Weston College Spring Employer Forums Help Shape Future Skills and Curriculum
Employers
Throughout the spring term, Weston College welcomed employers from a wide range of industries to a series of Employer Forums, continuing its commitment to ensuring students develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours that employers need most. By listening directly to employers, the College can continue to adapt and enhance its curriculum, ensuring courses remain relevant, future-focused and aligned with the needs of the local and regional economy.
This collaborative approach plays a key role in preparing students for successful careers while helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need for the future.
Over the spring season, forums were held across a range of industries, including:
Travel and Tourism at Bristol Airport
The Travel and Tourism Employer Forum brought together industry partners to discuss the future of the sector and ensure Weston College's curriculum continues to meet employer needs. Discussions focused on the importance of digital skills, professional behaviours and workplace readiness, alongside opportunities to expand industry placements and employer engagement. Attendees also heard from Bristol Airport about its ambitious expansion plans and the significant career opportunities these developments will create across the region.
The Project Management Employer Forum focused on strengthening the link between education and industry, with discussions centred around the introduction of a new AI & Data in Projects module, due to become a key part of the curriculum. Employers welcomed the focus on AI, data analysis and Microsoft Excel skills, while highlighting the importance of preparing both learners and workplaces to apply these skills effectively.
The forum also explored the rollout of new apprenticeship units, funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, and gathered valuable employer feedback to help shape future project management training and ensure learners develop the skills needed for a rapidly evolving industry.
The Health and Social Care Employer Forum brought together employers to discuss curriculum development, workforce priorities and the future of healthcare education. Key discussions included the introduction of new qualifications, enhancing learner safety through lone working and personal safety training, and plans to relaunch the Health Care Academy for learners aged 14 and above.
Employers also helped shape future training by identifying skills gaps in areas such as mental health, therapy and public health, while highlighting the importance of clear communication, effective apprenticeship support and stronger collaboration between education providers and healthcare employers.
Discussions focused on the growing demand for skills in sound, production management, animation, and storytelling, alongside the increasing importance of streaming, digital content, and immersive technologies within the sector. Taking place in the new college podcast suite, the advisory board also explored new opportunities for employer engagement, guest lectures, podcasting projects, and industry-led experiences to better prepare learners for careers in the creative industries.
The Construction Employer Forum focused on strengthening collaboration between employers and the College to ensure learners are equipped with the skills needed for the industry. Discussions covered T Levels, industry placements, apprenticeship and higher education pathways, and the importance of guest speakers, site visits and employer engagement in enhancing the learner experience.
Employers highlighted key priorities including health and safety, communication, workplace readiness and digital skills, while also identifying opportunities to better align recruitment timelines, curriculum delivery and employer involvement to support learners' progression into the construction sector.
Engineering at Oxford Instruments
The Engineering Employer Forum brought together Weston College and industry partners to discuss updates on apprenticeships, assessor processes and the development of the AMTEC campus. Key discussions focused on improving communication, simplifying onboarding processes, supporting learner progress and preparing for the upcoming academic year, including timetable updates and additional assessor recruitment.
Employers also received updates on Smart Assessor training, apprenticeship units in areas such as AI leadership, green energy and advanced manufacturing, and plans to ensure a smooth transition to AMTEC while continuing to provide high-quality training and support for learners.
The College also continued its engagement with employers through Professional Studies in partnership with Somerset Chamber of Commerce, while Sport & Fitness representatives attended SIMSPA events to strengthen industry links. Sixth Form teams also worked closely with employers to support Progression Week, encouraging businesses to engage directly with students and share valuable career insights.
Weston College would like to thank every employer who contributed to the spring forums. Their expertise, insight and ongoing collaboration are invaluable in helping shape the College's curriculum and ensuring students leave ready to make a positive impact in their chosen industries.
