News and events

This November, Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) proudly announce their participation in the national campaign National Light Up, taking place during National Care Leavers Month (NCLM) from 1-30 November 2025. The College and UCW have illuminated their Winter Garden campus building in blue from the week commencing 24 November, joining organisations across the UK in a visual show of solidarity with care-experienced young people.

NCLM, led by The Alliance for Looked After Children & Care Leavers alongside care-experienced young people, adopts the theme “Rising Up As Me – Overcoming challenges, transforming and finding your identity.” As part of its campaign, the ‘National Light Up’ initiative invites organisations to illuminate their buildings in blue to recognise the voices and journeys of care-experienced individuals, and to demonstrate allyship and awareness.

Chloe Wilde, Weston College’s Director - Social Justice and Student Support said:

“We are proud to join the National Light Up campaign, shining a light, literally and figuratively, on the strength and voice of care-experienced young people. At Weston College and UCW we believe every learner deserves support, opportunity and a sense of belonging.”

“By standing together with the care leaver community, we reinforce our commitment to access, equity and transformation. The theme ‘Rising Up As Me’ reflects our belief in each individual’s ability to shape their future, no matter their starting point.”

About National Care Leavers Month and National Light Up National Care Leavers Month is an annual nationwide series of events, campaigns and activities coordinated by The Alliance for Looked After Children & Care Leavers in partnership with care-experienced young people. The 2025 theme is “Rising Up As Me – Overcoming challenges, transforming and finding your identity.”

The “National Light Up” week invites organisations to light their buildings in blue during the week commencing 24 November, creating a visible sign of support, recognition and solidarity for care-experienced individuals. Organisations are encouraged to share photographs and social media posts using the hashtags and assets provided.

Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) have announced plans for an exciting new Skills Academy in the Aerospace & Defence space, located at Airbus Filton, Bristol.

Set to welcome its first learners in September 2026, the Skills Academy will offer a unique, industry-led training environment designed to equip future engineers and technicians with the advanced skills required across aerospace, defence, and cutting-edge manufacturing sectors.

This £2.6 million project, developed in collaboration with key industry partners including Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Ministry of Defence and Rolls-Royce represents a significant milestone in Weston College Group’s mission to expand higher technical education and strengthen its position as a national leader in skills innovation.

Engineering the Future

The Skills Academy will provide learners with hands-on experience across fully equipped workshops, laboratories, and specialist learning spaces that reflect real engineering and manufacturing environments.

Planned facilities include: 

• Machine Shop 
• Maintenance Workshop 
• Fabrication Workshop 
• Engine Room 
• Electronics Lab 
• Hydraulics Lab 
• Aero Lab 
• Control Lab 
• CAD Suites 
• State-of-the-Art Classrooms 
• Lecture Hall and Newton Room for Career Events 
• Student Support Hub, Common Area, and Multi-Faith Room 
• Quiet Room, Locker Room, Showers, and Changing Facilities.

With a strong focus on practical, project-based learning, the Skills Academy will enable students to engage with every aspect of engineering, from design and development to testing, problem-solving, and maintenance, within a live aerospace setting.

Built Around Learners and Industry

The Skills Academy is intended to deliver higher and degree-level apprenticeships while offering clear progression routes for full-time students already on Weston College’s engineering pathways. Learners will also have the unique opportunity to observe and engage with elements of the construction and fit-out phases, gaining valuable insights into project planning, site operations, and facility development.

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

“This Skills Academy represents our commitment to innovation, employer collaboration, and delivering world-class technical education. By locating this facility at Airbus Filton, we are placing learning at the heart of the region’s engineering excellence, giving our students unparalleled access to the people, projects, and technologies shaping the future of aerospace and defence.”

Connecting Education with Industry Needs

The Skills Academy forms a central part of Weston College Group’s contribution to the Regional Aerospace and Defence Skills Initiative. It will help meet the growing national demand for advanced manufacturing and engineering expertise, ensuring learners are fully prepared to begin careers with leading employers such as Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Rolls-Royce and the Ministry of Defence, and other major engineering organisations.

Applications for September 2026 are open now. Please click here for more details.

All images are indicative concept renderings and are subject to further design development