News and events

Weston Town Council with Weston-super-Mare Civic Society have put up a plaque dedicated to architect Hans Fowler Price on the former School of Science and Art, in Lower Church Road, which is owned by Weston College. The plaque was unveiled on Monday 10th December 2018 at 12.00.

The building is one of many designed by Mr Price. As an architect he is responsible for much of Weston’s Victorian development. The Blakehay Theatre on Wadham Street which used to be a Baptist Church, also the Bristol Road Baptist Church, large parts of the Boulevard including the Mercury office, Walliscote School, and the former Library and Royal Hospital. He designed his own home in Trewartha Park where he died.

Hans Fowler Price (1835-1912) blue plaque was unveiled at Weston College by Dr Paul Phillips CBE Ph.D D.Litt Ed.D Principal and Chief Executive. Councillor John Crockford-Hawley who Chairs the Town Council's Museum Working Party and The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare were in attendance.

Dr Phillips commented; “This is a stunning Victorian architectural gem which has cost Weston College £1.64 million to completely refurbish.

“It was sensitively transformed in 2011 into a 21st century conference and event facility. Specialist stone masons, carpenters, joiners and engineers were drafted in to re-structure the cramped internal layout into large spacious rooms over three floors and replace all mechanical and electrical services.

“It was important the refurbishment was sympathetic to the original design and we have incorporated many original features. Stonework and tiling have been restored, while impressive stone pillars, archways, woodwork, roof beams and window handles have been retained. Hans Fowler Price was responsible for many treasures in the town during the Victorian era and we are delighted to own one of these properties and celebrate his work.”

There have rarely been more employment opportunities in the UK construction industry than there are at present.

Companies are crying out for a new generation of qualified workers due to a skills shortage driven by new infrastructure projects, the government’s plans to build 300,000 homes a year, digitalisation of the industry and a rate of retirement that’s outstripping recruitment.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has reported that the industry will need to find 157,000 new recruits by 2021.

This skills shortage brings with it a host of opportunities, including great employment prospects, job security and an exciting and varied career.

Weston College is at the forefront of this drive to create the next generation of skilled workers. Our South West Skills Campus, based at Locking Road in Weston-super-Mare is a hub for younger learners entering the industry, with courses such as: bricklaying, site carpentry and general construction skills, among others.

This year we will also be opening our Construction Training Centre, which expands on the existing construction training facilities by offering training and qualifications in three areas where the skills gap is at its widest – scaffolding, plant operations and groundworks. This Centre is based just off the M5 at Weston-super-Mare. For more details on training in these areas, please click here.

So, now you know there are a host of relevant courses on your doorstep, here are some more reasons to choose a career in the construction industry.

Employment opportunities

Around 157,000 new construction jobs are expected to be created over the next four years, as new projects are announced and a generation of workers retires.

The government has pledged to build 300,000 new homes a year by the mid-2020s, which in itself, presents huge opportunities for aspiring construction workers.

Plus, the government has committed to an additional 3,000,000 apprenticeship ‘starts’ across all industries in England by 2020, with a substantial proportion of the opportunities likely to be within the construction sector.

This demand for workers also means that the sector boasts strong job security.

Job satisfaction

Few careers are as rewarding as those in the construction industry.

The satisfaction of seeing your work develop in front of your eyes is one of the most fulfilling aspects of working in construction. You can watch a building transform and grow into the finished product, knowing you have made an important and lasting contribution to the landscape.

Competitive pay

The construction industry is highly competitive, meaning that the salaries are, too. Most technical trainee roles can start on £25,000 a year, while more experienced technical workers can earn £48,000 and above. Trades roles also pay well, generally, with higher skilled workers earning from £15-£25 per hour.

Variety and choice

The construction industry is extremely varied and offers something for everyone – from carpenters, plasterers, plumbers and bricklayers, to engineers, surveyors and project managers. What’s more, no two jobs are the same or in the same location. This means you can work in a huge variety of projects during your career, and will have the opportunity to work across the country and, possibly, abroad.

You’re always being challenged – physically and mentally – and required to find solutions for new problems.

Progression opportunities

The wide variety of roles and projects brings many opportunities to progress. Construction is also viewed as a very meritocratic industry where hard work pays off – after all, many company CEOs started out at the bottom. And, unlike other sectors, construction workers are frequently presented with opportunities to gain new skills and move into different roles.

Innovation rewarded

The construction industry is constantly evolving, as client expectations grow, projects become more complex, and technology improves. Companies continuously need to find more innovative ways to design, build and deliver, which creates opportunities for new employees with fresh ideas and methods.

For more information on our construction courses, please click here.

Weston College students will get the chance to work with an exciting new range of animals thanks to a partnership with one of the region’s top visitor attractions.

The College has joined forces with Puxton Park, which will enable students to develop industry-specific skills working with the park’s specialist facilities and animals.

Puxton’s range of domestic, farm and exotic animals include tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus and stick insects.

The link will also allow students to gain broader experience on their customer service skills, by engaging with tourists, families and school parties; all helping to prepare them for the world of work.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “Puxton Park is an outstanding and well-known venue, boasting a huge range of facilities, resources and animals.

“This innovative and exciting partnership provides a wealth of opportunities for students, to develop practical skills with species to suit everyone’s interests from reptiles to large farm animals through to birds of prey.”

“With future skills gaps identified and the excellent access of Puxton Park on the A370, this partnership will allow us to develop our animal management provision and provide students from throughout the region with the skills they need to succeed in this exciting industry.”

Alistair Mead, Managing Director of Puxton Park, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with Weston College.

“Puxton Park was originally built with the intention of being an educational working farm park. Over the past 12 years, the park has grown in many ways; however, our roots as a place of learning and growth are deeply ingrained in everything we offer which is why we feel so passionate about supporting and working with future veterinary nurses, animal keepers, animal scientists, farmers and vets.”

Puxton Park is an award-winning family adventure park based near Weston-super-Mare. It provides animal talks, workshops and feedings, as well as indoor and outdoor adventure areas, water activities, rides and games.