News and events

The South West Apprenticeship Awards took place last month, at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol. We are thrilled that George, an apprenticeship learner at the college, won both Apprentice of the Year (Construction & Property Industries) and South West Apprentice of the Year, after being nominated initially by his college mentor.

George is currently completing the Level 3 Advanced Civil Engineering Apprenticeship with Mott MacDonald.

We were lucky enough to catch up with George, and find out some more information about his win, and what led to his success, as well as plans for the future. George told us:

“The opportunity to earn while I learn was an absolute no-brainer for me, offering incredible prospects for young people in what can be a challenging world for those just starting out. Engaging in an apprenticeship gave me a solid foundation to pursue my aspirations and shape my career according to my desires. Learning directly from experienced industry professionals and collaborating with them immediately was an invaluable advantage that I immediately embraced.

“Their wealth of knowledge enriched me in ways I could never have achieved within the confines of a classroom. My determination helped me to constantly pursue my goals, which made the apprenticeship a perfect fit for me, as I eagerly seized every opportunity to grow and fully exploit all the possibilities presented to me. “The A428 really helped me with my application process due to it being such a complex project. It gave me the opportunity to develop skills in managing and developing pavement models and drawings for multiple assets whilst implementing the correct engineering standards regarding the Polished Stone Value (PSV), Foundation and Pavement Treatment types. My commitment led me to identify unsafe design decisions and challenge practices that could impact cost and the environment.

“The support from Weston College has been unmatched; the in-classroom course is very informative and well-structured. The training providers are always great communicators and support me in many ways for internal work and external coursework. The college is also there to develop non-education-related skills, such as my softer skills, which I will carry throughout my career.

“I was very excited and happy to have won my category and was thrilled to have won the overall award, and it is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life. My placement providers were over the moon and proud of me and were sure to let me know how proud they were on the night and had some great conversations with people within the company that night. My line manager was the most pleased!

“The event was great, with some great networking at the start, a great host, and many great categories celebrating all types of awards in the South West. The food was also amazing, and I had family attend, friends, and members within the company with whom I work very closely.

“My career aspirations are to complete my level 3 apprenticeship and then progress onto the level 6 apprenticeship, where I will achieve my civil engineering degree. At the end of this, I will have 8 years of experience in the industry. Within these 8 years of experience, I wish to have gained experience as a respectable design engineer and managing a drawing production team. Then I want to achieve my Chartership from the ICE to open an opportunity where I then hope to be able to take up a role still within my company however, in Australia, where I will relocate to and hopefully progress to gain experience as a design manager, I will then wait for an opportunity as a design manager in the United States. I will then move to the United States where I will hopefully continue to be a successful design manager."

Thanks George, and best of luck for the future!

Weston College's Foundation Learning Team is thrilled to announce that it has been honoured with the prestigious Association of Colleges Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Sport Award. This recognition acknowledges the college's unwavering commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in its sports programmes, enabling learners with a diverse range of barriers to learning to thrive and achieve their aspirations. 

Foundation Learning at Weston College specialises in providing personalised study programmes for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including those with severe, profound, and complex learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health, physical impairments and barriers to learning. Many of these learners have faced previous educational setbacks and require specialist support to prepare for higher level courses, employment and independent living. The college's highly inclusive curriculum design fosters self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness among learners, empowering them to overcome societal barriers and actively participate in managing their own challenges. 

Within this specialist area of Weston College, sport and enrichment activities play a pivotal role and the positive impact is evident through a wide range of learner led achievements and initiatives. The college's partnership with Somerset Cricket Foundation has facilitated coaching packages in table cricket, promoting access to cricket for all. Recently, the College’s Sports Academy emerged victorious in the County championships of table cricket, underscoring the success of this collaboration. Additionally, the College’s Football Academy represented the South West region in the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport National finals, becoming unbeaten champions and contributing to the South West's winning of the esteemed Wilkinson Sword Trophy. These accomplishments reflect the Academy's dedication, teamwork, and commitment to fair play. 

Beyond competitive tournaments, the Foundation Learning team actively participates in the South-West pan-disability league, fostering teamwork, physical literacy, and inclusivity. The college's sports programmes transcend boundaries and provides opportunities for learners from socially deprived backgrounds who may face financial constraints in accessing sporting activities within their communities. By offering accessible and inclusive sports opportunities, Weston College empowers learners to develop their skills, pursue their sporting interests, and experience the life-changing benefits of engaging in physical activities. 

Weston College's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion extends across all provision, with a whole college approach that ensures the diverse needs of learners are addressed in all aspects of college life. The coaching methodology follows the principles of open games, parallel games, and disability games, with sports coaches collaborating closely with Foundation Learning SEND specialists to deliver inclusive coaching sessions adapted to individual learners' requirements. Learners and staff actively promote social inclusion, problem-solving skills, and communication through physical education, fostering resilience and cohesion within teams. 

Principal and CEO of Weston College, Sir Paul Phillips CBE, expressed his pride in the remarkable accomplishments of learners and staff: "Our success in the Association of Colleges Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Sport Award is a testament to the unwavering dedication, teamwork, and celebration of diversity that underpin our sports programmes. We are proud to create a safe and inclusive environment where all learners can flourish, regardless of their background or barriers. This recognition further motivates us to continue evolving and embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion into all that we do." 

Weston College Foundation Learning's outstanding achievements in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion through sports exemplify the positive impact of inclusive education and sporting opportunities. The college remains committed to creating brighter futures, nurturing talent, and ensuring that everyone can access and enjoy the benefits of sports. 

As the academic year drew to a close, the talented Performing Arts students of Weston College took the stage by storm with their mesmerising performance of Willy Russel's critically acclaimed play, Blood Brothers. The enthralling production left the audience in awe and admiration, proving once again that the performing arts program at Weston College is a breeding ground for exceptional talent. 

Blood Brothers delves into the gripping tale of two brothers, tragically separated at birth and raised in vastly different circumstances. As fate brings them together once more, their lives intertwine, leading to a shocking and dramatic conclusion. Under the brilliant direction of Fiona Philip and Lisa Frost, the students brilliantly captured the essence of this powerful story, allowing the audience to be transported to the gritty streets of Liverpool. 

For the aspiring performers, this production was more than just a show; it was an opportunity to experience the dynamics of a professional working environment. The dedication and hard work put in by the cast and crew was evident in every scene. Their commitment to their craft and their passion for the art of storytelling shone brightly on the stage. 

Elissa, a Level Three Performing Arts student who took on the pivotal role of Mrs. Johnstone, emphasised the importance of having fun during the rehearsal process. In her words, "creating fun warmups and exercises allows the cast to enjoy the shows as they get to connect further with each other away from the stress." Such camaraderie amongst the students fostered a positive and encouraging atmosphere, enhancing the overall performance. 

Moreover, participating in such a significant production was a transformative experience for the students. Elissa expressed how the role helped boost her self-confidence and pushed her beyond her comfort zone. "I had the opportunity to do what I thought was unthinkable," she remarked.  

Congratulations to all the performing arts learners for their incredible show! 

The performing arts courses at Weston College are a nurturing platform for individuals with a passion for the stage. They equips students with the skills and knowledge essential to pursue further studies or a career in the performing arts industry. Situated at Knightstone Campus, these well-rounded programmes offer exciting opportunities for students to audition and participate in full-scale productions like this unforgettable rendition of Blood Brothers. 

To find out more, click here.