<p>Learners across all Weston College campuses recently took part in a series of impactful workshops delivered by <a href="https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&a… Giles Trust</a> in partnership with the local authority <strong>Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP)</strong> as part of the <strong>Home Office delivery plan</strong>. Focusing on the <strong>realities of county lines,</strong> <strong>knife crime</strong>, and <strong>youth exploitation</strong>, the sessions aimed to equip students with the <strong>knowledge, confidence,</strong> and <strong>practical strategies</strong> needed to make safe and informed decisions about their futures.</p><p>Weston College work closely with the <strong>VRP</strong>, who delivered this session both to educate learners and to gather their feedback on what is needed to improve violence reduction in North Somerset. <a href="https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&a… Giles Trust</a> led the initial talk, which was followed by a workshop by VRP who gave helpful tips and guidance including the ability for people to report concerns about violence and knife crime anonymously on the “<a href="https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless">Fearless</a&gt;” website.</p><p>Drawing from real-life experiences, St Giles opened the talk with an honest dialogue about the dangers young people may face, and the tactics used by organised crime groups. By sharing personal stories and frontline insights, they helped learners understand how individuals can be groomed into criminal activity, often without recognising the warning signs until it is too late.</p><p>A key part of the workshop broke down the four stages of the grooming process:</p><ol><li><strong>Targeting </strong>- identifying vulnerable young people or those perceived as easy to influence.</li><li><strong>Friendship Forming</strong> - building trust through attention, gifts, or offers of support.</li><li><strong>Loving Relationship</strong> - creating a sense of loyalty, obligation, or emotional dependence.</li><li><strong>Abusive Relationship</strong> - introducing threats, coercion, and control to force involvement in illegal activity.</li></ol><p>Through this structure, learners gained a clear understanding of how gangs manipulate and exploit young people, often blurring the lines between friendship, favour, and criminal expectation.</p><p>The sessions also demystified what county lines means, highlighting how drugs are transported and sold across regions, the hierarchy of involvement, and the perspective of those involved in dealing. Emphasis was placed on the harsh realities and long-term consequences of participation, countering the myth that county lines activity offers quick or easy money. St Giles Trust stressed the concept of<strong> “short-term gain, long-term pain”,</strong> showing how short-lived rewards are far outweighed by the physical, legal, and emotional risks.</p><p>Learners were guided through practical strategies for conflict resolution, helping them recognise safer ways to navigate difficult situations without resorting to violence or carrying a weapon. The St Giles team reinforced that there are always alternatives to retaliation, and that seeking support from college staff, trusted adults, or specialist services can be a proactive step towards staying safe.</p><p>Each session concluded with practical advice and guidance, empowering students to identify exploitation, protect themselves and their peers, and access help if they are worried about themselves or someone else.</p><p>The workshops were well received across the college, contributing to Weston College’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding, awareness, and student wellbeing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This month, we’re proud to feature <strong>Luke Morgan</strong>, a Weston College alumnus who has carved out a career in the world of professional football. Luke is now a <strong>First Team Football Analyst at Bristol City Football Club</strong>, and his journey from classroom to pitch-side is a true inspiration for aspiring sports professionals.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Who are you and what is your current job role?</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>My name is Luke Morgan, and I’m currently the First Team Football Analyst at Bristol City Football Club. My role involves watching, filming, and analysing the technical and tactical aspects of the team’s performance. I focus on analysing upcoming opposition teams to help develop game plans and tactics, as well as reviewing our own training sessions and matches. On match days, I’m in the stadium providing clips and information to coaches and players in real time, helping us to review and improve performance.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Can you share a bit about your journey from Weston College to where you are today?</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>After finishing my studies at Weston College, where I completed the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, I achieved the grades I needed to progress to the University of Bath to study for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. It was a four-year course, including a placement year that gave me my first real taste of working in professional sport.&nbsp;</p><p>During that placement year, I began working with a company in Durham that provided analysis support for a range of sports, including Durham County Cricket, Scotland Badminton, and England Rugby. That experience sparked my interest in performance analysis. After completing my final year at Bath, I went on to study for an MSc in Sports Performance Analysis at the University of Gloucestershire.&nbsp;</p><p>As part of that postgraduate course, I worked full-time with Bristol City Football Club’s Women’s First Team. After completing my studies, I was fortunate to secure a full-time position with the club, initially working with the Men’s U21 and academy teams. Over time, I progressed into my current role with the Men’s First Team, where I was part of the backroom staff during the club’s first playoff finish in 17 years.&nbsp;</p><p>Weston College played an integral part in that journey. It was the springboard that gave me both academic grounding and personal confidence to move into higher education and, eventually, professional sport.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Many young people feel pressured to have their entire career mapped out early on. How did your own career path evolve over time?</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Growing up, I was completely obsessed with sports. If I wasn’t playing, I would be watching it! I knew I wanted to work in sport, but I didn’t have a specific career in mind. What mattered most was following something I enjoyed. Going to Weston College was the first step in turning that passion into a possible career. The course helped me understand the range of opportunities within sport and gave me the platform to progress to university.&nbsp;</p><p>At university, I discovered new areas within sport, especially through practical experience. That’s where I realised the importance of gaining real-world placements and internships. It wasn’t until I began my MSc at 23 that I really started to specialise in analysis. My career path wasn’t mapped out from the beginning, but being open to learning, developing, and exploring different options helped me find the right direction.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Are there any pivotal moments or unexpected opportunities that shaped your career?</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>There were definitely several key moments. At Weston College, the support and encouragement I received were crucial in helping me achieve the grades to attend the University of Bath. I was also given valuable career advice, including not specialising too early and keeping an open mind.&nbsp;</p><p>Placements and internships played a huge role, too. Throwing myself into those experiences allowed me to develop the real-world skills needed for a career in professional sports. I also learned the importance of taking initiative and actively seeking opportunities, rather than waiting for them to appear. Of course, there’s always an element of timing and luck, but positioning yourself in the right place and being ready to take opportunities when they arise makes all the difference.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What advice would you give to students who feel uncertain about their future career path?</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Strip it back to basics: focus on what you enjoy and what you’re good at. If you’re unsure, ask for support and explore different options. Don’t feel pressured into a fixed path - there are many routes to success. And remember, choosing one path doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever. Be open and adaptable; there’s always another opportunity around the corner if something doesn’t feel right.&nbsp;</p><p>In the words of Ted Lasso: <em><strong>“Be curious.”</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Following our recent Q&amp;A session with local Labour MP, <strong>Dan Aldridge</strong>, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Level Politics</u></a> students received a visit from <strong>Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg</strong>, a former Cabinet Minister and Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for North East Somerset. He shared his experiences, roles and responsibilities, and answered any questions that students had regarding his career. &nbsp;</p><p>Jacob Rees-Mogg remained in Parliament from 2010 to 2024, serving on many committees and Government posts. He was the <strong>Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons</strong> from 2019-2022, as well as serving as <strong>Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy</strong> and <strong>Minister of State for Brexit Opportunities and Government Efficiency</strong> in the <strong>Cabinet of Office</strong> in 2022.  &nbsp;</p><p>During the visit, Jacob Rees-Mogg discussed topics such as whether <strong>Brexit </strong>was the right decision as he played a major and influential part in Brexit. He was initially a prominent backbench campaigner for the UK to leave the European Union and later acted as a government minister responsible for delivering on its outcomes. &nbsp;</p><p>Sir Jacob also discussed his memories of arguing with Margaret Thatcher regarding the handover of Hong Kong and the role of current politicians that are presenting current affairs media content. He outlined how Cabinet Government functions and what well-known politicians are like in real life having worked alongside many of them. It is this industry insight that gives our students a better understanding of life as a politician and the responsibilities that accompany this type of career.  &nbsp;</p><p>Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg not only answered any questions the students had regarding his experiences in parliament, but also encouraged students to get involved in whatever way they could, no matter their political party preference. This increases their understanding of local politics, gives them more experience for their careers, and gives them a voice for their future. &nbsp;</p><p>Having such an influential Member of Parliament engage with our students was a very important part of their political journey and a core memory from their A Level experience. It had a positive impact on their personal and professional development as aspiring future politicians and acted as an excellent networking opportunity for students. &nbsp;</p><p>A big thank you to Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg for taking the time to visit our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Level Politics</u></a> students and answer any questions they had.  &nbsp;</p><p>This guest lecture forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Form</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><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>