Knightstone campus

Previous
Next

News and events

We aim to keep you up-to-date with the very latest Weston College news and events. Take a look below at what's going on at the College!

Got news you want to share with us? Email marketing@weston.ac.uk

Latest events at Weston College

Apply or find out more

Marketing Permissions

We’d love to keep you informed about vacancies, courses, and updates we think you’ll find valuable. You can unsubscribe or opt out at any time.
Your personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Please let us know how you’d like to hear from us:

Email

By submitting this form you are consenting to Weston College recording and processing the personal information on this form, for any purposes of the college associated with the provision of advice and guidance to potential students on the range of courses available to them, college facilities and any other associated information. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the information will only be used for the above mentioned purposes.

You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

One Message, Different Voices

Take a look at this powerful film made by the staff of Weston College to show how important it is for everyone from different backgrounds to be included. The film shares heartfelt stories and interviews with a diverse group of staff, showing how accepting different identities and backgrounds can make a big difference. Its purpose is to encourage viewers to think about their own biases and work towards making our community more welcoming to all. We invite everyone, regardless of their background, to join us and be a part of our journey toward a more inclusive future.

Halo workplace logo

Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. In this workplace, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employee's ability to succeed.

Luke Merchant Worldskills winner now working for Mercedes

Level 3 Automotive apprentice Luke Merchant has been recognised with an award from the Institute of Motors Industry

(IMI) for his outstanding success as a WorldSkills Silver Medallist as he now accelerates into his career working as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes! 

Luke Merchant motor vehicle apprentice with award

WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education, and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’. Over 3,000 learners registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021. Luke was awarded the prestigious silver medal at the 2021 automotive technologies finals where he has to compete as one of the top learners in the country. 

After Luke finished his apprenticeship, he then went on to work as a Vehicle Technician at Mercedes Benz, Weston-Super-Mare where he continues his career in automotive technology. 

Luke states: "Working for Mercedes has been great so far. I am really enjoying getting to know all their systems and processes. 

“Winning the silver medal at WorldSkills and my time at Weston College has helped me massively. I'm now more confident in myself and always trying my best to develop and grow my skills." 

Steve Harvey, Head of Business at Mercedes Sytner comments: "Since joining the team here at Mercedes Benz W-s-M, Luke has been doing a fantastic job! 

Firstly, working alongside an experienced Mercedes-Benz technician, so he could understand how the workshop work flows, regarding health and safety, use of the diagnostic equipment and of course meeting the rest of the team. Luke has also got involved with looking at all process’s which are involved when working on our customers cars.” 

Steve continues: "Luke is now working on his own, and we are really pleased with the progress he is making. At present with all the new product coming through from new electric to diesel and petrol and of course the awesome AMG range, it is an exciting time to be joining Mercedes-Benz and the Sytner Group! 

Some of the electric cars which will be coming through are outstanding and have the latest high-tech equipment, safety, and performance packages available, for example the new EQS with the hyper screen.” 

“Luke will now be able to have the full training on these types of vehicles, it is definitely a great time to join our team of very skilled technicians. We will certainly be looking for more aspiring talent to join our team. Luke is an example of what can happen with a tremendous attitude and drive to further his potential during and after completing his NVQ3." 

Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills is just one of the exclusive opportunities available to learners through their newly launched Career Excellence Hubs. At the College, each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, which include WorldSkills competing opportunities. 

Congratulations Luke!  

Apprentice Turned Mercedes Technician: Luke Recognised for WorldSkills Win
Firefighting apprentice

In partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue (AF&RS), Weston College has launched the Operational Fire Fighter apprenticeship.

The new programme launched in January, with 24 people training to become fire fighters, at Severn Park in Avonmouth.

As part of the apprenticeship, the new recruits will work on everything from fitness, fire safety and practical skills such as breathing apparatus procedures, ladder training, hose management and road traffic collision operations.

Simon Shilton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Avon Fire and Rescue said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome 24 new recruits to AF&RS to begin what I hope will be a prosperous fire service career.

“These new recruits have already undergone a rigorous selection process, and their next stage of training will see them put through their paces and prepared for life as a fire fighter.

“Modern firefighting is about so much more than fires, encompassing elements such as complex rescues, prevention work and community engagement. AF&RS truly works to prevent and protect before all else, working to keep the community safe in all that we do.

“As they move through this process, I give the new recruits my best wishes and can assure them that is truly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers.”

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, added: “We are delighted to be working with Avon Fire and Rescue on this brilliant initiative, and providing opportunities to people that want to become fire fighters.

“If you think this will be a good career for you, join us at our Apprenticeship Open Evening on 10th February, at South West Skills Campus, 4pm-7pm where we can tell you about the next intake of Fire Fighting apprentices and how you can apply – register here.”

You can contact Weston College’s apprenticeship team on 01934 411 594, or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk

Exciting New Fire Fighter Apprenticeship Begins
Georgia Stanbridge, Apprentice

Georgia Stanbridge, ApprenticeHi, I’m Georgia, an apprentice at Weston College.

I started my Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship in May 2021 working in the Employment Services Department. It has been such a fantastic experience for me, and I have actually already received a promotion as an Account Co-ordinator within the West of England Works Team – whilst still completing my apprenticeship.

I didn’t start an apprenticeship fresh out of school or college, I was actually working in a full-time, permanent position, however I felt I wanted to gain a qualification whilst continuing to earn a wage. It was at this point I looked down the apprenticeship route.

After researching further into the different apprenticeship routes available, I decided that the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship was perfect for me. I feel that an apprenticeship gives you the perfect balance between work and study and this is just what I was after.  

My apprenticeship has provided me with so many opportunities, and it has really helped me to develop a number of key skills, which will benefit me in my career.

One of the biggest skills I was able to learn and improve during my apprenticeship was my Digital Skills. I had the opportunity to complete my Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel Certifications and I was able to earn the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate Level Certification.

My apprenticeship has also helped me gain confidence in communicating with external stakeholders, as I have built the skills which enable me to communicate professionally and confidently. This has really benefited me in my new role, as I am required to communicate regularly with the external partners from the West of England Works Project. 

If you’re reading this and considering an apprenticeship, you should definitely go for it! It will open new doors to you, and give you many transferable skills which will help you to achieve your career goals.

Not only that, the support available is second to none. I have received support from my assessor, manager and colleagues, which has meant that the whole process of my apprenticeship has been smooth and manageable.

Thanks to my apprenticeship, I have been able to start my career and I am excited to see what the future holds for me.

Georgia Stanbridge, Account Co-ordinator within the West of England Works Team

If you'd like to follow in Georgia's footsteps with an apprenticeship, you can start your journey, here. 

BLOG: How My Apprenticeship Has Benefited Me