News and events

Weston College is proud to continue its collaboration with leading healthcare technology firm Epic, following the recent approval for the company’s new European Headquarters to be developed on the green belt near Long Ashton. 

The approved plans, which promise to deliver more than 2,000 high-quality jobs and inject an estimated £140 million into the regional economy each year; represent a significant investment in the future of North Somerset and the wider West of England.

Weston College has been working in partnership with Epic over the past few years to ensure this growth is underpinned by a strong and inclusive skills strategy. Working together to create new education and training pathways that will equip local residents, including school leavers and adult learners; with the qualifications and experience needed to thrive in this fast-growing life sciences sector. Weston College is excited to support the development of this world-class campus by aligning our curriculum and apprenticeships with the emerging skills demands in health tech, data science, and digital infrastructure.

This investment has the power to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, developers, and project managers; with routes into employment being created right here in North Somerset. Our mission is to ensure that these opportunities are accessible to all learners, regardless of background, ability, or starting point and look forward to deepening our partnership with Epic. We want to work closely with employers, councillors, and community leaders to ensure that this development delivers lasting social and economic benefit for the people of North Somerset, not just in jobs and investment, but in aspirations, skills, and futures.

On Wednesday 16th July, businesses in North Somerset are invited to attend an event at the Winter Gardens Pavillion in collaboration with Epic, Gilbert-Ash, and North Somerset Council. The aim of the event is to open doors for growth, strengthen local supply chains and procurement opportunities through collaboration on the Epic Campus project.

This event will provide small and medium-sized enterprises from the construction industry and supporting services the chance to introduce and explore supplier and contracting opportunities and build lasting partnerships.

Will Creswick has marked the end of his 18-month apprenticeship with estate agency CJ Hole by earning his Customer Service Level 2 Practitioner qualification - and has been offered a full-time position on the spot!

Will began his apprenticeship soon after completing GCSEs at The Kings Academy in Cheddar. Under the guidance of his apprenticeship assessor Georgina, Will has balanced his apprenticeship assignments with on-the-job training at CJ Hole’s Burnham office.

Will’s new role as an administrator continues a family tradition, as he’ll be joining his father Edward and following in the footsteps of older brother Tom, who has been part of the CJ Hole team for several years.

Helen Hamilton, CJ Hole’s Operations Manager, praised Will’s dedication: “We are all so proud of Will and his achievement.”

“He has worked very hard over the past 18 months, and he thoroughly deserves this qualification. We know he will be a great asset to our award-winning team.”

To find out more about apprenticeships at Weston College, click here.

Weston College is proud to celebrate the outstanding success of four learners, who have all qualified for the WorldSkills UK national competitions.

The four learners, who will be competing in November, are: 

• Maddison Hulbert – Beauty Therapy Practitioner 
• Ellie Grimshaw – Beauty Therapy Practitioner 
• Oscar Adams – Foundation Skills: Digital 
• Jodi Massebo-Bass – Foundation Skills: Horticulture

Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, worked closely with Maddison and Ellie throughout their WorldSkills journey so far, and said:

“Maddie and Ellie have had an exceptional year, recently completing their Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualifications with Distinction * grades.

“Their commitment has gone far beyond the classroom, with both students undertaking extra weekly training outside of their regular timetable to hone their techniques and elevate their performance.

“Building on their experiences from last year’s WorldSkills UK Beauty Therapist qualifiers, Maddie and Ellie have embraced every opportunity to grow. This year, they competed in the inaugural South West Skills Challenge, where Maddie won 1st place in the Beauty Practitioner heat, and Ellie earned an impressive 2nd place in the Beauty Therapist heat. Ellie continued her winning streak by taking 1st place at the AHT Finals in Blackpool this May, outperforming a strong field of competitors.

“Their momentum carried through to this year’s WorldSkills competition, where their entry videos earned them spots in the regional heats at Cardiff and Vale College. Now, both learners have successfully qualified for the national finals in the Beauty Therapy Practitioner category—placing them among the top eight young beauty therapists in the UK.

“This achievement not only reflects their personal excellence but also the high-quality training provided by Weston College’s Beauty Therapy team. With expert guidance from Heather and Becky, and strategic support from the Head of Service Sectors, Maddie and Ellie have been empowered to reach their full potential.”

In recognition of their talent, both students have already secured employment offers from Cadbury Spa, one of the college’s valued CEH employer partners—demonstrating the powerful collaboration between Weston College and local industry.

Find out more about WorldSkills at Weston College, by clicking here.