Weston College’s drive to create 600 work-related learning opportunities in six months has smashed through the halfway point well ahead of schedule.

The ‘600 in 6’ campaign has persuaded businesses from a range of industries to pledge more than 300 opportunities in just eight weeks. These include apprenticeships, traineeships, work placements and project briefs.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “One of the greatest challenges faced by the education sector, and society as a whole, is equipping people with the skills they need in an increasingly competitive and ever-changing world.

“The ‘600 in 6’ campaign takes up that challenge by seeking to inspire the future workforce, and supplementing learning programmes with relevant workplace skills and experience.”

Among the businesses to have pledged are: University Hospitals of Bristol, Weston-super-Mare AFC, Wookey Hole Caves and Little Angels Nursery.

YMCA Dulverton Group, which has pledged to train existing staff through Flexible Learning, are also offering four apprenticeship places to Weston College learners.

Jonica Walkinshaw, Director of Training and Education at YMCA Dulverton Group, said: “We are delighted to back the 600 in 6 campaign, and to develop local talent.

“We have decided to upskill 32 existing employees through 600 in 6, and also hire four new apprentices. We cannot wait to help them on their journey, and watch them develop within our organisation.

“Weston College has been very supportive. It has allowed us to build a bespoke package, which suits the needs of the YMCA Dulverton Group.”

You can keep an eye on the campaign’s progress across social media, and through the #600in6 hashtag on Twitter.

For more information and to pledge, click here. 

You can also email the Training Solutions team at apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk or call on 01934 411 594.