<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Weston College was proud to contribute to the latest Bristol &amp; Bath Cluster Meeting hosted by the <strong>West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF)</strong>, held at the <strong>Airbus AIRTeC Centre</strong> in Filton.</p><p>The event brought together industry leaders, education providers and regional stakeholders to explore how the South West can collectively strengthen the aerospace and advanced engineering skills pipeline.</p><p>The meeting focused on workforce pressures facing the sector, the impact of emerging technologies, and the importance of closer collaboration to ensure businesses of all sizes can access the talent they need.</p><p>A central focus of the meeting was the proposed <strong>Aerospace Skills Academy</strong> in Filton, introduced by <strong>Weston College</strong> and due to launch in September 2026.</p><p>The Academy is being developed in partnership with employers to help address workforce shortages across the regional aerospace cluster. Designed to align closely with real business needs, the initiative will strengthen links between employers and training providers, supporting long-term regional growth.</p><p>Throughout the session, delegates emphasised the importance of employer involvement in shaping curriculum and delivery, ensuring provision works not only for prime manufacturers but also for SMEs across the supply chain. Weston College is already working closely with employers to co-design its <strong>Aerospace Skills Academy</strong> programmes and is particularly keen to expand collaboration with SMEs, recognising their critical role in the regional aerospace ecosystem. By engaging smaller businesses more directly in curriculum development, placements and skills planning, the College aims to ensure training provision is accessible, responsive and aligned to the real-world needs of the entire supply chain.</p><p>The Bristol &amp; Bath Cluster Meeting demonstrated the strength of engagement across the South West and the shared commitment to developing the future workforce.</p><p><strong>Weston College</strong> extends its thanks to <strong>WEAF </strong>for organising such a productive and forward-looking event, to <strong>Airbus</strong> for hosting, and to the members and partners whose insight and collaboration continue to drive progress across the region.</p><p><strong>Weston College</strong> is currently recruiting staff ahead of the <strong>Aerospace Skills Academy’s</strong> planned September 2026 opening. Individuals interested in supporting the next generation of aerospace talent are encouraged to get in touch:</p><ul><li><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">View current vacancies <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-… FOR THE COLLEGE | Weston College</a></p></li><li><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Register interest for flexible opportunities <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=FgfhBifCK0qqQ-seKHr… of Interest</a></p></li><li>Contact our Recruitment Team for an informal conversation – <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="mailto:grouprecruitment@weston.ac.uk">grouprecruitment@weston.ac.uk</a&…; &nbsp;&nbsp;or call 01934 411411</li></ul>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Recently, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Protective Services</u></a> students took a trip to <strong>RAF Brize Norton</strong> in Oxfordshire, giving them the opportunity to explore an operational RAF Station and gain first-hand experience and insight into a career within the RAF.&nbsp;</p><p>During the visit, students received an in-depth guided tour of the operational air base and were introduced to members of different teams, including the Physical Training Instructor, the RAF Fire Service, the Load Master, the Intelligence Engineer, and the RAF Police. This provided them with a broad understanding of the potential careers within the RAF and the roles and responsibilities they hold.&nbsp;</p><p>The <strong>Royal Air Force (RAF)</strong> is the UK's primary air and space force, responsible for protecting British skies and international interests. It was founded in 1918 as the world's first independent air force; it acts as a separate service alongside the British Army and Royal Navy. Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> students often aim for a career in the armed forces or emergency services, aspiring to help and protect the community by being part of a team.&nbsp;</p><p>Students came away feeling inspired and began considering the potential career routes into the RAF, gaining a better understanding into the starting wage, the potential opportunities and adventures available, and the personal and professional benefits of working in the Royal Air Force.&nbsp;</p><p>This trip was invaluable in providing the students with first-hand experience into an armed forces career, giving them a glimpse into the day-to-day life which they could potentially experience in the future. Students got to ask questions about different specialisms, learn the qualities and attributes that the RAF look out for, and understand the best pathways to get into the career.&nbsp;</p><p>Dave Beresford, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>, said, “Going to the Brize Norton base was a fantastic experience for our students to get a better idea of their future careers. They learnt key skills and gained a better understanding of what it takes to work in the armed forces. Getting to talk to a range of professionals and witness them in action was invaluable for our students’ personal and professional development, inspiring them to push their limits within the course and achieve their dream career.”&nbsp;</p><p>A huge thank you to the team at RAF Brize Norton for their support and for taking the time to share their knowledge with our students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> 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. &nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/bsc-hons-criminology-and-public-services/… and Public Services</u></a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> 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. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Weston College was delighted to welcome the <strong>National Youth Theatre</strong> to deliver its <strong>IGNITE Your Creativity</strong> programme, a series of fully funded, industry-led workshops designed to inspire and engage students from across a wide range of creative and technical curriculum areas. Delivered in partnership with and supported by <strong>Netflix</strong>, the programme provided learners with practical, hands-on experiences that introduced them to the wide range of creative and technical roles within film, television, theatre and related industries.&nbsp;</p><p>Taking place over a two-week period, the workshops enabled students to work closely with industry professionals, gaining first-hand insight into how creative projects are developed and delivered in professional environments. Learners explored a variety of roles and responsibilities, from performance and production to technical and behind-the-scenes careers, while developing confidence, teamwork skills and a greater understanding of working on professional film and theatre sets.&nbsp;</p><p>The programme engaged students from <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… Hair and Makeup</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… and Design</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/send/… Work</u></a> and Creative Media Extension learners with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…;, and the King’s Trust cohort. Sessions were carefully tailored to meet the needs of each group, ensuring that all participants were able to access meaningful, relevant and inclusive learning experiences, regardless of background or career stage.&nbsp;</p><p>Students were introduced to a wide range of creative disciplines, including acting and performance, directing and assistant directing, producing, research, camera and sound, podcast and audio production, screenwriting and vertical drama. Learners studying fashion, hair and makeup explored costume design, fabrication, set and prop creation, hair, wigs and special effects makeup for productions. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; learners and those preparing for employment benefitted from accessible delivery, clear progression routes and increased confidence in exploring creative career pathways.&nbsp;</p><p>The practical, short-format sessions had a positive impact on student engagement, motivation and attendance. Fully funded delivery, bursaries and adaptable approaches helped remove barriers to participation, reinforcing the college’s commitment to inclusive education. The programme also strengthened progression by highlighting routes into mentoring, showreel development, industry networks and further specialist training.&nbsp;</p><p>Students who participated in the workshops have been offered to take part in a fully funded, one-week National Youth Theatre course taking place during February Half Term at the <strong>Blakehay Theatre</strong>, Weston-super-Mare. This intensive programme will enable learners to collaboratively create a short film for use in CVs and showreels, while receiving mentoring and guidance from more than ten industry professionals. Students will gain hands-on technical experience across key production areas, including sound, camera, lighting, make-up and design, alongside the opportunity to take part in industry visits that deepen their understanding of professional creative environments.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with high-profile employers and gain experience that will enhance their portfolio. It is also a great networking opportunity, giving students the chance to continue to work with the National Youth Theatre in the future and gain hands-on experience in a range of potential career paths.&nbsp;</p><p>Ethan Shi, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Level Media</u></a> Lecturer, added, "Breaking into the creative industries, such as Film and TV, can be challenging. It takes confidence. It takes skills. It takes passion. But even more so, opportunities. When employers and industry speakers step into the classroom, they will demonstrate and support learners by turning their imagination and career prospects into real pathways. They show not just what it takes to gain a foothold, but also demonstrate the diverse roles and potential that can be achieved through the right guidance, access, and progression."&nbsp;</p><p>Lynsey McKinstry, Strategic Business Partnership Manager at Weston College, said, “We are so grateful to the National Youth Theatre for delivering these workshops to our students. It is employer engagement like that is invaluable for our students personal and professional development. Hearing directly from industry professionals helped bring careers in the Creative industry to life and showed learners the wide range of roles available within production. These opportunities allow students from all pathways to build confidence, understand employer expectations and see how their skills can translate into real employment.”&nbsp;</p><p>A huge thank you to the team at the National Youth Theatre who took the time to visit our students and deliver these impactful workshops.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>