed to excel in both my work and studies. 

I was incredibly fortunate and humbled to be nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards. Winning the award was beyond my wildest dreams! I owe this achievement to the incredible people around me at VADO and Weston College. To be recognised as the overall learner of the year left me speechless.

Reflecting on my journey, my advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple: go for it! The knowledge and confidence I have gained on this journey have been amazing. This experience has not only helped me build great relationships within VADO but has also opened doors to endless possibilities. Weston College made the entire experience easy, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity."

If you're interested in the leadership & management opportunities available at Weston College, click here!

Following the success of last year’s ‘Phobia’ Halloween event collaboration at Puxton Park, Further and Higher Education learners from Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) have collaborated with the Park to design and apply makeup to the 40 learner actors per night! The event ran from 21st - 28th October 2023, and had many haunted attractions including a Haunted Tractor Ride, Dolls House, Asylum, Freak Show, and The Dark Wood.

The impeccable hair and makeup were crafted by learners from Weston College's Hair and Makeup for Fashion and Media, Hair, Makeup, and Special Effects for Film and Theatre, and students from University Centre Weston on the BA (Hons) Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics for Production. The transformation of actors into creatures of the night is a testament to the dedication and skill of the makeup artists, adding to the immersive experience that "Phobia" offers.

The learners from the Performing Arts department utilised their impressive acting skills to strike fear into the hearts of those brave enough to enter. Dressed in scary costumes and adorned with hair and makeup that was nothing short of spectacular, these actors made sure that the Phobia Event lived up to its name. Puxton Park's Marketing Manager, Grace Harvey, expressed her excitement about the event:

"Phobia is an exciting opportunity for all of us here at Puxton Park. Not only has it allowed us to welcome a wider range of visitors, but it also provided us the chance to collaborate with the exceptionally talented teams at Weston College and UCW. We have been impressed by the high level of professionalism and skills these students possess. Their passion and enthusiasm in their respective fields have truly shined, and we were thrilled to see their hard work come to life during the event."

This is the third year that Puxton Park has worked collaboratively with the College on this event and the students' remarkable talent continues to amaze year after year, taking the makeup designs to a whole new, spine-chilling level.

In addition to the spine-tingling performances, the Music department from Weston College also played a role in enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event, with student bands keeping visitors entertained.

Sandra Bull, Assistant Principal – Curriculum, commented “The professionalism and quality of work displayed by each learner working at ‘Phobia’ has been incredible – they have been an absolute asset to Weston College and UCW.

“I would like to thank Puxton Park for welcoming us back for another year and being so supportive to our learners – we can’t wait for next year!”

Phobia has been an incredible opportunity for Puxton Park and Weston College to collaborate again, creating an exciting, immersive Halloween experience for visitors from all around the area. This industry event experience forms part of both the Music and Hair & Beauty Careers Excellence Hub. The College Group has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which support 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. This partnership with Puxton has provided these students with a platform to showcase their talent and skills and is a shining example of how businesses and educational institutions can work together to create something extraordinary and mutually beneficial.

My name is Richard Perks, and I am a professional chef living in Canada with my family! 

I started my career at Weston College, completing the NVQ1-2 Professional Catering course from 2001-2003, which helped me lay the foundation of cooking basics. I had an interest in catering from a young age as my father and grandmother are both very good cooks, and I enjoyed cooking with them as a child. I made the decision to study at Weston College as I wanted to develop this passion into a career, and I knew Weston would give me the best opportunity to turn my dream into a reality. Furthermore, I knew Weston would have the best catering department in the local area, including top-of-the-range facilities and incredible teachers. 

Through the course at Weston College, I was lucky enough to travel to Italy for work experience. My time in Italy went so well that I was asked to stay and continue the work I was doing for Massimo Spigaroli, who was known as the ‘Italian Salami King’. Through my work for Massimo, I attended an Italian university and studied traditional Italian cuisine. Just before graduating from this university, I was sent to a Michelin starred restaurant for work experience. After graduation I went on to work for Corrado Azensa (the pastry chef featured in season 4, episode 2 of ‘Chef’s Table Pastry’ on Netflix). 

After living in Sicily and working for Corrado for a year and a half, I moved to Hong Kong for 6 months to work at an Italian restaurant. I enjoyed Hong Kong; it was certainly different than living in Sicily. After a short stint in Hong Kong, I moved back to Italy for a few more years under Massimo in Parma. 

I then returned to the UK and lived and worked in London for a Michelin restaurant as well as working under Head Chef Malcolm Campbell for a short period. Malcolm Campbell is now a top chef in Canada and a good family friend of ours.  

I then moved to Australia, and I was Senior Sous Chef in one of a top 10 restaurant in Western Australia. I then met my wife and moved to Canada after 7 years in Perth. Since I've been in Canada, I have worked at Pinestone Golf Club as a job during the pandemic. From there I moved out to Nova Scotia to work at Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs, which are both in the top 10 public golf courses in the whole of North America.  

From there, I have taken an Executive Chef role in a very good private school, just outside of Toronto. We serve a Marche-Style service to 1000 people a day. From homemade lasagne and pizza all the way to sushi bars. The change of pace is due to being a father to two very young children and looking for the right work-life balance. Since being at the school I have reached the Canadian Chefs Cup final two years running; I came 5th in my first year and last year I placed 3rd. I will be running again this year, hoping to place 1st. 

My favourite part of working as a chef is the opportunity it provides to travel the world and experience so many different cultures and foods. If I had decided to enter into a different industry, I would not have had the incredible experiences I’ve had! 

I have had so many highlights in my career and I could never pick just one, but a favourite from recent years has been competing in the Canada Chefs Cup. In my personal life though, raising my two children and being the best father I can be, is the most important part. 

My start at Weston College really set the precedent for the rest of my career; being able to travel abroad for work experience in my first two years of studying inspired me to continue travelling the world and resulted in my extremely successful career so far. I can’t wait to see where it takes me next! 

Find out about our Catering & Hospitality courses, here!

Weston College is taking on Movember headfirst! This year, the staff body is encouraged to take part in as much physical exercise and activity as possible.  

Movember is a world-famous charity dedicated to tackling men’s health problems including, mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Movember has been active since 2003, with five million people having participated in this time.  

Movember remembers the 60 men lost to suicide globally, every hour, and therefore, the College is launching a challenge for the organization's staff to collectively accumulate 60,000 minutes of exercise throughout November.  

The idea behind this initiative is to demonstrate the profound influence of regular exercise on both physical and mental health. With increasing concerns about men's well-being, including high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, the College aims to raise awareness of these issues and provide access to anyone looking to increase their day-to-day physical activity. 

As part of this endeavour, two of our Vice Principals, Ben Knocks and Gary Durant will commit to exercising for 60 minutes daily for the entire 30 days in November, contributing a total of 1,800 minutes each. Weston College will be encouraging all its staff to contribute to these 60,000 minutes by recording any physical activity that they complete during November. Any form of exercise is encouraged; from high-intensity workouts such as running or cycling, to low-impact activities such as a leisurely walk with friends, engaging in chair aerobics, or taking a gentle swim. 

The College will through its own staff teams will be facilitating taster sessions for staff to participate in, including football, gym inductions, netball and others. Ben and Gary will also be taking part in a number of student activities, such as five-a-side football with students from the Faculty of Inclusive Practice, as well as them hosting a staff HIIT workout on Tuesday 21st at the Health and Active Living Skills Centre with the goal of getting 60 members of staff together to complete 60 minutes of circuit training exercise. 

Weston College staff will also be encouraged to take part in a range of taster sessions for different types of exercise with inductions and introductions to ease any apprehension that staff may have about a new form of exercise. This initiative serves to raise awareness about mental health and highlight the positive impact that movement and exercise can have on both the body and mind. 

The College is looking forward to seeing the strong efforts of our staff towards this endeavour.