<p><a href="https://www.airbus.com/en"><strong>Airbus</strong></a><strong&gt; </strong>and <strong>Weston College Group</strong> today announced the signing of a formal lease agreement for the new <strong>Aerospace Skills Academy</strong> at Airbus’ Filton site, marking a major milestone in strengthening national resilience through aerospace and advanced engineering skills.</p><p>Under the agreement, <strong>Weston College Group</strong> will transform a building on the Filton site into a new training facility dedicated to advanced manufacturing and engineering skills. The Academy is scheduled to open in<strong> September 2026</strong> in time for the new academic year.</p><p>The <strong>Aerospace Skills Academy</strong> forms a key strategic component of efforts to respond to the <strong>UK’s Industrial Strategy (including IS-8) and the Defence Industrial Strategy</strong>, both of which identify skills development as vital to sustaining global competitiveness in aerospace and wider engineering. The South West is home to a £2.7 billion aerospace cluster, making it a natural location for this investment in talent, innovation, and economic growth.</p><p><strong>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group</strong>, said: “Signing this lease with <strong>Airbus</strong> is a transformational step in delivering world-class higher technical education that directly supports national and regional economic priorities.”</p><p><strong>Simon Galpin, Airbus Head of Filton Site</strong>, said, “The <strong>Aerospace Skills Academy</strong> represents a major investment in the future of UK aerospace and advanced engineering. Working with the <strong>Weston College Group</strong>, we are creating a pipeline of highly skilled talent that supports national capability, regional growth, and the long-term competitiveness of our industry.”</p><p>The Academy will operate as a flagship centre for technical education and workforce development, specifically tailored to meet the evolving needs of the aerospace and defence and advanced engineering employers. Its purpose is to strengthen the skills pipeline by aligning training provision directly with industry demand, supporting both national capability and regional economic resilience.</p><p>At the heart of the Academy will be an employer-led curriculum, co-designed with <a href="https://www.airbus.com/en">Airbus</a&gt; and a network of strategic partners including <a href="https://www.babcockinternational.com/">Babcock International Group</a>, <a href="https://www.gknaerospace.com/">GKN Aerospace</a>, <a href="https://www.mbda-systems.com/country-uk?rc=1">MBDA</a&gt;, <a href="https://www.nccuk.com/">NCC</a&gt;, <a href="https://www.rolls-royce.com/">Rolls-Royce</a&gt;, and <strong>regional SMEs</strong>. This collaborative approach will ensure learners develop the technical expertise, behaviours, and experience required to succeed in high-value engineering roles.</p><p>The Academy will also prioritise inclusive access and clear progression routes, enabling learners to move seamlessly from Level 3 apprenticeship programmes through to higher and degree-level qualifications. This approach will help open high-quality careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.</p><p>Learners will be trained in refurbished workshop and teaching spaces featuring upgraded digital infrastructure and sustainability-focused systems. These facilities will mirror real industrial environments, providing hands-on, practical experience that prepares graduates to make an immediate and meaningful contribution to the UK’s advanced engineering, aerospace, and defence sectors.</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&nbsp;</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>Weston College are delighted to announce the renewal of our partnership with <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/bristol-hippodrome/">The Bristol Hippodrome</a>, strengthening our shared commitment to providing students with industry-relevant, inspirational learning experiences within the world of live performance.</p><p>This renewed collaboration builds on the success of last year’s partnership and has already seen Performing Arts students start the academic year with a trip to see<strong> The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe </strong>in September. The production also serves as a creative foundation for several workshops and skill-building sessions that are now in place for learners across the department.</p><p>As part of the partnership, The Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning team will deliver a series of specialist workshops designed to broaden student expertise and deepen their understanding of the performing arts industry. These include:</p><ul><li><strong>Pathways Into the Industry:</strong> Offering real-world guidance from current industry professionals on employment routes, opportunities, and navigating the balance between exploitation and opportunity.</li><li><strong>Audition Techniques:</strong> Students will take part in professional-standard audition sessions, observed by industry experts, followed by personalised feedback.</li><li><strong>Directing and Facilitation:</strong> A new area not currently part of the curriculum, giving students additional skills that can support careers as freelance practitioners.</li><li><strong>Networking Skills:</strong> An essential workshop helping students develop the confidence and know-how to build connections and “get their foot in the door.”</li></ul><p>In addition, the Creative Learning team will deliver a <strong>bespoke puppetry workshop,</strong> giving students insight into the specialist techniques used in <strong>The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.</strong> This practical experience offers a rare chance to explore a performance discipline that is increasingly sought after in modern theatre productions.</p><p>The partnership also extends to the professional development of Weston College staff. Lecturers will continue to access <strong>CPD opportunities </strong>directly with The Bristol Hippodrome, ensuring their teaching remains informed by current local, national, and international industry practice.</p><p>Beyond the Performing Arts department, the collaboration continues to create exciting opportunities for other areas of the College. Our Photography learners have <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/photography-students-gain-work-experience… worked with The Bristol Hippodrome </a>and will do so again, giving students the unique chance to gain experience in a professional setting rarely accessible to learners.</p><p>The Bristol Hippodrome’s Creative Learning Department said:</p><p><em>“We are so excited to renew our partnership with Weston College. Expanding on the work completed last year, we are continuing to provide direct skill development into the College from our industry to help inspire the next generation of industry professionals. As one of the larger venues in the South West, we are invested in helping educational spaces engage with the live entertainment industry.”</em></p>

<p>Degree Apprentice Jack Lewis has been crowned the Association of Colleges (AoC) Apprentice of the Year at the annual AoC Conference and Exhibition, an event that celebrates exceptional students from colleges across England.</p><p>The national awards recognise individuals who have excelled academically while making significant contributions to their colleges, workplaces, and communities. As always, the competition was fierce, with a high volume of outstanding applications from across the country.</p><p>Jack is currently studying at <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/#next">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a>, following in the footsteps of UCW alumnus Kam Stevens, who previously won the Higher Education Student of the Year award at the AoC Awards in 2023.</p><p>A Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering degree apprentice working at Singer Instruments, Jack distinguished himself through the substantial real-world impact he has had on the organisation.</p><p>He introduced advanced 3D-printing technologies that transformed manufacturing processes, reduced environmental impact, and significantly cut production costs. His redesign of microscope components not only removed the need for hazardous chloroform but also reduced the unit cost from £24 to just 17 pence, dramatically improving both safety and efficiency.</p><p>Jack, said: "I’m incredibly proud to have been named Apprentice of the Year. It’s an amazing feeling to see the work I’m so passionate about recognised at a national level. I want to say a huge thank-you to the engineering and apprenticeship teams at Weston College and UCW for their support and belief in me throughout my journey. I’m also grateful to everyone at Singer Instruments for giving me the opportunity to learn, innovate, and make a real impact."</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, added:</p><p>“We are delighted for Jack – his outstanding work truly deserves this recognition. Jack has set a new benchmark for what apprenticeships can achieve. Starting as a BTEC placement student, he returned as Singer Instruments’ first Level 6 engineering apprentice and has since driven transformative innovation.</p><p>“Congratulations, Jack. We look forward to seeing your career continue to thrive.”</p><p>If you would like to follow in Jack’s footsteps, you can <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… our apprenticeships here</a>.</p>