<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, 20 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> learners had the opportunity to take part in a one-day <strong>British Airways </strong>Cabin Crew Safety and Emergency Procedures (SEP) training course. This was a fantastic opportunity for learners to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world cabin crew training and gain valuable experience from industry professionals.</p><p>During the experience, learners gained insight into the rigorous training undertaken by cabin crew, developing their understanding of aviation safety, emergency procedures, and the responsibilities involved in ensuring passenger wellbeing.</p><p>The day provided hands-on learning experiences and allowed learners to develop key employability skills, including communication, teamwork, professionalism, and problem-solving. On successful completion of the training, learners were awarded a <strong>SEP certificate</strong>, providing them with a recognised achievement and a valuable addition to their CVs. The experience helped learners make direct links between their studies and careers in aviation, while increasing their confidence and awareness of opportunities within the airline industry.</p><p>Experiencing industry-standard training gives learners a deeper appreciation of the knowledge, professionalism and level of responsibility required in an airline environment, helping them to connect the theory they learn in the classroom with real-world industry practices. Gaining exposure to British Airways and its training standards is also a great networking opportunity for our students and helps them understand employer expectations, prepare for future recruitment processes and identify the skills they need to succeed in an aviation career.</p><p>Hannah Forrest, Curriculum Co-ordinator in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a>, said: " Our annual trip to British Airways is always a highlight of the course, giving students a valuable insight into what a career in cabin crew entails and the responsibilities that come with the role. As an international airline supporting global tourism, British Airways provides an excellent example of the scale and diversity of the aviation industry, operating both short-haul and long-haul flights across an extensive global network, with a wide range of potential career opportunities. Experiences like this allow students to explore future career pathways, make informed decisions about their next steps, build connections with industry professionals and gain first-hand insight into working in aviation."</p><p>A huge thank you to British Airways for taking the time to deliver this training to our students and supporting the future of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> industry</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/trave… and Tourism</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.</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>My name is Sophie, and I am the <strong>Skills &amp; Employment Business Partner</strong> at <a href="https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/">Bristol Airport,</a> where I oversee <strong>work experience, apprenticeships, </strong>the <strong>Take Off employability programme,</strong> <strong>careers talks</strong> and <strong>careers fairs</strong>. I also build partnerships with schools, colleges and other organisations to create opportunities for people to develop their skills, gain experience and progress into employment or further education.</p><p>When I left school, I honestly wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I wasn’t particularly academic and struggled with exams and traditional classroom learning, so I decided to enrol on a traineeship at Weston College to develop practical skills, gain workplace experience and explore my options.</p><p>After completing the classroom-based element of the traineeship, I moved on to a work experience placement in business administration. This helped me realise that the skills I was developing could be applied across a wide range of careers, which led me to pursue a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/business-and-… Administration apprenticeship</a> at Weston College.</p><p>I chose Business Administration because it offered transferable skills that would be useful in lots of different roles, even if I didn’t yet know exactly what career I wanted to pursue.</p><p>My experience at Weston College was really positive because it gave me the opportunity to learn in a way that suited me. Combining classroom learning with practical experience and time in the workplace helped me discover what I was good at, rather than feeling that I needed to have my future planned out already.</p><p>Completing my apprenticeship and passing my End-Point Assessment gave me the confidence to take the next step in my career.</p><p>After completing my apprenticeship, I stayed at Weston College and applied for a Support Worker role, helping young people who were in a similar position to where I had been. Many were unsure about their next steps or were not currently in education, employment or training.</p><p>I provided one-to-one advice, guidance and support to help them move into education or employment. It was incredibly rewarding to use my own experiences to show them that not knowing what you want to do at 16 or 18 doesn't mean you can't go on to have a successful career.</p><p>Even now, I still meet people who tell me that I helped them, which is something I'm incredibly proud of.</p><p>I continued to develop my career at Weston College, working across two contracts to support both young people and adults before moving into the apprenticeship team as a Recruitment Advisor.</p><p>One of my main responsibilities was recruiting for the traineeship programme, which was particularly special because it was where my own career journey had started. Having once been a learner on the programme, I was now helping other people access the same opportunities that had helped me.</p><p>After several years at Weston College, I decided I wanted to move into management. I joined a private training company as an <strong>Operations Manager,</strong> overseeing three contracts across the <strong>South West</strong> and <strong>Sussex,</strong> as well as a team of eight staff. The role focused on supporting people into employment through short adult courses and gave me valuable experience in leadership and operational management.</p><p>After around a year and a half, I moved into my current role at <a href="https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/">Bristol Airport</a> as the <strong>Skills &amp; Employment Business Partner.</strong></p><p>Looking back, my career has developed through taking opportunities as they came along, rather than following one fixed plan. Each role has helped me build new skills and experience, opening the door to the next stage of my career.</p><p>Weston College gave me the foundations I needed for my career. My Business Administration apprenticeship was particularly valuable because it helped me develop transferable skills in organisation, communication, planning and administration, which I still use every day.</p><p>It also taught me how to work in a professional environment and gave me practical workplace experience, allowing me to apply what I had learned rather than relying solely on theory.</p><p>Most importantly, Weston College gave me confidence. When I first started, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and didn't necessarily feel that I was good at education. My experience showed me that there are different ways to learn and that you don't need to have your entire career mapped out from the beginning. That is something I continue to take with me in my work today, particularly when supporting people who are unsure about their future.</p><p>One of the biggest highlights of my career has been seeing the impact of the opportunities I've helped create for others.</p><p>At Bristol Airport, I love seeing apprentices develop throughout their programmes and watching work experience students go on to secure employment. It's particularly rewarding when someone starts with very little idea of what they want to do and discovers a career path they hadn't previously considered.</p><p>My role has also given me some amazing experiences, including the opportunity to visit the airport's control tower and see areas that most people never get to experience.</p><p>The thing I enjoy most about my current role, though, is the people. No two days are the same, and I get to work with colleagues across the airport, as well as schools, colleges, training providers and other organisations.</p><p>I really enjoy the variety, whether I'm working on apprenticeships, supporting our work experience programme or meeting with a college to discuss future opportunities. Everyone at the airport is incredibly helpful and willing to support one another. It genuinely feels like one big family, which makes it a great place to work.</p><p>Ultimately, helping people access opportunities that can change the direction of their careers is what I find most rewarding. It's something that has been a constant throughout my working life, from my time supporting young people at Weston College to the work I do at Bristol Airport today.</p><p>My biggest piece of advice is simple: <strong>don't worry if you don't know what you want to do.</strong></p><p>I didn't know what I wanted to do when I left school and, if I'm completely honest, I still don't have one specific career that I've always wanted to pursue!</p><p>Instead, I'd recommend choosing something that gives you transferable skills. That's why Business Administration worked so well for me. I didn't know where it would take me, but the skills I developed have been useful throughout my entire career.</p><p>I'd also really recommend considering an apprenticeship. You can earn while you learn, gain practical experience and develop skills in a real working environment that you might not gain through classroom learning alone.</p><p>Most importantly, don't feel like you have to have your whole future figured out. Take opportunities, learn from them and don't be afraid to change direction. Your first step doesn't have to determine where you end up.</p><p>If you ever need support or would simply like to have a chat, my door is always open!</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Earlier this month, former <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> student Ellie returned to Weston College to meet with our current Travel learners, sharing her journey since completing her course, offering valuable travel advice and discussing the things she wishes she had known before embarking on her adventures around the world. </p><p>Ellie began the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… 3 Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism</u></a> in 2023, where she quickly established herself as an outstanding student. She achieved an impressive D*D*D* in her qualification, maintained 100% attendance and was named Business and Tourism Student of the Year at Weston College’s Celebration of Success awards. </p><p>During her presentation, Ellie reflected on the exciting opportunities she has pursued since leaving college. She spoke about her role as a <strong>Customer Care Agent for ABM</strong> at <strong>Bristol Airport</strong>, where she has worked for nearly two years, alongside her international experiences, including taking part in <strong>Camp America</strong> twice and backpacking across Southeast Asia and Australia. Most recently, Ellie has embarked on a nine-week volunteering programme in Africa, supporting local communities in Ghana, Tanzania and Kenya. </p><p>By sharing her first-hand experiences, Ellie gave students an insight into the diverse opportunities available within the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> industry and beyond. She offered practical tips and advice for those looking to travel independently, explaining how to get involved in international trips and projects, highlighting her favourite moments from her adventures and sharing lessons she had learned along the way. </p><p>Guest lectures from former students provide a valuable opportunity for learners to see how their qualifications can translate into real-world experiences and career opportunities. Through discussing her role at <strong>Bristol Airport</strong>, Ellie demonstrated how the skills and knowledge gained during her studies can be applied in a professional environment, helping students understand the potential career pathways available within aviation and the wider travel and tourism sector. </p><p>Her experiences also highlighted the personal development that comes with exploring new places, meeting people from different backgrounds and stepping outside familiar surroundings. By hearing from someone who was recently in their position, students were able to gain inspiration, ask questions and develop a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them, both professionally and personally. </p><p>Ellie also discussed her future ambitions, revealing plans to return to Camp America for a third time, spend a year working as an au pair in Australia, complete a ski season in Canada, become a flight attendant and even work as an elf in Lapland. </p><p>Her exciting plans demonstrated that there is no single route to success within the travel and tourism industry and that a willingness to embrace new experiences can open doors to a wide range of opportunities. Hearing about her ambitions encouraged students to think about their own goals, explore different career pathways and recognise how the decisions they make today can help shape their futures. </p><p>Hannah Forrest, Curriculum Co-ordinator in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a>, said: </p><p>“It was fantastic to see Ellie again and hear about the amazing adventures she has experienced since finishing the course. She was always a model student, and to see the confidence she has gained from exploring the world and returning to share her knowledge with our current Travel students was inspiring. </p><p>“Hearing first-hand from former students who have stepped outside their comfort zones and embraced new opportunities helps inspire our learners to pursue careers that allow them to experience different cultures, meet new people and broaden their horizons through the exciting projects and independent opportunities available to them.” </p><p>A huge thank you to Ellie for taking the time to return to Weston College and share her fantastic journey with our current <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> students. Her experiences are a wonderful example of how the opportunities available through education can lead to exciting adventures, personal growth and a wide range of possibilities.</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/trave… and Tourism</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.</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>