<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Weston College has welcomed new and returning students for the 2026/27 academic year, with each Career Excellence Hub hosting a range of induction activities designed to help learners settle into college life, meet their peers and staff, and get to know their new learning environment.</p><p>The year began with Welcome Talks led by the College Executive Team across <strong>Knightstone</strong>, <strong>Loxton</strong> and <strong>South West Skills</strong> campuses. These sessions introduced students to the College’s leadership team and outlined key expectations for the year ahead, alongside important policies and procedures to help learners make a confident start to their studies.</p><p>Across the campuses, faculties also organised a variety of activities combining fun, creativity and practical learning.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></strong></a> students toured the Puxton Park campus, met the animals, and took part in hands-on team-building activities.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; learners took part in human bingo and a range of icebreakers, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… &amp; Design</u></strong></a> students created a collaborative ‘Class of 2027’, using collages and personalised playing cards to showcase their creativity.</p><p>For some learners, induction provided an early opportunity to get hands-on with their future careers. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… &amp; Catering</u></strong></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… &amp; Beauty</u></strong></a> learners began developing essential kitchen and salon skills, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students completed practical diagnostic activities, becoming familiar with the equipment and techniques they will use throughout their studies.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</u></strong></a> students explored their campus through a scavenger hunt before taking part in introductory subject sessions. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</u></strong></a> learners worked with interactive simulation dummies during practical assessments and observations, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students got active with team-building and multi-sport challenges.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… Arts</u></strong></a> students were introduced to the course through choreography sessions and fun group challenges, including a creative competition to create a wedding dress using toilet paper.</p><p>Learners across <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… &amp; Animation</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… Design</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></strong></a> also took part in icebreakers, problem-solving challenges and team activities, helping them build relationships while tackling challenges linked to their chosen subjects.</p><p>These Welcome Days play an important role in helping learners make a positive transition into college. Alongside introducing students to their courses and learning environments, they provide an opportunity to build confidence, develop friendships and start creating a sense of belonging from day one.</p><p>At Weston College, we know that starting a new chapter can feel daunting, so we are committed to creating a welcoming and engaging experience for every learner.</p><p>It has been fantastic to see our new and returning students make such a positive start to the year, and we can’t wait to see everything they go on to achieve throughout 2026/27!</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>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last week, Weston College hosted a <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</u></a> <strong>WorldSkills International Pressure Test</strong> ahead of the upcoming <strong>WorldSkills Shanghai</strong> competition, welcoming competitors from Team UK, Northern Ireland, and Spain. The event provided a valuable opportunity for competitors to test themselves in a high-pressure but supported environment while offering staff and peers a unique insight into the different techniques, approaches and professional standards demonstrated across countries.</p><p>Over four days, competitors completed a series of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</u></a> practical assessments designed to replicate the intensity of the WorldSkills competitions. These included full body masks, hot stone massages, facials, leg and underarm waxing, lash lift and tint, brow lamination and tint, manicure and pedicure, and creative makeovers. Each task challenged participants to demonstrate exceptional technical ability, precision, organisation, adaptability and time management under strict competition conditions.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Competitor from Spain waxing clients leg&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8e5352b-5a8c-4710-b970-124dc9cc6aae" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>Experiences like these help raise the aspirations of our current learners, provide valuable insight into the opportunities available through skills competitions, and encourage them to pursue challenges like this which will enhance their abilities. They also strengthen links with industry and international partners, creating networking opportunities and reinforcing Weston College's reputation as a high-achieving Careers Excellence Hub.</p><p>Hosting competitions like these provide Weston College with a fantastic opportunity to welcome international competitors and raise the profile of our learners and the college. Not only this, students, staff, and competitors are able to observe industry-leading professionals in action, gaining first-hand exposure to the standards, techniques and professionalism expected at the highest level of the beauty industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The treatments carried out during the Pressure Test were offered to Weston College staff, allowing competitors to perform on real clients in a realistic competition setting. Staff not only supported the competitors throughout the event but also experienced the exceptional standard of treatments being delivered, helping to create a realistic environment that closely reflected the requirements of an international competition.</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Industries at Weston College, said, “Being able to host Pressure Tests like this and welcome international competitors is a fantastic opportunity for Weston College and provides excellent networking opportunities for our students. It highlights our high-quality facilities whilst demonstrating the standards of talent and support that our current learners receive when studying at Weston College. We encourage as many enrichment opportunities and experiences as possible to ensure our students have a wide skillset and are prepared for the expectations and careers available to them within the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</u></a> industry.”</p><p>Good luck to all the competitors competing in WorldSkills Shanghai next month!</p><p>This visit forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</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></p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… </a><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media Makeup</a> students came together for an exciting collaborative project, giving them valuable hands-on experience of working on a professional photoshoot inspired by the unique style of Marie Antoinette.</p><p>Working from a creative hair and makeup brief, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media Makeup</a> students showcased their skills by designing elaborate hairstyles, intricate headdresses, and striking makeup looks that blended historical influences with contemporary beauty trends. To complete the modern interpretation of Marie Antoinette’s extravagant aesthetic, students also styled their models in modernised corsets and lace garments. The project provided an excellent opportunity for students to experiment with new techniques, explore their creativity, and develop their own unique interpretations of the brief.</p><p>Students approached the project from a variety of perspectives. Some chose to portray Marie Antoinette through a regal and aristocratic lens, creating elegant and refined looks, while others focused on her dramatic downfall, incorporating prosthetics and special effects makeup to reference her execution. This creative freedom allowed students to push their boundaries, develop their technical skills, and express their individuality.</p><p>The project also provided <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students with the opportunity to work directly with clients and capture the stunning creations produced by the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… and Media Makeup</a> students. Through careful consideration of lighting, composition, and posing, they brought the concepts to life, creating high-quality images that reflected the vision of the brief while showcasing the artistry of their peers.</p><p>Collaborative opportunities such as this are invaluable in helping students work alongside peers from different disciplines and gain an appreciation for the diverse talents across the college. These experiences also build confidence, adaptability, and communication skills by exposing students to a range of creative briefs and working styles, which are essential qualities for success in client-facing and fast-paced industries. In addition, projects like this strengthen students’ portfolios, broaden their creative experience, and open doors to future career opportunities.</p><p>Paul French, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; Lecturer at Weston College, said: “Collaborations with other CEH areas are a great opportunity for our students to step out of their comfort zones and work with new people on a variety of projects. It builds their adaptability whilst giving them the chance to develop their communication skills and capture photographs that both they and the client are proud of. Not only that, but it is also a fantastic way to celebrate the talent of students from other courses and see the amazing work they produce.”</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, added: “Workshops like this are an excellent opportunity for students to express their creativity and develop designs that reflect both the brief and their individuality. They also help prepare students for a wide range of careers within the sector by encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and create more extravagant and intricate designs, enhancing both their portfolios and skillsets.</p><p>“A huge thank you to the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students for capturing such high-quality images of the final looks. This kind of collaboration is invaluable to both groups, and it is wonderful to see all of the students’ hard work documented so professionally.”</p><p>Well done to all the students involved. The exceptional standard of work produced throughout this project is a fantastic reflection of the talent, creativity, and bright future of these industries.</p><p>This collaboration forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; 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/film-and-media-arts-production-ba-hons/">…; or <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/makeup-wigs-and-special-effects-ba-hons/?…, Wigs and Special Effects</a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</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/">Click here!</a></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>