Our level 2 and level 3 Public Services learners recently had the amazing opportunity to visit HMS Raleigh!  

HMS Raleigh is a Royal Navy training establishment in Torpoint near Plymouth, comprising of over 239 acres of land. This site is where ratings from all branches of the Royal Navy receive their 10-week Initial Naval Training, making this the perfect place for students to visit to find out more about Navy life.  

A wide range of training is provided by the site including the Military Training Unit, the Board and Search Training School, the Royal Navy Submarine School, the Royal Navy School of Seamanship, and the School of Maritime Survival. Training is provided to as many as 2200 people on the site!  

Our students were introduced to the fitness requirements required for the Royal Navy with exercises performed in the onsite gymnasium. Fitness instructors demonstrated the strict training regimes that recruits go through, emphasising the importance of staying in peak physical condition. 

Students were also given an introduction to the Submarine Service. They gained insights into the advanced technology and complex operations that submariners experience. The Royal Navy personnel shared their experiences, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and attention to detail, which are crucial in submarine missions. 

Finally, students had the chance to see a demonstration of the firefighting specialisation at the base. They witnessed the courage and precision required to combat onboard blazes in naval vessels. Royal Navy instructors showcased their firefighting skills and the specialized equipment used during emergencies at sea. 

Student Honey said “the fire fighting demo was exhilarating. The whole day opened my eyes to the Royal Navy." 

This trip 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.

To find out more about public services courses, click here.

Makaton tutor, Ali, recently spent the afternoon delivering an ‘Introduction to Makaton’ workshop to Health & Social Care learners and staff. For learners looking to go into a career in the Health & Social Care industry, the ability to communicate effectively is not merely an advantage but a necessity in providing the best possible care and support for clients and patients. 

During the training, participants learned the core principles and elements of Makaton, including basic signs and symbols. Ali seamlessly integrated practical exercises and role-playing scenarios into the session, enabling attendees to put their newfound knowledge into practice immediately. This hands-on approach not only made the learning experience engaging but also helped cement the understanding of Makaton's application in real-life situations. 

The feedback from the learners was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to expand their communication skills and a newfound enthusiasm for incorporating Makaton into their daily routines. Participants eagerly embraced the chance to receive a certificate for attending Ali's training session, acknowledging the commitment they made to improving their communication skills. 

Lecturer, Louise, shared her appreciation for Ali's dedication and passion. She stated, "Thank you, Ali, for your dedication and passion. You have left a lasting impact on our learners, and I am confident that you will continue to inspire and empower others wherever you go." Louise's sentiments perfectly capture the sentiment of everyone who had the privilege of attending Ali's Introduction to Makaton. 

This  guest speaker forms part of the Health and Social Care 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.

Collaboration with industry professionals like Ali is undoubtedly crucial for students and professionals in the fields of Health & Social Care. These partnerships bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for the multifaceted challenges they will face in their future roles. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and social care, effective communication is paramount, and Ali's Introduction to Makaton has proven to be a valuable step in the right direction. 

Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. 

We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. 

In this workplace, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employees ability to succeed. 

Notes: 

1. Race-based hair discrimination is illegal under the Equalities Act 2010. Workplaces have the right to enforce a dress code as long as it is fair and does not unduly discriminate against any staff. Policies and practices that prohibit hairstyles which are primarily used to maintain Afro-textured hair can lead to indirect discrimination. 
2. The Halo Code focuses on hair textures and styles most commonly associated with the Black community. The term Black has historically been used as a racial and political label. Here, we use it to refer to members of the African diaspora, including those with mixed heritage, who as a result of their ancestry have Afro-textured hair. 
3. The Halo Code is a gender neutral policy. 
4. In order to embody the sprit of The Halo Code, all staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with different Afro-textured hairstyles and their cultural significance, and to avoid labelling Afro-textured hair with terms such as messy, unprofessional, or inappropriate. 
5. The Halo Code does not prevent workplaces from issuing additional guidance around Afro-texture hair and protective styles if applied consistently across all students and staff, including: 
6. That head wraps and scarves should reflect other elements of the uniform code such as the school’s colours. 
7. That hair be tied up for health and safety reasons, such as during sports, science labs, or to avoid trip hazards. 
8. That hair colour is reflective of wider school uniform policy. 

About the Halo Collective: 

We are an alliance of organisations and individuals working to create a future without hair discrimination, founded by young Black organisers from The Advocacy Academy. 

Race-based hair discrimination has been illegal in the UK since the the Equalities Act became law in 2010, and yet it still happens all the time. 

For too long, Black people have been told that our hair textures and hairstyles are inappropriate, unattractive, and unprofessional. We’ve been suspended from school, held back in our careers, and made to feel inferior by racist policies and attitudes. 

Together, we are fighting for the protection and celebration of Black hair and hairstyles. 

The Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) at NHS Somerset course, a lifeline for many seeking to revamp their professional lives, has been nothing short of a revelation for adult learner Mark. 

Mark's journey with the NHS SWAP course began when he was at the job centre. He stumbled upon a brochure about the program that piqued his interest. Mark recalls, "I was in the job centre and saw the NHS Swap scheme; I spoke to Sarah, and she made me feel at ease and that the NHS would not discriminate against me due to either my age or disability. Sarah convinced me it would be a great opportunity." 

The reassurance provided at the job centre played a pivotal role in Mark's decision to apply for the course. It highlights the inclusive nature of the NHS SWAP course, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. 

Before embarking on this transformative journey, Mark was unemployed and had encountered discrimination in his previous job. The desire for a fresh start, a chance to rebuild his career, and escape discrimination became the driving force behind his decision to participate in the program. 

Mark's experience with the NHS SWAP course has been nothing short of amazing. He credits this success to the support and guidance he received throughout the program. He speaks highly of Niki and Caroline, who were instrumental in his learning experience. "Niki and Caroline were really helpful and supportive, and the content and timings were perfect," Mark says, reflecting the dedication and adaptability of the course coordinators. 

One of the primary goals of the NHS SWAP course is to equip learners with practical skills for their careers. Mark attests to the course's effectiveness in this regard, saying, "So many skills to list, however, I have used various skills in everyday life, and I have no doubt that with my new job, I will be able to utilize many more." The course serves as a springboard for developing new skills and honing existing ones.

When asked about the highlights of the NHS SWAP course, Mark finds it challenging to pinpoint just one. He enthusiastically praises the entire experience, emphasizing the engaging teaching methods, the support he received, and the interactive components like role-play and video presentations. 

Though the course was online, Mark did have his last day in person in Bridgwater which he thoroughly enjoyed. He also had high praise for the teaching and delivery of the course, noting that it was nothing short of superb. 

Mark's participation in the NHS SWAP course has already had a profound impact on his career aspirations. The program has boosted his confidence and motivation to secure a job. Excitingly, Mark reveals, "I'm delighted to say I have now received an offer from Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust." His story is a testament to the life-changing potential of this initiative. 

Mark enthusiastically recommends the NHS SWAP course. He emphasizes the world-class support provided throughout the program, stating, "There is nothing to lose but so very much to gain." Mark's journey, filled with renewed confidence and opportunities, stands as a beacon for those who have been out of work for a long time and need the support and encouragement to succeed. He encourages anyone considering the program to take the leap, as it offers much more than a chance to return to the workforce. 

Mark's story, filled with hope and newfound enthusiasm, is a testament to the remarkable potential of the NHS SWAP course. As Mark sums up, "I only wish I had known about the course earlier, I am so very happy and cannot thank everyone enough for all that this course has done for me." His experience underscores that the NHS SWAP course is a valuable resource for anyone seeking a career change or looking to re-enter the job market, proving that it is indeed the very best available for individuals in his position. 

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.

Weston College recently received a visit from a very special guest! Leroy Rosenior, former West Ham, Fulham, QPR and Bristol City football player visited our Year 2 Media Production students to assist with their Broadcast Journalism project.

Leroy started out in football at Fulham where he was awarded Player of the Year in 1987. Early in his career, he also played for West Ham, Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic. In 1992 Leroy moved to Bristol City where he played 62 times and scored 15 goals between, including one hat-trick!

After retiring from playing, he moved into football management. Leroy has managed a huge range of clubs including Gloucester, Merthyr Tydfil and Torquay United. Our students asked him about his world record, when he left Torquay United after just 10 minutes in charge; giving him the record for the shortest managerial reign in football's league history!

 

 

 

 

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Away from football, Leroy does incredibly important work as an anti-racism campaigner, educating schools and colleges about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. He is an ambassador for the Show Racism the Red Card campaign. Leroy’s work to remove discrimination is so strong that it even earned him an MBE in 2019.

Leroy discussed his book ‘It’s Only Banter’ with students. The book covers hard hitting topics such as bullying, homophobia, misogyny as well as racism. Leroy was able to help students understand the detrimental impact that these issues have on society.

This guest speaker forms part of the Creative Arts 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.

The visit had a strong impact on students, who gained a lot from speaking to someone so interesting and knowledgeable.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Leroy for coming in!

Weston College has been shortlisted as a potential national winner for Access to Higher Education Centre of the Year at the AIM Empowering Futures Awards 2023. 

The AIM Empowering Futures Awards celebrate the achievements of end-point assessment organisations, AIM-recognised centres and employers in the past year.

These inaugural awards will take place during their Empowering Futures Conference on 9 November at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham.

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevern Kerswell, said:

“We’re delighted that for these inaugural awards, we have received so many entries dedicated to celebrating the achievements of AIM’s centres and partners. All the entries are of a really high standard and demonstrate great commitment to supporting and empowering individuals to go on to do amazing things. Congratulations to all finalists. We look forward to celebrating their success as an industry on the 9th of November.”

Weston College’s Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are designed to give learners the skills and qualifications they need to apply for university. It is a well-established, with consistently high pass rates. Programmes start twice a year in September and January and pathways include Animal Science, Business, Criminology, Medical Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery, Social Sciences and Teaching. You can find out about our courses the financial support available, and a video of student experiences on the Access courses here: Access to Higher Education | Weston College.

A delegation from Shanghai Zhiwai Education Technology who are based in China, comprising of Dr. Peter Chen, Joe Jiao, and Ms. Eve Li, recently visited Weston College to explore a multifaceted collaboration. This visit focused on discussing potential partnership opportunities, including joint-college programs, student initiatives, teacher training, curriculum development, and the establishment of the ISAR-Weston Sino-UK Vocational Education Integration Centre.

The discussions between representatives of both institutions covered a wide spectrum of potential collaboration areas, emphasising the mutual commitment to advancing educational opportunities and fostering cross-cultural exchange.

Principal Jacqui Ford, representing Weston College, and Dr. Peter Chen, on behalf of Shanghai Zhiwai Education Technology, formalised their commitment to these collaborative efforts by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing of this MoU symbolises their shared intent to work closely together on these partnership projects, further strengthening the bonds between the institutions.

This promising collaboration signifies a meaningful step towards fostering international cooperation in the field of education, ultimately benefiting students, educators, and the communities they serve.

Both institutions are excited about the potential of this partnership and look forward to realising the numerous opportunities it holds for advancing education and cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and China.

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!