News and events

Last week, Weston College, in conjunction with the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust, delivered the Apprenticeship Career Open Evening, which took place at the North Bristol Rugby Club, with over 140 people in attendance, looking to explore their future career pathways.

The event specialised in the Engineering, Health, Digital and Construction industries, with attendees able to access support from Weston College’s award-winning Apprenticeships and Careers team, watch talks from the College’s Engineering and Green Skills faculty, and meet employers, such as the NHS, the Ministry of Defence, GKN Aerospace, National Composites Centre, and Wessex Water who all have apprentice vacancies.

Luke Wheaton tragically lost his life in the Avonmouth accident in 2020. Luke was an apprentice for Wessex Water and the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust was set up by his parents and brother to celebrate his memory and aims to support and encourage young people on their journey through life, by furthering their education outside the classroom, and developing skills. The Trust is made up of trustees from members of Luke’s family, Bradley Stoke Community School, North Bristol Rugby Club, Stoke Lane Football Club and Bradley Stoke Youth Football Club.

Tracie Leahy, the Head of Apprenticeships and Traineeships Recruitment at Weston College, commented: “We are so thrilled at the turnout for this event and being able to work so closely with the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust was brilliant; we are planning to work with them again in the future to enable more people to access support and advice on apprenticeships as a career pathway.

“Having the opportunity to talk to so many potential apprentices about their future pathways was the highlight of the event for the Weston College team. I really look forward to seeing how the people we spoke to progress, and I hope to see lots opting for the apprenticeship route!”

If you missed this event, we are hosting another Apprenticeship Open Evening in Weston-super-Mare, on 9th February, you can book your tickets by clicking here or find out more about apprenticeships today by clicking here.

On Monday, 9th January, participants of the Plant Training Skills Bootcamp were joined at the Construction Training Centre by Kier Infrastructure and Utilities, Milestones Trust (Part of the M-Group) and Hays Recruitment who are actively recruiting Plant Machine Operators in utilities, construction and infrastructure sectors.  Skills Bootcamps are DFE funded short training programmes, no longer than 12 weeks in duration purely for adults 19+.  Skills Bootcamps have been designed with employers with a view to close skills gaps.

Each employer gave a presentation providing explanation about their business, live vacancies, salary, benefits, and opportunities for future progression.  Following presentation each employer offered initial ‘speed interviews’ with each Bootcamp participant for live vacancies.

The speed interviews allowed Bootcamp participants (who are proactively seeking employment in this field as a direct result of their Bootcamp training) to ask questions and assess suitability before being invited for a formal second round interview.   

It was a highly successful day, with many of the learners asking questions to find out more about their potential future careers, as well as lots of very engaged conversations about the logistics of working on site.

A learner currently training to be 360 excavator certified, spoke about why he wanted to the chance to chat to the employers: "I didn't want to be a labourer anymore - it was too wet and cold for me, so I wanted to upskill to increase employability. This is the perfect opportunity to find out what's out there, and be able to discuss with multiple employers what my best route would be."

Louise Greene, Business Growth and Employer Partnership Manger commented on the day, saying: "We're thrilled to be able to  introduce newly skilled talent with our partner employers who are navigating skills shortages making impact on the closing of regional skills gaps in industry. learners about their future careers is amazing

The Construction Training Centre, located just off the M5, is a commercial training centre that supports training, refresher training upskilling, and funded training opportunities such as the Skills Bootcamps allowing individuals to access employment in the construction, utilities or warehousing and logistics.  As an approved CITB ATO (Accredited Training Organisation) the centre offers CSCS touch screen testing, CITB Health and Safety Courses inclusive of SMSTS and SSSTS, plant training at NPORS and CPCS standards as well as scaffolding and driver training.

Weston College’s Construction Career Excellence Hub launched BACE Talks this week, which went down very successfully with learners.

The idea, which took inspiration from the very popular online series, TED Talks, allows learners to hear from industry professionals, who share their story and give top tips for the industry.

The first event was headlined by Pete Greene, the Deputy Branch Manager at Bradfords Building Supplies. He shared his personal story, which really connected with the learners, and inspired them.

Richard Hanney, the Subject Area Manager for Construction Trades at Weston College, said: “BACE Talks are a fantastic new initiative, which is bringing our Career Excellence Hub to life.

“We work with a range of fantastic employers, who all have so much knowledge and experience to share with our learners, and we are looking forward to creating this platform which will benefit all involved.

“The team have worked on a fantastic setting for BACE Talks as well, which combines the industry we’re working in with the type of backdrop you would expect to see in a TED Talk.

“We have some excellent guest speakers lined up for the rest of the term, and I know that the learners are just as excited as I am, for what is going to be shared.”

If you’re interested in starting a career in construction, you can find out about our courses for 16-19 year olds by clicking here.

Or, if you’re an adult looking to either gain some new skills or change career, please click here.