The Business Enterprise Project is an exciting endeavour taken on by our Business and Travel students every year, and this project has been no exception!  

The yearly Business Enterprise Project started when Weston Hospicecare approached the Weston College business team with funding opportunities. The Business department came up with a plan to run an enterprise project where learners create and sell products for charity.  

As part of the Careers Excellence Hub, learners have the opportunity to make connections with twenty-one local employers who mentor them and provide advice and guidance regarding the learner’s plans for what they are selling and how they are going to promote it. This feedback is crucial for the development of our learners and allows our learners to prove themselves in a different environment. In addition to being mentored by employers, some of our T-Level Management learners kindly give up their time to act as coaches to the learners. 

A key part of the project is getting used to handling real money, with these same local employers kindly donating £50 to each group of learners which they then must reinvest into products to sell for a profit. A huge thanks must be given to these employers as they are crucial to the project.  

To help foster a healthy competitive spirit, the project is run as a competition, with high performing groups recognised with awards at the end of the project! The overall winner is the group who have made the most profit.  

This project has a fantastic impact on learners. The project is an incredible opportunity to learn a huge range of business skills including finance, marketing, sales, and customer service. This project allows them to take ownership of this learning and put into practice the knowledge and skills they have developed in the classroom. It’s not just business skills developed either, with confidence being built by interacting with employers, the public, and presenting information to judges at the end of the project. This provides fantastic personal development for future interviews and employment. 

Subject Area Manager for Business Ben Melhuish said “Running the enterprise project is my favourite part of the academic year. Putting learners out of their comfort zone, developing their skills and all whilst raising huge sums of money for a local charity is the kind of thing that inspires staff and learners." 

Ben is right about learners raising large amounts of money for charity. Last year’s Business Enterprise Project raised £5,500 for Weston Hospice care! Better still, this year's learners are hoping to beat that benchmark. 

Learners sold their products to the public at a wonderful Christmas Market at the Weston-super-Mare rugby club and have also been selling products this week in the Sovereign Centre to boost their sales and get hands on experience selling to the public.  

This project forms part of the Business 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. 

Well done to all the learners for everything they have done so far, and good luck to them for the rest of the project! A huge thanks to the employers for giving up their time and donating money to the learners to kickstart the project in the best way. 

In the spirit of community empowerment, Weston College embarked on an ambitious challenge in September, initiating three transformative 30 day challenges.

Each challenge set out to create new opportunities and forge new pathways for people within the community to enter employment, through apprenticeships, industry placements and adult training.

Now, as the challenge has concluded, Weston College has successfully achieved its target, gaining 542 apprenticeship opportunities, 192 industry placements and supporting 153 adults, all within a 30 day period.

Reflecting on the success of the 30 Day Challenge, Jacqui Ford, Interim Principal of Weston College, expressed her delight in the positive outcomes achieved during the campaign, stating: "We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of the 30 Day Challenge.

“At the core of our mission was the aspiration to offer diverse opportunities for individuals to upskill or embark on new career journeys. The campaign successfully delivered on that target, addressing the needs of our community, for people of all ages.

“We have seen young people gain their very first job via an apprenticeship, and adults retrain for a completely new career.

“This campaign has not only created new opportunities for learners but has also strengthened our commitment to providing quality education that aligns with the needs of the community and the evolving job market."

Although the campaign is officially over, you can still access support from Weston College’s award-winning team. If you would like to hire an apprentice, offer a placement to a T Level learner, or upskill your team, then visit: https://www.weston.ac.uk/employers

Learners studying A Level Fashion went on a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum, in Knightsbridge, London last Friday. 

44 learners in total went on the trip, where they had the opportunity to visit an array of exhibitions, including DIVA, which is running until April 2024.

DIVA celebrates the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining the role of 'diva' and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film.

There was a spectacular collection of costumers which were worn by icons including Maria Callas, CHER, Rihanna, Elton John and Marilyn Monroe.

Lecturer in Textiles, Nicola Stent, who ran the trip, said: “At Weston College we are passionate about giving our learners the opportunity to broaden their horizons, which is a critical part of our Career Excellence Hubs.

“This trip allowed learners to not only expand their knowledge, but also cultivate the skills and maturity necessary for their future endeavours.

“Witnessing the passion and enthusiasm of our learners, I was deeply impressed by their attitude towards learning. Many exhibited a keen attention to detail, thoroughly engaging with the exhibits and displaying a remarkable level of maturity within the museum setting.

“The magic of Knightsbridge became a backdrop to the growth and enrichment of our students, and it was truly a pleasure to be part of this transformative journey."

If you would like to find out more about our A Level Fashion courses, please click here.

Our lecturers are always looking for ways to enrich the experiences of learners. Recently our ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) learners were involved in an exciting rounders match, where they took on members of Avon and Somerset Police.  

ESOL lecturer, Liam O’Callaghan shared his account of the day, take it away Liam!  

“Since Spring of this year, the ESOL department has sought to strengthen ties with the community to make it a safer and more welcoming place for our learners. At the forefront of this initiative has been PCO Mike Jordan. He has spoken to our learners several times about police procedure, their rights and what to expect from police in the UK. He has built strong and trusting relationships with our learners and sought to build on that by organising a fun, easy going sports session between the police force, the fire brigade and our learners. 

“After some training by taskmaster coach John Robertson, the ESOL learners came to grips with rounders. The ESOL learners showed up in force on Thursday. Mike had the idea to integrate the teams with learners from the college, members of the police and members of the fire brigade. Four teams were created and named by the learners: Team Liam, Team Tony (or the TTs), Afghanistan and Team Destroyer. 

“After a round robin style tournament that saw stand-out performances by heavy handed batter Romina Niazi, deft fast bowler Tony Mawlani and dubious calls by self-appointed referee Mohammed Ali Shinwari, Team Destroyer and Team Afghanistan fought to a tense stalemate. 

“Nevertheless, the atmosphere in the sports hall was welcoming, good-humoured and inclusive. Adding to this the police and fire service were kind enough to bring food along and take the time chatting and getting to know the learners. 

“Some of the learners were particularly impressed with the muscles of the fire brigade and ask to take “gun show” selfies with them, while others were especially pleased with being able to explore the fire engine that was parked outside and were even able to try on some of the equipment. Learners left sessions exhausted but happy and relationships were strengthened even further.” 

A huge thanks to PCO Mike Jordan, and to all of the police and fire-fighters who came along to visit our ESOL Learners. 

To find out more about ESOL courses, click here.  

See below for a video featuring the highlights of the day!

@westoncollege Our ESOL learners had an exciting Rounders match with the Police and Fire Brigade! Helping to build communitity relationships and having fun while doing it. #WestonCollege #Community ♬ original sound - WestonCollege

We are proud to announce the College’s outstanding achievement, securing the prestigious position of Number 7 in the esteemed National Centre for Diversity (NCFD) Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces Index 2023. This recognition stands as a testament to the College's dedication to embedding Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement (FREDIE) values at the core of its organisational framework.

The College's commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity has been acknowledged on a national scale, reflecting the culmination of diligent efforts and resolute determination to embrace FREDIE principles across all facets of its operations.

Solat Chaudhry, Chief Executive at the National Centre for Diversity said:

“I send my warmest congratulations to Weston College on successfully reaching number 7 in the Top 100 Most Inclusive Workplaces Index 2023. It’s been a challenging year and yet, it has not dented the excellent work that organisations and individuals do in promoting FREDIE best practices.  

“I am particularly proud that we celebrate excellent work across all sectors as these organisations are the future of the workplace in the UK. We celebrate the exceptional work of people and organisations who have EDI running through their DNA. Let’s rejoice at this and build a better society."

The full listing of the 2023 Top 100 Most Inclusive UK Workplaces Index can be accessed here: https://nationalcentrefordiversity.com/top-100-2023-fredie-awards, showcasing the exemplary efforts of organisations dedicated to championing diversity and inclusion.

Lewis, currently studying the T Level Healthcare course, recently performed at the Royal Albert Hall at a charity event with Barnardos, showcasing his incredible talent to thousands in the audience!

Lewis was approached by Barnardos for the opportunity, having previously worked with the charity for a music video for their ambitions project. The video had been shown to the event organisers and the President of Barardos, Natasha Kaplinski OBE, which resulted in them contacting him to perform.

The song performed was ‘Shotgun’ by George Ezra. Lewis explained why that song was selected: “This was the was song featured in the music video, and it was one I felt confident singing in front of such a large audience.”

He went on to share how he felt on the day and the lead up to the performance: “On the stage and the build-up to the performance I wasn't nervous at all, they treated me so well and truly made me came to the realisation that I was the special guest that night - something that they'd never invited or incorporated into their event before and I was just excited rather than nervous. After I came off stage and heard the biggest applause of my life I cracked, after thanking the host and organisers and all the backstage staff I came into my dressing room and burst into tears of joy and emotion from how amazing it felt.”

When asked about the support from Weston College, Lewis shared: “Everyone was so supportive and the college was completely understanding despite me needing two days off to attend and travel to London for the event. They were willing to pay and help me achieve this opportunity before we found out that Barnardos would cover the entire cost.”

Lewis concluded with: “Life has not been easy and has been a very bumpy road with hard work, but that night has made all the effort and the hours of rehearsing and working hard to find networks worth it. It was the best night of my life, and I will never forget the opportunity life has given to me.”

Well done, Lewis!

My name is Allan, and I recently completed a Plant Bootcamp at the Construction Training Centre (CTC), which has really helped open the doors to my next great opportunity. 

I gained access to the course through an organisation called ‘Positive People’ and thought it would be a good course for me to complete as I’d always preferred outside, hands-on work instead of working in an office environment, which I’d previously done for more than 20 years in the Transport industry.

I’d always liked the idea of getting involved in the building/construction industry, so I started by enrolling for a Dumper/Roller course. This course was short and enabled me to get a foot in the door within the industry. The staff at the Construction Training Centre were extremely helpful and approachable. My tutor, in particular, was insightful and inspiring.

Upon completion of the course, it took some searches to find employment due to my lack of experience, but I eventually was offered employment via an agency called ‘Options’, where I was working on the A39 in Minehead, building a new footpath/cycle path for four weeks.

Following this, after a short break and searches, I found work through another agency, ‘Harbon’. This time I was working in Wincanton on a biomass plant, as a dumper driver. This work is still ongoing, allowing me to receive a stable income.

After being fortunate enough to gain some experience in the industry, I would like to go back to the CTC to complete the 360 digger and telehandler courses - I feel they would give me a great advantage for my future career.

I would encourage those out there considering a course at the CTC to definitely give it a go – if you are not work shy and enjoy working in the elements, I would recommend looking at what opportunities are on offer in construction.

Thank you, Weston College, for the perfect introduction to the Construction industry!

Find out more about the CTC, here!

Great Western Railway (GWR) has announced industrial strike action that will affect GWR and CrossCountry rail services on Thursday 7 December - Potentially impacting trains to Weston-super-Mare on this day.

On Thursday 7 December, a reduced, revised timetable will operate across several train operators, including GWR. Many parts of the GWR network will have no service at all and trains that are running will only be operating for a limited period during the day.

On the days after strikes, services could also be affected by a limited number of short-notice cancellations and alterations.

Online journey planners are being updated and details are published below.

Click here to read the full update and details from GWR.

Level 3 Business BTEC students were treated to an exciting and educational experience as two professionals, Adi Day and Beth Patch from Purplex Marketing, stepped onto the campus to deliver a lively workshop. They brought creativity and industry insights to eager learners, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and curiosity. 

Purplex came in to give an insight into what B2B (business-to-business) marketing entails and added to the industry relevance of information being learned. The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering valuable perspectives on the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. 

The workshop was able to give learners a deeper understanding of business-to-business marketing, as well as giving them an insight into potential progression routes into the world of marketing. Purplex were also able to share costs of marketing with learners, making the workshop current and industry specific. The links between concepts covered in their course and the real world is imperative to help learners prepare for assessments. 

Learners were able to see real life progression into industry as Beth Patch was previously a learner on the Level 3 Business course, and now she is Senior Social Media Executive at Purplex! Rebekah Bond from Purplex who helped plan the workshop was a previous learner with Weston College as well.  

The workshop was an excellent way for learners to apply real world experience to their ‘Developing a Marketing Campaign’ module. Part of the controlled assessment for the unit involves learners developing a campaign for a given business case study. The workshop comprised of a case study based on one of Purplex’s customers, getting learners used to working with specific business cases. 

Business lecturer Dan Pratlett celebrated the workshop’s success saying: “Purplex coming in and speaking to our learners added some real depth to the information they receive on the course. The learners have a much better understanding of the marketing environment and are more motivated to succeed in this area. The insight that Purplex gave into business-to-business marketing will really help learners when it comes to their controlled assessment and their future learning.” 

This workshop forms part of the Business 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. 

A big thank you to Adi and Beth for coming in and delivering an effective workshop. A big thank you to Rebekah from Purplex as well for helping to organise the workshop. 

To find out more about Level 3 Business BTEC, click here.