News and events

Last month, our Sport and Fitness students visited JC Strength Studio to meet strength and conditioning professional and gym owner, Jon Clarke. The visit offered an excellent opportunity for students to explore potential career pathways linked to their course, while also highlighting the value of employer engagement and industry insight.

During the visit, Jon shared his personal journey into strength and conditioning, outlining how his career has developed over time. He spoke openly about the importance of gaining experience, building connections, and remaining adaptable within the industry.

Jon emphasised that early in his career, he chose to work under as many mentors as possible, absorbing knowledge and observing a wide range of training methods. This demonstrated to students the importance of networking and learning from experienced professionals, while also broadening their understanding of the different roles available within the sector.

He also highlighted that his career path was not linear. Initially studying a Biomedical Science degree, Jon later switched to Sports Science and went on to complete a master’s degree in Strength and Conditioning. This served as an important reminder to students that career paths can evolve, and that changing direction is a natural and often valuable part of professional growth.

Throughout his career, Jon has gained extensive experience across a variety of roles, including working as a strength and conditioning coach for Bristol Bears Rugby Academy, as well as in private coaching, physiotherapy, and as a healthy lifestyle advisor. He also spoke about the importance of a holistic approach to physical performance, emphasising the connection between physical and mental health.

Following this insightful talk, students took part in a series of gym-based challenges and trials focused on strength and conditioning. With Jon’s guidance, they were able to apply their knowledge in a practical setting, gaining valuable hands-on experience while developing their confidence and technical skills.

This visit provided significant benefits for our students. It allowed them to engage directly with an industry professional, ask questions, and gain a realistic understanding of career opportunities within sport and fitness. Experiences like this help to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workplace, giving students greater clarity about their future goals, boosting motivation, and enhancing their employability skills through real-world exposure.

A huge thank you to Jon for taking the time to work with our students and give them invaluable insight into his career.

This curriculum trip forms part of the Sport and Fitness 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. 

Progress to the next level in Sport! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

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.

Last month, our Level 3 Photography students were visited by former UCW BA Photography student, Josh Lomen, who returned to share his journey into higher education and the opportunities the course has provided him. Now working as a documentary landscape photographer, Josh focuses on capturing and communicating the changes within local environments. He discovered this specialism during his degree, where he experimented with a range of media practices, gradually building his portfolio and refining a distinctive personal style.

During the session, Josh presented his work and spoke about the wide-ranging opportunities available through the UCW Photography degree which is now taught within the Film and Media Arts Production, BA (Hons) degree. His achievements include receiving several awards, being featured in publications and exhibitions, and connecting with well-known photographers, giving him valuable opportunities to promote his work. Hearing about these experiences inspired our students to consider progression into higher education, recognising how it can open up diverse pathways, strengthen their portfolios, and help them build professional networks within the industry.

Josh also outlined key areas of study within the BA Photography degree, including portfolio development, website design, and the exploration of different media practices. He highlighted the course’s emphasis on independence and creativity, even giving students the opportunity to create their own photography award which is an experience that reflects the course’s innovative and industry-focused approach.

The guest lecture provided an invaluable real-world perspective, helping to ease any concerns our students may have about transitioning from further education to university. By sharing his personal journey from student to award-winning photographer, Josh offered genuine insight into the experimentation, resilience, and commitment required to succeed in a creative field. His reflections on developing his style particularly emphasised the importance of curiosity and persistence, which strongly resonated with students as they begin to shape their own creative identities.

Josh’s success clearly demonstrated the potential outcomes of pursuing a BA Photography degree. His insights into the course content showcased the breadth of skills students can develop, encouraging them to think ambitiously about their futures. As a result, students left the session with a clearer understanding of how to build a professional portfolio and establish meaningful connections within the industry.

Sam Brooks, Photography lecturer at Weston College, commented: “Our photography community in North Somerset, Bristol and the wider area develops each year, and we love welcoming former students back to demonstrate how both the industry and courses at Weston College can benefit individuals. The degree course offers students the opportunity to build on technical, research and professional skills, ensuring they graduate well-prepared to enter the industry.”

A huge thank you to Josh for sharing his invaluable insights and experiences, giving our students a first-hand look at the exciting possibilities that lie ahead after further education.

This guest lecture forms part of the Photography 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. 

Progress to the next level in Photography! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

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.

Last month, our Protective Services students were visited by the Avon Fire and Rescue service where they shared valuable insight into a career as a firefighter and the expectations and qualities required for a career in the fire service.

The Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) course gives students a comprehensive insight into careers within the Protective Services, including the Emergency Services and the Armed Forces. By developing a clear understanding of these roles, students are better prepared for future application processes, the realities of day-to-day duties, and the key qualities needed to succeed in high-pressure environments.

During the visit, members of the Avon Fire and Rescue team detailed their journey into the service, outlining their progression to the students and giving them insight into the eligibility and application process to become a firefighter, and the different roles people can pursue within the fire service. This was an excellent opportunity for students to understand the lengthy recruitment procedure and ask questions to industry professionals.

Students also received details of the daily routine as a firefighter, outlining their key roles and responsibilities, shift patterns, involvement within the community, and the benefits and challenges of the profession. This provided learners with a realistic understanding of emergency service careers and the importance of teamwork, resilience, and quick decision-making under pressure.

Not only this, students learnt how to respond effectively to fires, how to call for help, and the correct protocols to follow in an emergency. This was great first-hand exposure for students to learn from industry professionals and gain a basic understanding of how to contain a fire, no matter their future career goal. Students then got to see a fire engine up-close, receiving a tour of the vehicle and seeing how they use the kit and equipment to put out a fire.

This session highlighted the key attributes needed to succeed in any Protective Services career, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. These essential skills are developed throughout the UPS course via a range of practical, team-building activities, ensuring students are well prepared to handle the demands and pressures of real-world situations.

David Beresford, Head of Protective Services at Weston College, added, “This was a valuable opportunity for our students to explore the career pathways available to them after completing their course. Working alongside employers like this provides real-world insight into careers within the emergency services, while also giving students the chance to network with industry professionals and ask meaningful questions to support their future ambitions.”

A huge thank you to the Avon Fire and Rescue team for taking the time to share the valuable insight with our students.

This employer visit forms part of the Protective Services 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.