News and events

Weston College is proud to announce the launch of its Hospitality Foundation Apprenticeship, starting in October 2026, designed to support both local businesses and young people to thrive in the sector. 

The programme offers a unique opportunity for employers to build their future workforce early, while supporting young people in gaining meaningful experiences and confidence in a real working environment. 

Foundation Apprenticeships are employed roles with structured support, combining practical, on-the-job experience with one day per week of college-based learning. 

Benefits to Hospitality Businesses 

With the busy autumn and Christmas trading period approaching, Weston College is calling on hospitality businesses to take advantage of this time to train and develop new talent during peak operational periods, as well as identify high-potential individuals ahead of future recruitment cycles and build a sustainable pipeline of skilled staff ready for Summer 2027.

Employers will benefit from supporting apprentices to develop essential skills including: 

• Customer service and communication 
• Food preparation and service 
• Teamwork and workplace behaviours 
• Stock management and food safety 
• Health and safety awareness  

Supporting Young People into the Industry 

The Foundation Apprenticeship is specifically designed for young people who benefit from: 

• A broader introduction to the workplace 
• Additional support and structured development 
• Clear progression routes into employment or further apprenticeships 
• This approach helps learners build confidence, capability, and career direction, while enabling employers to shape talent from an early stage. 

Funding and Progression Opportunities 

Employers may be eligible for up to £2,000 per apprentice to support participation.  

At the end of the programme, apprentices can progress into a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship and sustained employment within the business. 

Get Involved 

Weston College is now seeking hospitality employers across the region who are keen to: 

• Invest in future talent 
• Support young people into the industry 
• Strengthen their workforce ahead of Summer 2027 

Now is the ideal time to recruit, train, and shape your future team. 

For more information or to get involved, please contact: 01934 411594 or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk  

At Weston College, we recognise the importance of providing learners with SEND access to valuable work experience opportunities. Currently, only around 5% of people with learning disabilities in the UK are in employment. We are committed to helping improve this statistic, and meaningful work experience plays a vital role in that effort.

Fortunately, we have developed strong partnerships with local stakeholders who share our commitment to improving employment opportunities for learners with SEND. Through these collaborations, learners on our Preparation for Life course are given the opportunity to practise the employment skills they develop at college within real-world working environments. At the same time, our partners are enhancing their knowledge and understanding of how best to support individuals with SEND in the workplace.

With this in mind, we would like to shine a spotlight on some of these fantastic providers.

Weston-super-Mare Library

Firstly, Weston-Super-Mare Library has supported four learners with placements this year: Jordan, Coby, John, and Jordan. All have spoken highly of their experiences and the support they received from the library team. Jordan shared:

“I have learnt to recognise the skills and qualities I need for work and getting the chance to put them into practice has been really fun.” 

We would like to send a massive thanks to Charlotte Rumble and all the team at Weston-Super-Mare Library.

Weston-super-Mare Foodbank

A huge thank you goes to Weston-super-Mare Foodbank Warehouse. Lucy Cooper and the team have been dedicated to providing meaningful work opportunities for our learners for a number of years. Their continued commitment to supporting each learner as an individual, helping them to develop their skills while also understanding the vital role the Foodbank plays within the local community, has enabled many learners to work towards and achieve their aspirations.

This year, Weston-super-Mare Foodbank has supported six learners: Emily, Lexie, Jack, Zyisha, Bailey, and Kaylum. Kaylum shared:

“I love going out to the foodbank on Wednesdays. We get to work and help people. I want to have a job after college.”

Somerset Wood Recycling Centre

Next on our list of local stakeholders to thank for providing work experience opportunities for learners with SEND is Somerset Wood Recycling Centre.

Tom and the team at Somerset Wood Recycling Centre have supported two learners from the Preparation for Life course this year and are keen to continue this partnership into the next academic year. Ben and Brad have both benefited from these placements, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a supportive environment.

Brad shared his experience, saying:

“I have thought about studying carpentry in the future, and going to work here has helped me with my decision-making.”

Strawberry Line Cafe and Cycle Project

We would also like to highlight the fantastic support offered by the Strawberry Line Café and Cycle Project.

Sally Willcock and the team at the Strawberry Line have worked closely with us to provide truly meaningful opportunities for three learners this year. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to learner development and growth through practical, hands-on experience, working in partnership with us to prepare learners for their next steps.

Abbi, Kane and Ava have all taken part in placements at the Strawberry Line this year. For Ava, this opportunity has provided the confidence to progress onto the Supported Internship programme at Weston College. We wish her the very best of luck as she takes this next step.

The Greenhouse Cafe and Lauriston Hotel

Finally, as part of our commitment to recognising the invaluable contribution of local stakeholders who provide work experience opportunities for learners on the Preparation for Life course, and who are helping to improve employment outcomes for individuals with SEND across the UK, we would like to extend our thanks to The Greenhouse Café and the Lauriston Hotel. Nicole Day, along with the teams and both the Lauriston Hotel and Greenhouse Café have shown a continued commitment to supporting these learners to develop their skills.

This year, they have supported Luke, Hayden, Lauren, Joel and Brad by offering opportunities to experience real working environments and develop key employability and teamwork skills that will support them in their next steps.

Luke, who attended a placement at the Lauriston Hotel, shared:

“I am going to IntoWork next year, and working with others at the Lauriston Hotel, as well as developing my skills in the simulated Grove Café lessons at college, makes me feel ready to work hard.”

Not every young person follows a straight path after school.

For some, education hasn't always been the right fit. Others may be unsure about their next steps, have lost confidence, or need extra support before progressing into further study or work.

That's where Weston College's new NEET Prevention and Engagement provision comes in.

Created to support young people who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), or who are at risk of becoming disengaged, the team provides personalised pathways designed to help learners rebuild confidence, develop essential skills and take meaningful steps towards their future.

At the heart of the provision is the new Future Ready programme, a supportive and flexible route for young people who aren't quite ready to move directly into a vocational course but who have the potential to thrive with the right encouragement and guidance.

Based across Weston College's Loxton, Knightstone and South West Skills campuses, learners are supported by dedicated tutors and pastoral teams who help them identify realistic goals and build the confidence to achieve them.

The programme is built around three simple stages: Ready to Learn, Ready for Life and Ready for Work.

Along the way, learners develop English and maths skills, gain employability experience, take part in enrichment activities and explore different vocational areas before deciding on their next step.

Charlotte Hynes, Head of NEET Prevention and Engagement, said: “We know that every young person's journey is different. For some, the traditional route through education hasn't worked, while others simply need time, support and guidance to discover what's possible. Our role is to help learners rebuild confidence, develop the skills they need and create a clear pathway towards further education, employment or training.

“We believe no young person should feel left behind, and this new provision is all about helping them realise their potential and take positive steps towards their future.”

Weston College is also a trusted delivery partner for the Kings Trust, and the NEET Prevention and Engagement team will continue offer the Kings Trust programmes, Team and Achieve.

If you are interested in finding out more, you can contact the team by clicking here.