News and events

Weston College Group’s Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College welcomes first learners to new industry-focused campus

Today marks a major milestone for technical education in the South West as Weston College Group's Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) officially opens for business, welcoming its first cohort of apprentices to its new industry-standard campus in Filton.

Nearly 800 apprentices will begin in its first week of operation. The opening represents the culmination of months of planning, investment and collaboration between Weston College Group and leading employers from the aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Situated on Airbus' Filton site, the facility has been transformed into a specialist training centre dedicated to developing the next generation of engineers, technicians and manufacturing professionals. The campus features industry-standard workshops, modern teaching spaces and the latest digital infrastructure designed to replicate real-world manufacturing environments and provide learners with valuable hands-on experience. £4 million invested in the transformation of the site, AMTEC represents one of the most significant recent investments in technical education for the advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors in the South West.

Located in the heart of one of the UK's most significant aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs, AMTEC will deliver specialist training aligned to employer needs, working closely with industry partners including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace and Babcock to ensure apprentices develop the skills required by modern industry.

The opening comes following Weston College Group's designation as one of England's Technical Excellence Colleges, enabling additional investment in training for high-demand sectors and strengthening links between education and industry. Through employer-led curriculum design and close collaboration with major manufacturers, AMTEC aims to address skills shortages while creating clear pathways into high-value engineering and manufacturing careers.

As one of four colleges that form the national AMTEC partnership, alongside City of Wolverhampton College, Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group and New College Durham, the Weston College Group will also contribute to a wider programme of collaboration focused on strengthening advanced manufacturing education across England.

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of the Weston College Group, said:

"Today is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved in the creation of AMTEC. After months of hard work, planning and collaboration, it is fantastic to finally welcome our first apprentices into this outstanding new facility.

"AMTEC has been created to give learners access to world-class technical education in the heart of one of the UK's most important aerospace and advanced manufacturing communities. By working closely with employers, we will ensure our apprentices develop the practical skills, technical expertise and industry experience needed to thrive in their careers.

"This is not only a significant milestone for Weston College Group, but also for the wider region as we help build the skilled workforce that will support the future growth and success of aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing."

Sue Partridge, Airbus Commercial Aircraft UK Country Manager, said:

“The future of the aerospace industry relies on developing the next generation of talent who are crucial to keeping our industry ahead of the game. Apprenticeships are a key part of that so we’re absolutely delighted to be hosting the AMTEC on our Filton site. The dedicated training facility will provide workshops and teaching spaces that mirror our industrial environment, supporting the development of skills and talent to meet aerospace industry needs. Filton has a long and proud history within the UK’s aviation story, and this collaboration reinforces our ongoing commitment to investing in local talent, creating high-value career pathways, and supporting the South West’s thriving aerospace ecosystem.

The new campus represents a significant investment in the future of technical education and the region's economy. With the South West home to one of Europe's largest aerospace clusters, AMTEC will help strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the industry, supporting innovation, productivity and long-term economic growth.

The opening of AMTEC marks the beginning of an ambitious journey to establish the college as a centre of excellence for technical education, helping apprentices gain the skills employers need today while preparing them for the industries of tomorrow.

Weston College Group has officially opened The Horizon, a new specialist centre at Knightstone Campus designed to help young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) develop the skills, confidence and independence needed for adult life.

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare, officially opened the centre on Friday, meeting learners, staff and partners, seeing the new facilities first-hand.

The Horizon marks the completion of a significant investment in the former Arosfa Hotel site, transforming it into a dedicated specialist centre for learners with SEND. Designed around the needs of learners, it will help young people develop independence, confidence and practical life skills while fostering a strong sense of belonging and community.

The new facility brings together specialist teaching spaces, independent living accommodation and employability training. It also doubles Weston College's residential capacity previously provided through its Weston Bay facility, giving more learners opportunities to practise everyday skills in an environment tailored to their individual needs.

Since opening in 2013, Weston Bay has supported hundreds of young people with autism to develop life, social and independence skills. As demand for specialist SEND provision has grown, Weston College invested in The Horizon to build on that success and support more learners closer to home.

The name The Horizon was chosen by learners themselves, reflecting the opportunities the new centre is designed to open up as they prepare for life beyond college.

Ben Knocks, Deputy Principal, Weston College Group, said:

"Opening The Horizon is a really important moment for the College and, most importantly, for our learners. We wanted to create somewhere that feels like a genuine step towards adult life, where young people can build confidence, develop practical skills and grow their independence."

"We have taken the best elements of Weston Bay and brought them into a purpose-designed environment built around the needs of learners. Seeing learners and staff experiencing the new facilities for the first time has been incredibly rewarding."

"The need for specialist SEND provision continues to grow, and facilities like The Horizon help ensure more young people can access the support, space and opportunities they need to thrive. We're delighted to welcome Dan Aldridge MP to officially open the centre and celebrate the partnership working that has helped make it possible. We'd also like to recognise the support of North Somerset Council and our wider partners, who continue to play a vital role in strengthening SEND provision and outcomes across the region."

Dan Aldridge MP said:

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, and the College has a such an important role to play in making that happen. We need Government and local providers like the College working together to make sure every young person has the right support, skills and opportunities to thrive. This is just the beginning of the work the college are doing for SEND young people, and I’ll continue to support and lobby for every young person in Weston, making sure their needs are heard and they have the opportunities they deserve.”

The Horizon includes specialist teaching spaces, training kitchens, social learning areas and residential accommodation, helping learners develop practical skills for everyday life while accessing the wider opportunities available across Knightstone Campus.

Among those returning to celebrate the opening was former learner Tilly Bean, whose journey highlights the life-changing impact specialist support can have.

Tilly joined Weston College in 2022 after spending five years out of education. Having left mainstream education without GCSE qualifications, she lacked confidence and was uncertain about returning to learning.

With specialist support from the College, Tilly rebuilt her confidence and independence while developing vital life and social skills. She went on to achieve GCSE Mathematics and Functional Skills English before progressing to the College's Access to Higher Education Diploma in Biomedical Science.

This year, she achieved the highest possible grades on the programme, securing 164 UCAS points and a place to study Paramedic Science at the University of Gloucestershire from January 2027. Alongside her studies, she now works within a SEND education setting.

Tilly Bean said:

"When I first came to the College, I had been out of education for five years and was terrified of returning. The support I received helped me rebuild my confidence and become more independent. Most importantly, it helped me believe in myself again."

"I'm now preparing to start university, and I've achieved things I never thought were possible. That's why places like The Horizon matter. Young people need time, support and people who understand what they're going through. My experience shows how much can change when you get that support, and I hope The Horizon gives many more learners the same chance."

Weston College Group is inviting parents, carers, education professionals and partner organisations with an interest in SEND provision to register their interest in visiting The Horizon. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff and learn more about the specialist support and facilities available to learners.

To register your interest, click here and a member of the team will be in touch.

Today Weston College welcomed Jim Davison, National Membership Director at Make UK, to its Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) on National Manufacturing Day, celebrating both the College's growing role in supporting the region's manufacturing sector and its recent membership of the UK's leading manufacturers' organisation.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase how Weston College is working closely with employers to develop the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent through industry-focused training, apprenticeships and technical education.

The day also marked Weston College officially becoming a member of Make UK, joining a national community of manufacturers, engineering businesses and industry partners committed to strengthening UK manufacturing.

As a member, Weston College will benefit from Make UK's extensive programme of networking events, industry briefings and conferences, while also gaining access to the Make UK Capability Platform, which enables members to connect, collaborate, share expertise and showcase their capabilities to the wider manufacturing community.

The partnership further strengthens Weston College's commitment to supporting manufacturers across the South West and ensuring learners develop the skills needed to meet the evolving demands of modern industry.

Make UK National Membership Director Jim Davison said:

“National Manufacturing Day is all about celebrating the people, skills and innovation that drive our sector, so AMTEC was the perfect place to visit. Weston College is doing outstanding work in training the next generation of engineers, technicians and manufacturing professionals. As a former engineer it was a pleasure to meet so many young people who are passionate about careers in our industry.

“Manufacturers consistently tell us that access to the right skills is critical to their future, and AMTEC is a strong example of education and industry working together to meet that need. We are delighted to have Weston College as a member of Make UK and look forward to seeing our relationship go from strength to strength.”

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said:

"Joining Make UK is an important milestone for Weston College and AMTEC and reflects our commitment to supporting manufacturers across the region. Through AMTEC, we are helping businesses develop the skilled workforce they need. Membership of Make UK will strengthen those relationships further and ensure we remain connected to national industry priorities."

During the National Manufacturing Day visit, colleagues from Weston College and Make UK discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including skills development, workforce growth, productivity and the future of advanced manufacturing in the UK.

National Manufacturing Day shines a spotlight on the importance of manufacturing to the UK economy and provides an opportunity to celebrate the innovation, technology and skilled workforce that underpin the sector.