A Weston College sponsored racing driver, Roger Orgee Jr, has won a dramatic showdown in the final race of the 2016 Castle Combe Formula Ford Championship.

The race started well with Roger trailing rival Michael Moyers for the first lap until an accident caused a red flag race stoppage and the grid lined up for a restart. To win the championship, Roger needed to either win or finish just behind Michael.

At the restart the front row drivers both made poor starts and Roger was fourth and Michael directly behind in fifth.

Michael tried to pass Roger during the first lap, but misjudged his braking distance and crashed into the back of Roger’s car, spinning him round and damaging his own car so badly that he was out of the race.

Roger dived into the pits to have a damage check, the car was running but looked unsafe to continue when it was confirmed that Michael was out and Roger was champion.

Next year Roger is hoping to move up to racing sports cars, already having had the opportunity to test a works Porsche Carrera and a Ginetta GT4.

Weston College’s motorsport study programme provides students with the opportunity to work with Formula Ford race mechanics in the College workshops and trackside, and helps to get them involved with the local racing circuit.

In 2015, Roger Orgee Racing’s second car, a Van Diemen RF02, was repaired at the College’s South West Skills Campus following a collision at Silverstone race course.

Roger Orgee Racing can also offer our learners unique opportunities to attend racing events and meet industry professionals.

Weston College is working with GKN Aerospace in Filton to develop a new course which prepares young people to become work ready.

The free course, titled ‘Movement into Work’, is a traineeship which lasts 10 weeks and is aimed at people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are (or are at risk of becoming) unemployed and not in education.

It includes a mix of on-the-job work experience in the GKN engineering workshops and employability skills development, and will help young people to gain the skills they need to progress onto an apprenticeship, further training, and the workplace, particularly in the Engineering industry.

The trainees will be based at the GKN Filton site for the full ten week programme, attending five days a week, with training provided by both GKN staff and Weston College tutors.

Gary Durant, Weston College’s Traineeship Coordinator, said: “This traineeship is a fantastic opportunity which could unlock career and apprenticeship opportunities for many young people.

“GKN has always traditionally recruited the highest performing young people onto its Weston College-delivered apprenticeships, and these traineeships will allow them to diversify their intake as well as providing young people with training and experience that will improve their chances of employment.”

The traineeship starts on the 15th of May 2017. If you would like to find out more, contact Weston College’s Business Enterprise Centre by calling 01934 411 594 or emailing apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk.

Weston College has welcomed students from a number of local secondary schools on an enrichment project to give them a taste of the hospitality industry.

Students from Priory, Worle, Broadoak, and Hans Price schools came to the College over the last four weeks to learn about cooking on a Catering Enrichment Project set up by the College’s school partnerships team.

The project came to a close with a large celebration, where the students cooked a full three-course meal for their family and teachers in Weston College’s Grove Training Restaurant. Over the duration of the project, they were guided and taught by Weston College staff who have helped them find out what it’s really like to work in the industry.

The students cooked a delicious meal consisting of soup to start, followed by chicken chasseur, and then chocolate brownie for dessert. They all worked together as a team to produce the meal, as they would in a real-life restaurant.

Sandra Bull, Area Manager of Hair, Beauty, Hospitality and Catering at Weston College, said: “We are always excited to welcome budding young chefs into the College! As our facilities are all commercial standard, it’s an excellent opportunity for them to get a real feel for what working in the industry is actually like.

“The hospitality and catering industry is growing so quickly that it’s important to show young people how enjoyable and fulfilling a career in the industry can be. We offer plenty of courses to help them on their way, too!”

See our full gallery of images below!

A female driver for a Somerset based delivery company has just passed her LGV C driving licence, having been trained through Somax Driver Training, part of the Weston College Group.

Six months ago, Emma Wilson aged 32 from Weston-super-Mare, was a Dispensing Assistant at a Pharmacy and after a chance conversation with a Director of Jays Logistics, she decided to change her career path and joined the company as a van driver.

Emma was then signed up to the government’s trailblazer apprenticeship scheme for Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver, this was done in conjunction with award winning trainers from Backwell based Somax Driver Training. On Monday 19th March 2018, Emma passed her LGV C driving test with only four minors.

The transport and logistics industry is heavily male orientated and the training required makes it seem expensive to get into, but across the UK there is a shortage of around 50,000 HGV drivers. With companies like Jays Logistics, in partnership with Somax and Weston College, offering many ways to get into the industry from warehouse, driving and office apprenticeships, this could be set to change.

Paul Phillips, Operations Director at Jays Logistics, said: “When Emma joined us in October 2017 we both took a leap of faith, Emma had never driven anything bigger than a Fiat 500!

“However, we took a chance; Emma took an initial drop in wages for the potential future earnings and a career doing something she enjoys.

“In five months Emma has learnt the ropes and has been driving a 4m Sprinter since her start, her confidence has soared, she is a well-liked, valuable and hardworking member of the team.”

A former Weston College student has successfully completed his police training and is now serving as a police officer. We caught up with the former ‘Certificate in Knowledge of Policing’ student to find out what it’s like to become a police officer and also get his top tips!

How did the ‘Certificate in Knowledge of Policing’ course prepare you to become a police officer?

“The course at Weston College provides students with an understanding of the main pieces of legislation that a lot of police work revolves around (Police and criminal evidence act, Theft act etc.).

“The course gave me a head start on the industry, as when I started training I wasn’t having to learn everything from scratch and could instead focus more in solidifying my understanding.

“I was also very fortunate to have two ex-officers teach the course in the form of a retired Detective Inspector and a retired Chief Inspector. The knowledge they were able to pass on to me was invaluable. They were also both kind enough to help me with my application as well so credit has to go to them in helping me get where I am now.”

What did the training entail?

“The training lasted for 17 weeks and was Monday to Friday 9-5. It was predominantly classroom based, however there were practical role play days and officer safety days. These consisted of learning vital skills such as handcuffing, restraints and how to use our safety kit such as PAVA spray.”

What advice would you give to any students that are thinking of following a similar route?

“The advice I would give is to jump in and do it! The training can be tough and it seems to last for a really long time, but it is ever so worth it as the job is stressful but very rewarding.

“One of the most important things to do before applying is do your research. Doing the CKP (Certificate in Knowledge of Policing) is a good way of getting a flavour of what you’re applying for and demonstrates your commitment when it comes to applying for roles.

“Also consider going on ride-alongs or applying for the Special Constabulary first. The main thing though is to not get disheartened if you don’t get accepted first time of applying. If it’s a career you are serious about following then you are going to need perseverance and commitment in order to get in.”

What is your favourite thing about being a police officer?

“The unpredictability of the job is something that I find particularly exciting. The best thing though, as cheesy as it sounds, is being able to make a difference to people’s lives and having the ability to help people when they need it most.”

Why do you think students should study the CKP course at Weston College?

“I studied at Knightstone Campus and the facilities really are great. I don’t live local to the College and had to travel in, but it is really accessible from the M5 motorway.

“Weston College are really lucky to have ex-officers teach this course, and I think this is a real advantage that helps prepare you for what is to come. The staff are extremely helpful and always willing to sort out any issues that may arise.”

The ‘Certificate in Knowledge of Policing’ course lasts 14 weeks and will help to prepare you for recruitment as a Police Constable in England or Wales. It is also relevant to roles within the Criminal Justice Sector.

If you would like to follow in this police officers footsteps, you can find out more information on the course here.

Weston College has made it into the prestigious Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list.

The College was the highest ranked College in the list and was placed 28th in the not-for-for profit category in the whole of the UK.

The Sunday Times 100 list is regarded as the Oscars of employee engagement. The 2019 places were announced at a glitzy awards ceremony held at the Battersea Evolution, London on Wednesday 20th February.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “To be included in such a prestigious roll of honour at the Sunday Times 100 List is a major achievement and testament to the emphasis we place on putting our staff at the heart of the business.

“Employee engagement and investment are among our highest priorities. This award reflects those priorities, as well as the commitment and dedication our people give us in return.

"Being recognised at UK level is hugely rewarding and we will continue to work hard to support our employees both personally and professionally.”

The College won a place in the list after a comprehensive staff survey carried out by ‘Best Companies’, who compile the Sunday Times List. The survey gathered the views of Weston College employees across eight key factors including wellbeing, pay and benefits, personal growth and the strength of leadership at the College.

Organisations in the not-for-profit category must employ at least 50 employees, and achieve one of the highest 100 highest survey scores in the category. They must also be either a charity, an organisation set up for community benefit, a public sector organisation, or a Community Interest Company (CIC).

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

The Wessex Academy of Performing Arts (WAPA) at the College has welcomed two visiting lecturers from one of the entertainment capitals of the world, Las Vegas.

Michael Lugering, Professor of Acting, and Louis Kavouras, Professor of Dance, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), spent two days running specialist master classes for students on Foundation Degrees in Performing Arts and Musical Theatre, run in partnership with Bath Spa University, as part of a recently launched collaborative performance project between WAPA and UNLV.

The project involves a number of staff exchanges, along with the sharing of workshops via platforms including Skype, Facetime and YouTube. This will culminate in a unique joint performance in two different time zones via Skype in April 2015 which will be televised across the USA.

The partnership between the two institutions will also potentially provide students with the opportunity to study in Las Vegas, and students from UNLV will be joining WAPA students to perform at Move It! 2015, a large national dance event in London.

Beau Coleman, 22, is studying the BA (Hons) in Performing Arts. She said: “The workshops have been really interesting. My favourite part was breaking down the aspects of a movement and learning how emotions influence movements. I think this partnership is going to be fantastic for the future students, and everyone is really excited about it already.”

Michael Lugering said: “We’ve loved working with the fantastic staff and students in the wonderful spaces they have available to them here at Weston College. It was very important for us to come and have a face-to-face interaction with them in a real space. Our challenge going forward will be to maintain the connection we have built once we return to the States. I am hopeful though that the power of performance will transcend the physical distance.”

The workshops run by Michael and Louis form part of a suite of workshops organised by WAPA and run by visiting professionals, including:

• Tim Richards who teaches the MA in Musical Theatre at Royal Welsh College in Cardiff
• Dr Ed Blake, a leading physiotherapist from Harley Street, who came to talk about the physiology of the voice and specific medical disorders relating to the vocal organs
• Joe Miller, Resident Director for Spirit Productions, who came to teach choreographies for the shows WAPA take on tour

WAPA maintains many close links with employers and professionals, and students will continue to benefit from the embedding of such workshops within the degree courses run at Weston College.