To celebrate AoC Colleges Week and International Women’s Day, Weston College wants to recognise the journey of one of our employees, India Pasby. From starting at Weston Bay to achieving a Distinction in her Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship, India’s journey at Weston College has been truly inspirational. She not only grew in confidence and developed her communication skills, but she has now secured a full-time position within Weston College’s Reception Customer Service team. India shared her journey and the impact these experiences have had on her personal and professional development:

My Journey Through Weston College

My journey started at Weston Bay, a residential training centre for students on the autism spectrum, before I progressed to study the Level 3 Health and Social Care Course. After completing that course, I began a Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship with the Weston College Reception team. Each stage built my confidence, resilience, and practical skills, preparing me for the workplace in ways I never thought possible.

The Impact Weston Bay had on my Progression

Weston Bay was life-changing for me. Before attending, I struggled with everyday tasks such as cooking, managing social situations, understanding boundaries, and looking after myself. I also faced challenges linked to my autism and ADHD, alongside periods where my mental health made it difficult to attend for long stretches of time. When I first joined, I worried that I might be excluded because of these difficulties. Instead, I was met with patience, understanding, and tailored support. The team taught me how to work with my autism and ADHD rather than against them. Simple strategies, such as knitting during lessons to manage fidgeting or learning to sew as a positive outlet, made a significant difference to my focus and wellbeing.

The Bay supported me in developing independence and confidence, and it helped me learn how to advocate for myself in both education and employment. I had previously struggled to sustain work, but through their guidance I learned about reasonable adjustments and how to communicate my needs effectively. Most importantly, I felt seen as a whole person. I was never defined solely by my diagnosis; instead, I was supported to understand it, work with it, and recognise its strengths. I would not be where I am today without Weston Bay, and I am incredibly grateful for the impact it has had on my life.

How my Apprenticeship has Shaped Me

My apprenticeship gave me valuable, hands-on experience in a professional environment. I developed confidence in handling phone calls, welcoming visitors, resolving enquiries, and understanding how College policies operate, while gaining practical insight into the day-to-day running of a busy reception. The experience significantly strengthened both my communication skills and my confidence in the workplace.

After a previous role where I did not feel properly supported, my experience at Weston College has been completely different. My manager, Sarah Cammish, ensured I felt comfortable and confident by putting reasonable adjustments in place as well as keeping me informed of changes in advance. She created an environment where I felt valued and supported, reinforcing the importance of working in a role that recognises your strengths.

Throughout my apprenticeship, the Weston Bay team provided ongoing encouragement and regular check-ins, helping me build new skills and step outside my comfort zone. Alison Goodman, my autism practitioner, offered consistent guidance, supporting me in navigating workplace communication and managing periods of change. My assessor, Ffion Rose, also dedicated significant time to making assessments accessible and clear. Together, their support had a lasting impact on my confidence and overall success.

Receiving my Full-Time Position

When I received my Distinction, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and emotion. At the beginning of my apprenticeship, I doubted whether I would be able to balance the demands of work. To progress from that uncertainty to achieving a Distinction and securing a full-time role is something I once believed was out of reach and it is quite emotional.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Weston College to anyone considering studying here. I have always felt confident in attending Weston College knowing there is support in place for me. They never saw me as a number and have always had a holistic approach to learning. They’ve always recognised and celebrated all my small wins with me and have always cheered me on from the side line.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way and for seeing me as more than my diagnosis, you have helped me reach a point in my life that once I once thought was impossible.

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.