News and events

Last month, our Travel and Tourism students took a trip to Heathrow Airport where they attended the British Airways Cabin Crew training at the British Airways Global Learning Academy. 

This trip was a fantastic, hands-on experience for our students to gain a better understanding of the tasks entailed when working as part of a cabin crew. They got stuck in with a range of activities and recognised the important roles that cabin crew play in the safety and running of a flight. 

During this training, students looked at safety and emergency equipment, were taught the Learning Zones, and even simulated pilot incapacitation. They were taught the emergency exits from an aircraft such as the A320 Slide Descent, the slide raft practical, and the cabin evacuation and debrief. Finally, they even simulated a real-life fire, allowing the students to practice the smoke chamber exercise and the fire rig on a naked flame.

This trip offered our learners invaluable insight into the industry, allowing them to take part in intense training and lifesaving operations which is required to ensure the safety of all passengers on board. It provided them with more of an appreciation for all the work that goes on behind the scenes and gave them a better idea of the procedures and what a career in this industry would look like. 

Sinead, one of our Level 3 Travel and Tourism students who attended the trip, said, “I enjoyed the variety of activities we completed throughout the day; I particularly enjoyed the fire safety zone where I had to put out a real fire on an electrotonic device.” 

“The staff from British Airways were extremely supportive and knowledgeable, giving me an insight into the job and industry. This trip has also made me consider pursuing cabin crew as a job in the future.” 

It is immersive trips like this that help the next generation of employees decide on their future careers. It gives them an opportunity to obtain real-life experience, understand the responsibilities that accompany the position, and take part in activities and training that is a common practice within the role.  

Hannah Carstensen, our Travel and Tourism lecturer, said, “This is the second time we have run this trip for our Travel and Tourism learners and, again, it did not disappoint. Learners have been able to gain hands-on experience with emergency procedures and engage with tasks that mirror real-life emergencies which offers insight into the training intensity.” 

“Ian and Elaine were able to offer learners an understanding into airline standards and how a major global airline such as British Airways maintains professionalism, safety and service excellence, which gives them a benchmark for industry expectations.” 

Overall, this trip has enhanced our learners’ employability skills, as well as demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment to the sector which future employers will value. They were also taught a variety of transferrable skills that can be used across many roles in the Travel and Tourism sector and got the chance to network with industry professionals. 

Thank you to the British Airways staff for accommodating our learners and providing such a positive and educational experience. 

If you are interested in applying to one of our Travel & Tourism courses, click here. 

This curriculum trip forms part of the Travel & Tourism Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career. 

Weston College is proud to announce that Abbi Richards has been awarded the prestigious Centre of Excellence status by the Pearson National Teaching Awards judges, following her nomination for the Pearson Awards, in the SEND and Inclusive Practice category.

This national recognition celebrates Abbi’s outstanding commitment to inclusive education and her transformative work with learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Abbi has played a vital role in designing a creative, empowering curriculum that supports learners to develop communication, independence, and essential life skills.

Her work has had a profound impact not only on students, but on colleagues, families, and the wider sector.

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO at the Weston College Group, said: “We are incredibly proud of Abbi.

Her unwavering passion, creativity, and commitment to holistic, student-centred learning truly reflect the values we champion at Weston College.

The impact of Abbi’s work is clear in the heartfelt feedback we regularly receive. Parents often speak of her ‘infectious energy’ and her ability to genuinely understand each student, crediting her with helping even the most complex learners build confidence and independence.

Well done, Abbi!”

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

As festival season kicks off, we wanted a shine a light on the incredible work that is taking part within our Career Excellence Hub in Creative Arts, for our music learners.

From working backstage at festivals to collaborating with media students on live recordings, the department's commitment to industry exposure is opening doors for learners far beyond the classroom.

We caught up with the music team, to hear all about the exciting array of real-world experiences that our students are involved in this summer:

We have another brilliant summer lined up. One of the main highlights is Minety Festival, where 25 students are currently set to take part—a number that could increase by 50% next year.

Students will also be supporting operations at the Godney Gathering, with up to ten roles available in the backstage area. These learners will play a key role in managing equipment, setting up stages, and supporting artist liaison—a truly immersive experience in live event production.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the department’s approach. Recently, the Music and Media departments joined forces for live recording projects, producing promotional videos and live albums for performing artists. These experiences not only mimic real industry practice but also provide commercial outcomes, with students handling all aspects of production. Learners are credited in the final work, adding valuable, CV-worthy experience while building a professional portfolio.

These opportunities aren’t limited to in-house projects. External festival work provides learners with authentic industry exposure. Students have supported events at venues across the region, including Puxton Park, Watchet Festival, Godney Gathering, Minety Festival, and Sat in a field.

Each setting presents a unique challenge, helping learners to adapt, grow, and network with seasoned professionals.

Confidence is a key area of growth, but students also develop a wide range of technical skills and soft skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and professional communication.

Many have had the chance to perform on professional stages and meet influential figures in the industry. One standout opportunity came through Tour Manager Iain Robertson—who has worked with the likes of Oasis, Duran Duran, and Gary Moore. He has championed Weston College’s learner bands, helping secure opening act spots alongside established artists.

The benefits of these experiences are tangible. Several learners have been headhunted by companies and artists directly as a result of their work placements.

The Music Department’s ethos centres on creating as many genuine industry opportunities as possible, with a strong understanding that the music industry heavily relies on freelancers. Establishing industry connections while still in education is not just beneficial, it’s essential.

With such a forward-thinking approach, Weston College is proving to be a launchpad for aspiring music professionals, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in a competitive industry.

You can find out more about our music courses, by clicking here.