<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This week, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level</u></a> students welcomed employees from <a href="https://griffiths.co.uk/"><strong>Alun Griffiths Ltd</strong></a>, a sustainable civil engineering contractor helping to connect communities across road, rail, water and utilities. The visit gave students the opportunity to explore careers in civil engineering while developing valuable industry skills through a series of engaging, hands-on activities.</p><p>The session began with a presentation and interactive task led by Kate Hamilton-Border, Regional Social Value Coordinator - England at Griffiths. Kate explored the importance of Health and Safety and Risk Assessments, encouraging students to consider how these principles can be applied to everyday tasks. Students also took part in team-building activities, developing their ability to communicate, collaborate and approach challenges effectively.</p><p>Students then put these skills into practice during a large-scale bridge-building activity. Working in two groups, they followed an instruction manual to independently construct two sections of a bridge, eventually joining them together in the middle. With responsibility for delegating roles, communicating tasks and overcoming challenges, students were encouraged to take ownership of the project and use their initiative to ensure their bridge was functional.</p><p>The activity provided a valuable insight into the practical nature of civil engineering while strengthening students’ communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. Following the challenge, students received feedback from Griffiths’ professionals, allowing them to reflect on their performance, celebrate what they had done well and identify areas for improvement.</p><p>The visit also highlighted the progression opportunities available through a <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Level</u></a> industry placement. One member of the Griffiths team who attended was a former Weston College <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… Level Construction</u></a> student. Having completed his industry placement with Griffiths, he has gone on to work with the company while completing his <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/btec-higher-national-certificate-in-quant… 4 Civil Engineering BTEC Higher National Certificate (HTQ)</u></a> with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a>.</p><p>Meeting former students who have successfully progressed into further study and employment provided a valuable source of inspiration for our current learners, demonstrating the range of opportunities that can follow a <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Level</u></a> and the importance of making the most of industry placements.</p><p>Daniel Comerford, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… Professions</u></a> Lecturer at Weston College, said: “Welcoming employers such as Griffiths to Weston College gives our students a fantastic opportunity to see first-hand what a career in civil engineering can look like and gain valuable insight into the range of roles and pathways available to them. These industry partnerships are invaluable in supporting students’ professional development, allowing them to ask questions, build meaningful connections with employers and develop the practical skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Hands-on activities, such as the bridge-building challenge, also give students a real insight into the collaborative and practical nature of the industry, helping them build confidence and prepare for their future careers.”</p><p>Kate Hamilton-Border, Regional Social Value Coordinator for Griffiths said: "We were delighted to bring our bridge building activity to Weston College, giving students the opportunity to practice those all-important skills and qualities which are so important to employers. Our team had a great morning with the students, sharing their expertise and encouraging individuals to step outside of their comfort zone and demonstrate what they can achieve. Being part of the Construction Professionals Careers Excellence Hub is so valuable to our business in being able to promote the wide range of opportunities in our sector and developing potential future talent for our business."</p><p>A huge thank you to <strong>Alun Griffiths Ltd</strong> for visiting our students and providing such a valuable opportunity to develop their skills, explore career pathways and gain first-hand experience of the civil engineering industry.</p><p>This workshop forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… Professionals</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>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/engineering-and-construction/"…;! 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></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>New <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level</a> learners recently enjoyed an interesting and informative presentation from Kimberly Chikonobaya, an Apprentice Engineer currently working for <a href="https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/">Galliford Try</a> on the <strong>Banwell Bypass Project.</strong></p><p>Kimberly, who is a former <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level</a> learner at Weston College, returned to share an insight into her experiences working in the construction industry. Her presentation formed part of the <strong>‘Day in the Life of a…’</strong> series of guest speakers, which gives learners the opportunity to hear directly from professionals working in a range of roles across the construction industry.</p><p>As part of the session, Kimberly talked learners through a typical day in her role as an Engineer, providing an insight into the responsibilities involved in working on a major infrastructure project. She also spoke openly about her experiences so far, including being one of the youngest members of the site team and one of only a small number of women working on the project.</p><p>Kimberly explained how much she is enjoying her role and highlighted how the practical skills and knowledge she developed during her T Level continue to support her in her day-to-day work. She also discussed the opportunities available within the construction industry and encouraged learners to consider the different career paths they could pursue.</p><p>Alongside her work with Galliford Try, Kimberly continues to develop her skills and knowledge, returning to Weston College and UCW one day a week to study her <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/civil-engineering-hnc/">Level 4 HNC in Civil Engineering.</a></p><p>Construction Professions Lecturer, Daniel Comerford, would like to thank Kimberly for taking the time to return to Weston College – particularly on her birthday – to share her experiences and encourage the next generation of construction professionals as they take their first steps into the industry.</p><p>This Guest Lecture forms part of the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… Professions</a> <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Careers Excellence Hub</a>. 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 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>The new <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… Level Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction</a> learners at Weston College were recently visited by two members of staff from the <a href="https://www.mdgroup.co.uk/">MD Group</a>, one of whom was a former Quantity Surveying learner at the College.</p><p>Shayna and Chrissa delivered an informative and engaging CV workshop for the learners, sharing their knowledge and experience of what employers look for when reviewing CVs. The session provided the learners with useful ideas and suggestions around CV writing, including how to structure and present their skills and experience effectively to ensure their CV stands out to potential employers.</p><p>The importance of tailoring a CV to the job role was also discussed, helping learners to understand how they can demonstrate their suitability for different opportunities within the construction industry. Shayna and Chrissa also highlighted the importance of cover letters and how these can be used alongside a CV to showcase a learner's enthusiasm, skills and interest in a particular employer or role.</p><p>The skills and knowledge gained from the session will prove invaluable to the learners as they prepare to begin applying for their Industry Placements. This will be particularly useful as the students will be taking part in an <strong>Employer Speed Interview Event</strong> being held at Weston College on 30th September, where they will have the opportunity to meet with employers and explore potential placement opportunities.</p><p>The session also provided learners with an insight into the recruitment process from an employer's perspective, helping them to better understand what businesses are looking for when considering candidates for a role.</p><p>One of the learners commented: <em>“Knowing how employers react to CVs was a very useful and interesting fact.”</em></p><p>Construction Professions Lecturer, Daniel Comerford, would like to extend his thanks to Shayna and Chrissa from the MD Group for taking the time to prepare and deliver the session and for giving up their time to come into Weston College to support the learners as they take their first steps towards a career in the construction industry.</p><p>Sessions such as this provide our learners with valuable industry insight and practical skills, helping them to feel more confident as they prepare to enter the workplace and begin building their future careers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>