News and events

We spoke with Müller about the Leadership and Management apprenticeships they offer through Weston College, designed to develop their employee's skills and support career progression.

Could you briefly introduce Müller and the work the organisation does?

We make dairy that makes people smile – as well as being nutritious and delicious! From Müller Corner yogurts to the 100% British milk you put in your morning cuppa, our products have been loved across the UK & Ireland for generations.

Sourcing milk from over 1,000 farms up and down the UK, we serve millions of families every day with a range of branded and private label goods which are nutritious and delicious. We’re one of the UK and Ireland’s major dairy manufacturers and, with milk in 97% of UK fridges and yogurt in 78%, there’s a very good chance you have a Müller product in yours.

Can you outline the Leadership and Management training you offer?

We presently offer Level 3 and Level 5 Leadership training that is designed to give Muller Colleagues the opportunity to develop, extend their knowledge and progress their careers with our business. The courses are designed to allow sufficient time for each member on each cohort to spend time, not only learning about their apprenticeship, but also getting to know colleagues across the business.

Each Cohort is aligned to provide a block release period every 6-8 weeks for all individuals to attend and spend 3 days together with Weston College and to work with one another, supporting each other through their journey. We purposely vary locations across the UK, using both Muller facilities, so that colleagues get to visit other locations in the Muller Network, and also, off site locations to allow each Cohort time to focus away from the work environment.

It is hopeful that the program will provide individuals and the muller business, clear lines of succession and internal promotion opportunities

What kind of impact has the Leadership and Management training had on participants?

We have had a couple of individuals so far that have been offered opportunities to move into new roles. Please see some Bio’s from some of the management team below.

“Our apprentice is currently undertaking a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management which has already had a positive impact on both his development and our wider function. The programme has given the individual a deeper understanding of various leadership styles and how to apply them effectively in his day-to-day role. This has strengthened his confidence, improved his decision-making and enhanced the way he supports the team. The apprenticeship is also helping to build a strong pipeline of future leaders through the academy, creating further opportunities for growth within the business.” 

“Both of our apprentices have been given exposure to certain meetings (management meeting and Business planning) which aids them with their exposure to other sites and knowledge of higher level detail. They have been going above and beyond their job role as they have taken on certain projects to aid with the course and support the business. And we are really pleased to say that one of our apprentices has recently been seconded into a shift lead role with the support of the course getting her ready for that next step.”

Why do you believe it is important for organisations to continuously upskill their staff?

We believe in creating an environment whereby people feel valued. In Muller, we want individuals to be able to develop both personally and technically and to equip them with the right skills to progress their careers. For any successful organisation, people must be at the heart of everything they do. Failure to give people the opportunity to develop often leads to individuals becoming stagnant, uninterested and potentially looking for other roles.

If organisations invest, they create interest, a desire to develop, an engaged and knowledgeable workforce that provides clear succession plans and futureproofs any business.

Are there any standout success stories from learners who have completed the programme?

We have a couple of individuals that have so far been offered secondment roles into more senior positions and are thriving. We are confident that this will continue as the course evolves through 2026.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for the number of staff you hope to enrol on this course?

We hope to have approximately 40-60 colleagues undertaking the Level 3 and 5 Apprenticeships per year for the next 5 years.

Finally, what broader impact do you hope this training will have on the businesses that invest in their employees through this programme?

Lower Turnover and a more engaged and knowledgeable workforce.

Last term, Weston College hosted an NFL Flag UK programme for teachers from across North Somerset. During the session, two of our Sport & Fitness lecturers, Dan Pratlett and Morgan Sealey, took part, giving Weston College the opportunity to become an official NFL Flag School and introduce non-contact flag football to our students. 

The programme is completely free for schools and provides teachers with a strong foundation in the sport, including the basic rules, as well as the tactics and strategies required to succeed. In addition, staff received comprehensive training on the health and safety elements of the game, ensuring students are taught how to participate safely and correctly in NFL-inspired activities. 

NFL Flag UK also delivers ongoing training, development opportunities, and tournament pathways, alongside providing all necessary equipment and teaching resources at no cost. This gives our staff access to structured lesson plans designed to introduce the sport through engaging drills and skills-based activities, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to take part and develop confidence while learning a new sport. 

By upskilling our staff, we are able to offer students exciting new opportunities that inspire and re-engage them with physical activity. Participation in a new team sport supports students’ personal development by encouraging responsibility, teamwork, and resilience, while also giving them access to experiences they may not otherwise have had. 

Dan Pratlett, Head of Sport at Weston College, said, “The NFL Flag Programme equips our staff with the confidence and expertise to introduce this sport to our students, broadening the range of pathways available to them. Through this programme, students develop key skills such as resilience, confidence, and teamwork, supporting both their personal growth and long-term success. This experience extends beyond college, helping students gain a wider understanding of sport and the transferable skills needed to succeed in the industry.” 

A huge thank you to NFL Flag UK for providing our staff and students with this fantastic opportunity.  

This programme forms part of the Sport & Fitness 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.  

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 delighted to announce its involvement in an upcoming project, On Air, on 22-23rd October in partnership with Media Talent Manifesto (MTM). On Air 2026 is the world’s largest student-led broadcast, bringing together students and industry partners from across the globe for a 24-hour, multi-channel, student-led broadcast. 

This fantastic project will enable our Media and Communications students to explore a wide range of career opportunities, taking the lead in many roles such as script and content development, gallery and TV studio operations, location filming, channel creation, distribution, post-production and editing, and social media. This hands-on experience allows our students to develop practical production skills across the full broadcasting supply chain, helping them explore potential career pathways within the industry. 

Launched in 2025, On Air involved more than 1,000 students from six continents, delivering content across a single channel. In 2026, the project will expand significantly, introducing five dedicated channels such as Culture, Film, Sport, News and Kids. Educational providers are invited to contribute to one or more channels through either live or pre-recorded broadcasts. 

Like last year, On Air will be supported by a diverse range of industry partners, including the BBC, Into Film and Amazon Web Services (AWS), alongside global media companies such as CNN, SVG Europe, InSync and Techex. Working with these organisations gives our Media students valuable insight into the breadth of roles within the media industry, as well as providing excellent networking opportunities with professionals operating in a fast-paced, global environment. 

This project not only enables our Media students to take part in a growing international broadcast, but also connects learners worldwide, encourages collaboration, and supports skills development beyond the classroom. For students who are unsure of their next steps, On Air offers an invaluable opportunity to broaden their skillset, gain confidence, and showcase their abilities to industry professionals.  

Gina Hele, Head of Media, Game & Animation, and Photography at Weston College, said, “This fantastic opportunity provided by Media Talent Manifesto will open many doors for our students. We are excited to see how they shape this project and apply their classroom learning in a real-world context. The experience will not only further develop their skills, but also build their confidence, while giving them valuable access to feedback and guidance from industry professionals - an invaluable contribution to both their personal and professional development.” 

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Media Talent Manifesto for providing our Media students with this outstanding opportunity to collaborate with colleges, universities and educators from around the world. 

This project forms part of the Media and Communication 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.  

Progress to the next level in Film and Media! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here! 

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.