Engineering apprentice Riley has been impressing his employer, Rotamec, throughout his studies.

Rotamec shared a lovely article, talking about his growth throughout his apprenticeship. You can read the article, below:

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2024, we are thrilled to spotlight an individual in our team - Riley Burton.

The Rise of a Passionate Engineer

Riley Burton's journey at Rotamec is a testament to the power of apprenticeships. As a 2nd-year college apprentice studying at Weston College, Riley's exceptional dedication and passion for engineering have not only advanced his professional skills but also enriched his personal development. His active engagement in exploration and innovation in engineering exemplifies his profound love for the profession.

A Leader and Mentor

Riley has become a guiding light for new apprentices, providing support both in their workplace endeavours and academic pursuits. His recent nomination as the Southwestern Apprenticeship Ambassador in engineering by Weston College underscores his commitment to uplifting the engineering trade in the educational sector.

Blending Theory and Practice

Riley's academic journey is a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Recognised for his reliability and attentiveness, he stands as a benchmark in engineering apprenticeships. His proactive problem-solving mindset and commitment to knowledge expansion mean he doesn't just handle routine activities efficiently; he approaches challenges with innovative solutions.

A Beacon for Industry and Education

Riley's efforts in forging partnerships to enhance apprenticeship opportunities have been pivotal. Supporting Paul Korb at Weston College career fairs amplifies Rotamec's apprenticeship program, attracting potential talent and clientele. Riley was recently a finalist in the prestigious Rising Star category at the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT) Awards 2023. This notable recognition serves as a testament to his hard work, exceptional skill, and the promising future he holds in the industry.

Setting New Benchmarks

Riley's ability to foster essential relationships and guide new apprentices has positioned him as a champion of excellence. His aspirations to climb the ranks in the engineering industry are well recognised by us at Rotamec. We see him not just as a part of our team but as a key player in our future leadership.

Investing in the Future

Rotamec is committed to investing in Riley's growth, recognising his tremendous talent and dedication. We envision a bright future for him, earmarking him for managerial roles and planning further training and development opportunities to prepare him for senior leadership positions.

An Exemplary Journey

Riley Burton's story at Rotamec is a shining example of how an apprenticeship can provide "Skills for Life." His journey illustrates the endless possibilities when passion, dedication, and the right opportunities come together. As we celebrate NAW 2024, we're proud to showcase Riley's achievements and are excited to support his continuous growth in the engineering field.

At Rotamec, stories like Riley's remind us of the power of apprenticeships in not just shaping careers but in crafting skilled, well-rounded individuals ready to take on the engineering world.

If you would like to follow in Riley’s footsteps with an engineering apprenticeship, click here

Last week our Level 2,3 and T Level Health learners embarked on an enriching journey to London! Over the course of three exciting days, the learners immersed themselves in multiple aspects of healthcare evolution and human anatomy, enhancing their knowledge and eagerness for the field. 

The students’ highlight of their trip was a visit to the Florence Nightingale Museum, where they explored the rich history of healthcare and gained insights into its evolution through the years. This experience was unforgettable for our students, they carefully connected their classroom-based learning to real world applications by delving into the pioneering practices of Florence Nightingale to modern-day innovations.  

Moreover, the learners had the unique opportunity to engage in interactive activities while touring the Science Museum, discovering the intricate workings of the human body! By having the chance to have hands-on experience and view exhibits, the students enhanced their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities of healthcare in the gripping museum. 

Additionally, the learners ventured into the thrilling London Dungeons, a fascinating experience that provided valuable insights into public health practices throughout history. This journey not only sparked curiosity and critical thinking but developed their understanding of healthcare. 

This trip stepped the learners outside of their comfort zone, building relationships and allowing personal development. Through engaging with diverse experiences, students sharpened essential skills such as teamwork, communication and adaptability. 

What an incredible once-in-a lifetime experience for the nineteen Level 2,3 and T Level Health learners! 

This exhilarating trip forms part of the Health and Social Care 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.   

For further information on our fantastic Health and Social Care courses, please click here.

Over the last couple of years we have been following Chloe, and her story from starting a traineeship in 2020 to completing her apprenticeship and now working in our Business Growth Team.

We last heard from Chloe when she was on her apprenticeship (which you can read here), so we thought we would catch up with Chloe, and see how she is doing now that she has completed her apprenticeship.

After completing my Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship in April 2022, I was appointed as a PA in the Business Growth Team at Weston College.

During my role as a PA, I have been able to put the skills I learnt during my apprenticeship into practice which has helped me to develop my skillset and support with my daily tasks.

I had many highlights during my apprenticeship, from working within a fantastic team which has been really supportive, to being involved in a wide range of tasks. My overall highlight though, was when my assessor nominated me for Apprentice of the Year. I was delighted that my hard work had been recognised by my assessor.

If you are considering a traineeship to prepare you for the working world, I would highly recommend the course.

A traineeship will give you all the tools you need to support finding a suitable apprenticeship. During the course, you will write a CV and cover letter, conduct practice interviews and receive support from the tutors with your applications for an apprenticeship.

The aim is that by the end of your traineeship, you will have secured an apprenticeship with an employer and everything you learnt during your traineeship, will be able to be put into practice!

Equally, the apprenticeship has been an amazing experience, and it has set me up for an exciting career. My advice to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship is to go for it – you will love the experience!

A big thank you to Chloe, and good luck with the rest of your career!

You can find out more about traineeships, by clicking here.

You can find out more about apprenticeships, by clicking here.

Jess completed her Leadership and Management Apprenticeship with Weston College and received top honours at the Weston College Business Awards in 2023. She was named Leadership and Management Apprentice of the Year and Overall Apprentice of the Year.

We spoke to Jess, to find out a bit more about her story, and how impactful the apprenticeship was for her.

"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!

Weston College is delighted to announce its 'Good' Ofsted rating, achieving this commendation across all eight areas, the College was also awarded the highest outcome of ‘Strong’ in meeting skills needs in the region under the new enhanced Ofsted inspection. This achievement caps off a remarkable year for the College, building on its earlier success in securing the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold for Higher Education (HE), where its University Centre Weston (UCW) was recognised as among the best places to study at university level in the UK. These accolades underscore Weston College's unwavering dedication to delivering excellence in education.

Just 9% of UK colleges boast a similar level of proficiency in meeting skills requirements as evidenced by the recent inspection's Skills section. Through strong leadership and strategic partnerships, the report highlighted how the College aligns the curriculum closely with local skill improvement plans. By actively responding to the training needs of employers and incorporating feedback from key stakeholders, the College continuously enhances its ability to prepare learners and apprentices for the evolving demands of the workforce.

Also in the Ofsted inspection, Weston College demonstrated excellent practices in providing high-quality learning experiences for learners and apprentices. The College's facilities, designed to mirror real-world workplaces and industries, have been instrumental in nurturing the skills and professional behaviours necessary for success in learners’ future careers. The inspection also reported that the teachers' effective utilisation of these resources has significantly motivated learners and apprentices to acquire new knowledge and skills relevant to their chosen fields.

Another highlight of the inspection was the College's dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment, where learners and apprentices feel confident and supported.

"We are immensely proud of the recognition awarded to Weston College by both Ofsted and the Teaching Excellence Framework," said Jacqui Ford, Interim Principal. "These accolades are a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing our learners and apprentices for successful careers. The scale and breadth of Weston College's offerings, combined with the stringent new inspection criteria, make these achievements particularly noteworthy. It's especially rewarding to know that our students and apprentices feel secure, enthusiastic about learning, and equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to venture into the workforce confidently. We remain dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence in everything we do."

Andrew Leighton-Price, Chair of Governors at Weston College added: 

“It's fantastic to be acknowledged for the dedication and effort we invest in delivering top-class education and addressing the needs of our community. The transformative impact of further education is undeniable, and it's remarkable to witness the achievements of our students and the unwavering commitment of our staff and governors. My appreciation goes out to everyone involved in providing this exceptional education — our learners, staff, governors, as well as the employers, partners, and stakeholders who collaborate with us."

The full report, can be read by clicking here. 

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Weston College recognises the importance of promoting safe online practices among its learners. In anticipation of Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, February 6th, the College is collaborating with the British Computer Society (BCS) to empower learners to navigate digital spaces responsibly while maximising the benefits they offer for learning and growth.

Safer Internet Day serves as an opportunity to inspire positive change, and Weston College is fully committed to this cause. To mark the occasion, learners are encouraged to participate in the "Big Safer Internet Survey," which aims to gather insights into their concerns and experiences online. This anonymous survey will provide valuable feedback that informs the College's digital policies and initiatives.

In addition to the survey, learners will engage in a fun and interactive password cracker cyber security game, developed in-house by our digital technologists. These activities aim to raise awareness about cybersecurity in an engaging and accessible manner.

Recognising the importance of addressing local challenges, Weston College has also created a comprehensive digital tutorial specifically tailored for 16-19 learners. This tutorial equips learners with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to make safer online choices, addressing concerns identified within the student body.

"We believe that fostering a safe online environment is essential for empowering learners to thrive in today's digital world," said Jo Philpott, Senior Vice Principal at Weston College. "Through collaborative efforts with the BCS and our dedicated teams, we are proud to offer a range of resources and activities that promote digital literacy and safety."

To further support the initiative, Weston College invites educators, technologists, employers, policymakers, and digital experts to join a networking opportunity at the Loxton Campus from 4pm-5pm on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024. This flagship Safer Internet Day event, organised in partnership with the BCS, provides a platform for discussing local and global strategies for promoting online safety.

"We are excited to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to champion a safer internet for all," added Jo Philpott. "By collaborating and sharing insights, we can make meaningful contributions to digital safety at both local and global levels."

Guest speakers at the event include:

Professor Victoria Baines FBCS, Online Trust, Safety, and Cybersecurity Expert Prof. Victoria Baines Julia Adamson MBE, Managing Director Education and Public Benefit at BCS Julia Adamson MBE; Clare Moody, Co-Chief Executive, Equally Ours Clare Moody; Daniel Aldridge, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at BCS Dan Aldridge - OpenUK

Daniel Aldridge, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the British Computer Society, said: "We know online bullying, fraud and exploitation are huge concerns for young people and their families.

"This year, we at the British Computer Society are partnering with students and apprentices at Weston College to champion a safer internet for all through ‘local action inspiring global change’.

"We're bringing world-class speakers to Weston to engage with our excellent learners and educators here, raise awareness, identify opportunities and inspire action."

Students on the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design have been working on a special project!  

As part of the course learners have been spending 9 weeks in rotating specialisms where they work in Visual Communication, Surface and Form and Interdisciplinary Fine Art. The graphic work is part of a 1-day project on pen to Mouse and the textile, fashion and costume work was a 3-week project around the theme of Order and Chaos. The students take these loose themes and investigate further how they can make the project personal to them. Each student will do practical experimentation as primary research and research into other artists for secondary research.  

This project has had a fantastic impact on the students. They have shown that they are able to problem solve, use exhaustive idea generation and understand the theory behind their own and other artist's work. In addition to this they have learned about using varied materials and processes, as well as expanding on their creative process as a whole and producing complete pieces of work that will support their practical portfolio when attending upcoming University interviews.   

Lecturer Rachel Clayton said: "the students have been working hard throughout these exciting projects, building on their practical skills, and producing sophisticated outcomes through extensive workshops. They have used their broad practical knowledge and in-depth theoretical understanding to create work that is ambitious, playful and of a high standard. 

“This work will support their portfolios for their upcoming University interviews across the country, including prestigious institutions such as Central St Martins, Goldsmiths, Camberwell and London College of Fashion to name a few. We are so proud of what they are achieving and the quality of the work they are producing- well done!" 

This project 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. 

Congratulations to the learners who created these impressive pieces! 

Find out more about the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, click here.

For more creative arts courses, click here.

The College's ISO 27001 certification has been retained for the fifth consecutive year, distinguishing Weston College as one of the few FE Colleges in the UK to consistently meet this international standard.

In the face of escalating cyber threats targeting the education sector, Weston College reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding learner and stakeholder data through its ISO 27001 Certification. The College's Information Security Management System (ISMS) has once again demonstrated its robust structure and approach, earning praise from the assessor overseeing the certification process.

The education sector has increasingly become a target for cyberattacks, making data security a top priority for institutions. Weston College's proactive stance and adherence to internationally recognised best practices assure learners, staff, and stakeholders alike.

The assessor, expressed his admiration for the College's Information Security Management System, noting its resilience and effectiveness in safeguarding sensitive information. This accolade reinforces Weston College's position as a leader in Information Security Assurance within the education sector.

The ISO 27001 certification, established by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), sets stringent requirements for information security management. It ensures the protection of assets such as financial information, intellectual property, employee details, and information entrusted by third parties.

Matt Beaver, Director of IT, Systems & Compliance at the Weston College Group, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “The continuation of this certification following a thorough external audit is a huge achievement for the College and reflects the enormous commitment and effort all areas within the scope of this certification have put in."

"We have invested a lot of time and effort into ensuring that we protect the data of everyone that we deal with at Weston College – putting their safety first."

Weston College's ISO 27001 certification not only fortifies its commitment to data security but also positions the institution as a trusted partner for larger employers and organisations handling sensitive information or intellectual property.

University Centre Weston (UCW) have launched five brand new FREE short courses for individuals in employment! These fantastic short courses give you a taste of what a full degree is like for those that are unsure if higher education is for them – they can also be used as part of your continued professional development.  

These short courses are perfect for those looking for a change in career or wanting to upskill in new areas. Our Level 4 courses will provide you with an innovative way to boost your knowledge and skills, enhancing your career opportunities. 

Here are the brand-new short courses and what they will entail: 

• Coaching Practice and Skill Development (Level 4) 
  • Develop a sound understanding of the principles in sports through a mixture of academic and practical sessions, where you will put into practice the knowledge learnt in an academic environment. The sessions will be delivered face-to-face due to the practical requirements of the course. 
• Fitness and Nutrition (Level 4) 
  • Identify what it means by fitness and nutrition, undertake practical tests, and develop a case study that assesses the fitness levels of different participants through laboratory-based testing, onset of blood lactate accumulation test, and field-based testing. 
• Quantity Surveying and Sustainable Practice (Level 4) 
  • Gain an insight into the ways that political, social, and economic factors influence construction. Through this, you will consider the relationship between these factors and how they’re reflected in a project and in the broader economy.  
• Quantity Surveying Practice (Level 4) 
  • Gain an understanding of the role of the Quantity Surveyor and explore the following discreet areas. From the different types of Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS), the Advice and guidance provided by quantity surveyors, how projects are financed, procurement routes, tendering procedures, and contract selection. 
• Mental Health within Healthcare (Level 5) 
  • Foster an understanding of how mental health affects the health sector whilst discussing strategies around best working practice. This short course is broken down into two discreet areas. These include Risk Management for Mental Health and Professional Assessment for Mental Health. 

 UCW is the TEF Gold higher education provider in North Somerset. We deliver an excellent choice of degree-level courses in partnership with nearby universities across our three campuses in Weston-Super-Mare, providing students with outstanding support and focus on helping our students start and progress their careers.  

UCW’s campuses have the very best state-of-the-art facilities, taught by industry professionals. Due to our smaller size classes, this allows more 1:1 time with our lecturing staff!  

Click here to find out more about their additional Short Courses