We’re thrilled to announce that Kirsty Woods, our Apprenticeship Strategic Accounts Manager, was nominated for an award in the 'Allies and Influence' category at the National Federation of Builders Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards! Nominated by a supportive (and secret!) employer, Kirsty's recognition places her among the top 100 women influencers in the industry.

This nomination recognises individuals who are actively championing Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity through their actions. Since joining Weston College in 2022, Kirsty has made a tremendous impact, leveraging her industry connections to enhance opportunities for our learners. Her favourite aspect of her role is organising key industry events and creating progression pathways that directly support our construction students.

Congratulations, Kirsty! We’re absolutely delighted to see your hard work and dedication being recognised and celebrated!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

Weston College is proud to welcome back two of its former Protective Services students, Dionne and Cameron, who have recently embarked on exciting careers as Emergency Care Assistants (ECAs) within the ambulance service. The pair will be returning to the college to inspire the latest cohort of students, sharing their experiences and insights into the dynamic and life-saving world of emergency care. 

Dionne and Cameron, who both studied our Protective Services program, have seamlessly transitioned into the ambulance service after completing their training. As Emergency Care Assistants, they play a crucial role in providing urgent medical support and assisting paramedics in emergency situations—a career path that showcases the diverse opportunities available through our protective services provision. 

Their visit marks a special opportunity for current students to gain real-world perspectives on careers within the healthcare sector, and particularly within emergency medical services. As Dionne and Cameron recounted their journeys from the classroom to the frontline, they offered invaluable advice, inspiration, and practical tips to those considering a career in public service. 

“Dionne and Cameron came into college to introduce this year’s cohort to the interesting and invigorating world of the ambulance service”, said David Beresford, Head of Protective Services “demonstrating yet another rewarding career path stemming from our Protective Services provision.” 

We are proud to offer a curriculum that equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue meaningful and impactful careers across multiple sectors. Protective Services students, in particular, benefit from an education that fosters resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork—qualities essential in high-pressure careers such as the ambulance service. 

Dionne and Cameron’s return not only highlights the varied career paths available through our courses but also underscores our commitment to developing future professionals who make a real difference in their communities. 

This guest visit forms part of the Protective Services 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.  

Interested in our Protective Services courses? Click here. 

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming 10 employers to our Construction T Level Employer Event with our Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning students. The employers in attendance included:

• AWW 
• GMI Construction 
• Beard Construction 
• St. Modwen Homes
• Bowmer and Kirkland 
• Willmott Dixon 
• Mode Consult 
• MJ Church 
• Stride Treglown 
• Fortem

The event provided an excellent opportunity for our learners to engage directly with local employers who are offering placements, whilst gaining valuable insights into the progression opportunities that can arise from completing the 315-hour industry placement.

The day kicked off with a series of 10-minute presentations from each employer, giving them the chance to showcase their offerings, while students identified the employers they were most eager to connect with.

Following the presentations, students ranked their top three employers, leading to a number of 10-minute speed interviews. These interviews allowed learners to directly speak with prospective placement providers, while employers had the opportunity to engage with potential future talent.

The event was a great success and provided immense value to our learners. A huge thank you to all employers who joined us and contributed to making the day so impactful!

To find out more about our Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning T Level, click here.

Weston College is proud to announce its continued recognition as a Microsoft Showcase School for the sixth consecutive year (2024-2025), marking half a decade of collaboration with Microsoft and commitment to educational excellence. This prestigious honour places the College in an elite global group of institutions that lead the way in educational innovation, emphasising the longstanding relationship we’ve cultivated with Microsoft and our community.

The ongoing recognition as a Microsoft Showcase School is a significant achievement for the entire Weston College community. Learners will continue to benefit from ongoing access to cutting-edge educational technologies and global best practices. This accreditation reinforces the College’s commitment to developing skills vital for today’s workforce, ensuring our students are well-prepared for future careers in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

For our staff, this recognition offers sustained access to a global network of educators, providing opportunities to exchange ideas, collaborate on forward-thinking teaching strategies, and pursue continued professional development. Weston College’s staff will benefit from ongoing access to Microsoft’s exclusive tools and resources, including the 2024-2025 Showcase School Badge, social media templates, and the Worldwide Educator Community Team, further enriching their teaching and learning experiences.

Louise Pratten, Head of the Digital Education Team, expressed pride in the College’s continued success: "Being recognised as a Microsoft Showcase School for the sixth year in a row is a tremendous honour for Weston College. This achievement not only highlights our enduring commitment to delivering future-focused education but also empowers our staff and learners with top-tier technological tools and global collaboration opportunities. We’re excited to continue sharing our educational journey with other educational organisations worldwide."

As part of the ongoing Microsoft Showcase School programme, Weston College will continue exploring innovative ways to integrate technology into teaching and learning.

With access to a wealth of resources, Weston College is well-positioned to advance its mission of providing a transformative and inclusive learning experience. This ongoing recognition underscores our unwavering dedication to harnessing technology to create dynamic, impactful learning environments for all.

This October, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month by honouring the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black communities. As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, we are not only focusing on this important month but also standing for equality and justice all year round. 

The theme for 2024 is "Reclaiming Narratives," a call to action to actively stand against racism by amplifying marginalised voices. Through this theme, we aim to create a future rooted in equality and justice, supporting the empowerment of those historically under-represented. 

Event Spotlight: Black History Month Annual Forum 

As part of this year’s celebration, Louise invites students, staff, and the wider public to attend the Black History Month Annual Forum in Weston-Super-Mare on Thursday, 17th October, from 4-8pm. This event, hosted in collaboration with Race Equality North Somerset, is designed to uplift the local community and advance anti-racism through powerful stories and discussions. 

What to Expect at the Forum: 

1. Engaging Speakers: Hear from experts on topics including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EDI), sports, health, well-being, intersectionality, and entrepreneurship. 
2. Community-driven Change: Get involved in discussions that push for meaningful progress and real impact. 
3. Networking & Performances: Connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy spoken word and musical performances. 

We invite everyone to join in celebrating Black history, get involved in community-driven change, and contribute to the ongoing fight for equality. Together, we can create a future that reflects justice and inclusion every day. 

How to Get Involved: Attend the Black History Month Annual Forum on 17th October. To secure your place or learn more, please visit Black History Month Annual Forum WSM 2024 'Reclaiming Narratives' and show your support by donating here!  

This incredible event is free and open to all. 

Weston College welcomed over 700 local people to the Winter Gardens, for their first open event of the year, What Next?

A key date in the calendar, ‘What Next?’ is one of the biggest events of the year, showcasing so many opportunities for year 11 students, and this year’s event did not disappoint.

Attendees had the opportunity to find out more about their potential career pathway; from meeting Weston College staff from all faculties, to speaking with a wide range of employers.

Some of the employers that attended the event included Bristol Airport, Thatchers, Lloyds Bank, the Royal Air Force, the Military of Defence and many, many more. They chatted to the students and parents about what they had to offer and discussed the opportunities and career prospects available to them in their line of work. 

One employer, Thatchers, offers great talent programmes and apprenticeships for students in multiple different areas to broaden their skillsets and encourage them to pursue their careers.

Thatchers Head of Talent Development, Stephen Penfold, said ‘Weston College has put on a fantastic, showcase event which gives us, as employers, the opportunity to speak to young people about how they develop their careers and inform them about our wonderful opportunities at Thatchers.

For young people, it gives them the chance to understand what direction they may want to take their careers in, but it also gives them the chance to speak to real people and really bond with businesses and colleges alike.

The world is growing and evolving and the opportunities for them have grown immensely over the last few years, so giving showcase events like ‘What Next?’ really gives them the chance to engage across all levels, talk to people, and think about opportunities, but also realise what they don’t want to do that they originally thought they did. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us, and for them.’

Not only did the event offer amazing employers, but also outlined each of the Weston College Careers Excellence Hubs to give students a better understanding of what the different courses have to offer. Whether you fancied Early Years, Creative Arts, Construction or Engineering, or any other course for that matter, there were a bunch of lecturers at each stall to provide you with all the information you need and answer any queries you may have had. 

If that wasn’t enough, there were even bookable Inspire Talks available for a more in-depth discussion about specific pathways such as A Levels, T Levels, Supported Internships (SEND), Apprenticeships and Traineeships, and Professional and Vocational courses. These talks outlined the key information regarding the chosen area, and also opened the floor to the participants by answering any questions at the end. These talks were extremely popular and helped students and parents gain a better understanding of what they can expect when they start college next September. 

Overall, ‘What Next?’ was an outstanding event filled with a range of interesting curriculum and professional opportunities for young adults to browse and discuss their future.  

Weston College’s next open event is taking place across all campuses on 9th October, you can book your place, by clicking here.

Weston College is delighted to announce the signing of a Heads of Terms agreement with Airbus, marking a significant milestone in the creation of the 'Manufacturing, Technology and Skills Centre' at Airbus’ Filton site. This pioneering collaboration aims to bolster the Aerospace and Defence talent pipelines in the region, strengthening the South West as a hub for advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. 

The new Centre will serve as a focal point for education, training, and skills development, leveraging the expertise of both Weston College and Airbus, along with other hallmark employers in the region. The initiative is set to provide state-of-the-art training facilities and industry-aligned programmes, ensuring that the local workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to meet the evolving demands of the Aerospace and Defence sectors. 

Alex Warner, Deputy Principal of Weston College, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "This partnership with Airbus represents a transformative opportunity for our students and the wider community. The Manufacturing, Technology and Skills Centre will not only enhance the skill set of our current workforce but also inspire the next generation of engineers, technicians, and innovators. We are proud to be at the forefront of this exciting venture with Airbus." 

Simon Galpin, Airbus Head of Filton Site commented, “What a privilege to be partnering with Weston College and the West of England Institute of Technology to further enhance regional training for the Aerospace and High Value Engineering sectors in North Bristol. Supporting the growth of the UK’s aerospace and manufacturing industry is a key priority which will be achieved by drawing on our collective expertise.” 

The Centre will offer a range of courses and apprenticeships, designed in consultation with industry experts to ensure they meet the needs of employers. This includes hands-on training with cutting-edge technology, providing students with real-world experience that is directly applicable to their future careers. 

The Heads of Terms agreement sets the framework for the partnership. Weston College and Airbus have now moved even further forward by entering an 'Early Access Agreement' meaning that work will be starting on site in Filton this month, with the first intake of students anticipated in the following academic year. 

Welcome to Thatchers Farm

Down on the family farm we are all slightly obsessed perfectionists, making cider with nothing but love. That’s why we don’t just grow 8 types of apple, we grow 458, and turning those juicy apples into a refreshing pint of cider is a craft we’ve have spent four generations perfecting.

As a family company, we’ve have been working in partnership with nature for 120-years. From planting new orchards using regenerative farming methods, to enhancing biodiversity with wildflower areas – or even building a 4m high, 5-star hotel for nature in an acre of wildlife haven, we’re committed to looking after the land around us.

Now, as we enter our fifth generation of cider makers, and with a business firmly rooted in nature and the environment, we’re constantly thinking about future generations. We know that if we want to be here in another 120 years, we need to take care of the environment and our people today.

Looking after the environment

We’ve planted over 158,000 trees since 2010 and will plant 13,000 more next year. We’ve added beehives to every orchard, and with help from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, we’ve made sure our orchards are bee friendly.

Every one of our ciders is made using 100% renewable electricity including power from the 3,500 solar panels on Myrtle Farm. Even the apple left over once the juice is squeezed is turned into green energy or used to feed local cows.

In the mill, new technology has just been installed which captures all the CO2 created in the fermentation process which is then used as bubbles in the cider.

We’re constantly reviewing our packaging too, from being the first to replace plastic rings with sustainably sourced card in 2016, to using lighter cans and saving the equivalent of a whopping 5.9m cans a year. We’ve even changed the way we wash our kegs and fruit, reusing and recycling water to save consumption, and have switched to electric forklifts and LED lights.

We’ve recently opened a new warehouse that is fully automated. That means work can happen in the dark and under one roof, delivering great efficiencies and power savings. It has also reduced vehicles movements.

The next generation

Planning for future sustainability doesn’t stop with the environment. We also need the right people with the right mindsets to ensure we’re here for another 120 years.

It’s why our apprenticeship programme is so important. It’s where we grow the future skills, talent and behaviours that we’ll need as we go forward.

Pairing with Weston College allows us to really focus on local, young talent. It means we can grow young careers alongside the business and the local economy. And as we move into the next generation, with Eleanor Thatcher recently releasing her first cider in Juicy Apple, our new apprentices will grow alongside her too.

Weston College Aims to Support All Students Through Upcoming Changes 

Weston College would like to let all prospective students and their parents/carers know about recent developments regarding qualification reforms that could impact course availability for the academic year starting in September 2025. 

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a review of qualifications, including BTECs and other applied general qualifications, with the goal of enhancing the overall quality of options available to young people and adults. This review may lead to changes in the courses offered from September 2025, and as such, the final list of qualifications may not be confirmed until December 2024. 

What you need to know:

• Course applications: we encourage all prospective students to continue applying for the courses they are interested in. Weston College is closely monitoring the situation and will communicate updates as soon as the review is complete.
• Communication updates: we will keep all students and parents informed of any changes through direct communications, our website, and social media channels. Students who have applied by the review's conclusion will be notified immediately. 
• Impact of the government review: while the review may result in some qualifications no longer being available, Weston College is preparing for all outcomes. We remain committed to offering a range of qualifications that will meet your needs and help you achieve your career goals. 

We understand that this period of uncertainty may cause some disruption, but Weston College is fully prepared to adapt to any changes resulting from the Government’s review. 

We are confident that we will continue to provide students with high-quality qualifications and the right pathways to success, regardless of the outcome. For more detailed information about qualification reforms, please click here. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Weston College is committed to supporting you every step of the way in your educational journey, please do get in touch if you have any further questions, or chat to our School Liaison Team who will be visiting schools throughout the term, or you can pop along to our open events, find out the next date by clicking here.