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.  

Weston College is proud to announce that Victoria Williams, a remarkable learner with a unique journey, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Law Student of the Year category at the prestigious Bristol Law Awards. The awards ceremony will take place in November, and Victoria's remarkable story of determination and resilience has captured the attention and admiration of the legal community and beyond.

Victoria's journey to this achievement is nothing short of inspiring. As a survivor of sexual assault, Victoria's first encounter with the justice system fuelled her determination to understand and work within the legal field.

After completing her GCSEs with excellent grades, she chose to work as a waitress in Bath to support her family, particularly her mother, who had been a single working parent to Victoria and her brothers.

Victoria's career in law began when she applied for a role as a conveyancing office junior in Bath. She quickly rose through the ranks and discovered her passion for the conveyancing process. This experience led her to embark on a journey to become a Legal Executive through the CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) qualification. She attended evening classes at a college in Bristol while balancing her responsibilities as a working parent.

Recognising the importance of supporting her own mental health, Victoria sought therapy to work through the emotional toll of her past experiences. She knew that she had a challenging journey ahead but found the strength to persevere with the support of her family.

In 2021, shortly after completing her Level 3 studies, Victoria was appointed Head of a Residential Property Department at her law firm. She took the opportunity to provide training and mentoring to junior conveyancers, demonstrating her passion for sharing legal knowledge and offering support to emerging legal professionals.

Victoria's journey continued as she enrolled in Level 6 studies at Weston College. Motivated by the 'Me Too' movement, she bravely contacted the police to re-open her historical assault case. In early 2023, charges were brought against her assailant.

Recognising the potential impact on her studies, Victoria made the ambitious decision to bring forward her final exams from January 2024 to June 2023 and passed both exams successfully, with just two weeks between the plea hearing and the exams.

Victoria's dedication and determination have resulted in her being shortlisted as a finalist for the Bristol Law Society Law Student of the Year Award. She has courageously waived her right to anonymity to inspire other survivors and demonstrate that academic success is achievable in the face of adversity.

In her own words, Victoria expresses her gratitude: "I am delighted to have been shortlisted as a finalist for the Bristol Law Society Law Student of the Year Award. As a survivor of sexual assault, I have overcome a great deal in my journey to become a qualified lawyer. Juggling study while also working full-time in legal practice is certainly not for the faint-hearted! I am truly grateful to Weston College not only for the nomination but for the fantastic teaching, support, and encouragement they have generously given during my studies. To have my achievements recognised in this way is humbling indeed and motivates me to continue to share my story with the aim of helping other survivors. This last year has been particularly challenging, but with the support of the team at Weston College and my family, colleagues, and mentors, I am proud to have now achieved my Level 6 Diploma in Law and Practice and be in the final stages of becoming a Chartered Legal Executive."

Weston College is proud to celebrate Victoria Williams' remarkable journey and her well-deserved recognition as a finalist in the Law Student of the Year category at the Bristol Law Awards. Her story is an inspiration to all who face challenges and adversity in their pursuit of academic and professional success.

Weston College's sports students were treated to a great opportunity as they welcomed Becky York, a distinguished figure from the Invictus Games, as their guest speaker. The event, saw Becky share her remarkable journey from serving in the Marines to achieving remarkable success in the Invictus Games arena.

Becky York captivated the Level 2 and Level 3 groups with her compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity. Having faced significant challenges, including injury, Becky's story resonated deeply with the students, inspiring them to persevere and strive for excellence in their own endeavours.

Throughout the session, Becky shared invaluable insights into her journey, recounting her path to victory and the obstacles she overcame along the way. Her remarkable achievement of winning three medals at the Invictus Games served as a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.

"We were incredibly privileged to have Becky York join us and share her incredible story," said Dan Lomax, Curriculum Co-ordinator Sport and Health at Weston College. "Her journey from the Marines to the Invictus Games is nothing short of inspirational, and our students were truly moved by her resilience and determination. Becky's visit has left a lasting impact on our students, motivating them to push beyond their limits and pursue their goals with unwavering determination."

Becky's visit served as an example of Weston College's commitment to providing its students with enriching experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth, crucial to our Careers Excellence Hubs initiative. By bringing in distinguished speakers like Becky, the College aims to inspire and empower its students to reach their full potential, equipping them with employability skills and tools to make a positive impact on the world as they embark on their path to success in a professional career.

For more information about Weston College sports courses, please click here.

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.