<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><p><span>For Trailblazer Tuesday this National T Level Week, we caught up with Sean to hear about his journey from completing a T Level with an industry placement at </span><a href="https://griffiths.co.uk/"><span>Alun Griffiths</span></a><span> to securing a Civil Engineering apprenticeship within the same company.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Sean's blog -&nbsp;</strong></h3></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p>My name is Sean, and I studied the <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> at Weston College. I chose this course because I liked the fact that it included an industry placement, meaning I could gain practical, hands-on experience on construction sites as well as learning in the classroom. I felt this would give me a better understanding of the construction industry and help me develop the skills needed for a future career in the sector.</p><p>Throughout the course, I developed my skills in CAD software and gained knowledge of different areas of construction, including quantity surveying, project management and the responsibilities involved in various construction roles. The course also gave me the opportunity to apply what I had learnt in a real working environment through my industry placement, where I gained valuable experience of how construction projects operate day to day.</p><p>Some of my most memorable moments at college were the trips we took during the first year, including visits to the NEC. These were great opportunities to learn more about the industry, see different aspects of construction and get to know the rest of the class. These experiences helped make the course more enjoyable and gave us the chance to learn outside the classroom.</p><p>I completed my industry placement with <a href="https://griffiths.co.uk/">Alun Griffiths</a>, where I worked alongside one of their senior engineers on the <strong>BSIP Queensway scheme</strong> and the <strong>Junction 21 scheme.</strong> During my placement, I learnt how to use a total station and developed a much better understanding of the different responsibilities within a construction team. Being involved in live projects allowed me to see how the skills and knowledge I had gained at college were applied in practice, while also learning from experienced professionals working in the industry.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/A2dRhZ0R95o?si=R3C9DAI7s8-G8TDj&…; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I began my placement in November 2025 and, earlier this year, I was offered a job as an <strong>Apprentice Engineer</strong> with <a href="https://griffiths.co.uk/">Alun Griffiths</a>. I believe I secured this opportunity by being reliable, showing up consistently and demonstrating my knowledge, skills and willingness to learn. Building relationships with the team and showing that I could contribute to the work being carried out helped me make a positive impression and progress towards my career goals.</p><p>My T Level confirmed that civil engineering was the career I wanted to pursue, as it allowed me to explore the industry in more depth and gain a clearer understanding of what the role involves. The industry placement was particularly valuable because it helped me develop many of the practical skills I will need as a civil engineer. It has also given me greater confidence and made me feel more prepared as I progress onto my HNC.</p><p>I would definitely recommend T Levels to anyone considering a career in construction. They provide a great balance between classroom learning and practical experience, allowing you to develop useful skills while gaining an insight into different job roles and what they involve on a day-to-day basis.</p><p>The industry placement is a particularly valuable part of the course, as it gives you the opportunity to put your learning into practice, build relationships with employers and potentially secure a job or apprenticeship. For me, the T Level was an important step towards becoming a civil engineer, and it has helped me build a strong foundation for my future career.</p>

<p>Eight T Level learners studying <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…, Surveying and Planning for Construction</a> recently visited an exciting <a href="https://www.bandk.co.uk/">Bowmer + Kirkland</a> construction project, the new <strong>Lime Hills Academy SEN School</strong> in the Langford and Churchill area.</p><p>The site visit provided learners with a valuable opportunity to see a live construction project in action and connect their classroom learning with real-world industry practices. During the visit, students were welcomed by the B + K Project Manager, David Enever, and two assistant site staff, who shared insights into the planning, coordination, health and safety requirements, and day-to-day management of a major construction project.</p><p>Learners explored different areas of the site and gained a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities involved in delivering a large-scale education facility. They also had the chance to ask questions about career pathways, project management, surveying activities, and the challenges of working within the construction sector.</p><p>These industry visits form an important part of the T-Level programme, helping students develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence while preparing them for future industry placements and careers in construction.</p><p>Weston College would like to thank the <a href="https://www.bandk.co.uk/">Bowmer + Kirkland</a> site management team for their time, expertise, and support in providing such an engaging and informative experience for our learners.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Major funding award will expand training opportunities for learners, apprentices and adults across Weston-super-Mare and beyond.</strong></p><p>Weston College has secured £8.8 million in government funding to support the continued development of its South West Skills Campus (SWSC) in Weston-super-Mare.</p><p>The £8.8 million investment has been awarded by the Department for Education through the Post-16 Capacity Fund and Construction Skills Capacity Fund and is one of the largest capital investments in the College's history.</p><p>The investment will create additional capacity at the South West Skills Campus, improve existing facilities and allow Weston College to support more learners, apprentices and adults looking to develop their skills.</p><p>It will also strengthen the College's ability to deliver the technical and vocational training that local and regional employers need, with a particular focus on construction and the technologies shaping the future of the industry.</p><p>The investment reflects Weston College's ambition to be a national leader in education, while remaining firmly rooted in the communities it serves. It will create more opportunities for people of all ages to access high-quality education and training, supporting learners to build their skills, confidence and careers.</p><p>As part of the development, the College will enhance its facilities for Carpentry and Joinery, Brickwork, Plumbing and Electrical Installation, alongside training in emerging areas of construction and low-carbon technology.</p><p>This will include:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="ed0271dc1c3204636940ef951a874fc53">Digital Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM)</li><li data-list-item-id="e5a8c1f4144f41841d476802329371685">Drone Surveying</li><li data-list-item-id="e8e3cc4ee34e2a78c91a008ddb31b9e1b">Low-carbon technologies, including heat pumps, renewable energy systems and retrofit.</li></ul><p>The project will also support the ongoing decarbonisation of the South West Skills Campus, with investment in more energy-efficient infrastructure and low-carbon technologies. This reflects the College's commitment to sustainability, ensuring investment in its campuses delivers long-term value for learners, staff and the wider community.</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said:</p><p>"This £8.8 million investment is transformational for Weston College, our learners, our town and the wider region. It reflects the confidence that government has in our ability to deliver the skills that employers need, both now and in the future.</p><p>"The South West Skills Campus already plays a vital role in supporting learners, apprentices and industry partners. This funding will enable us to further expand capacity, enhance our facilities and ensure students gain experience with the technologies that are shaping the future of construction and technical industries.</p><p>"Most importantly, it will create more opportunities for local people to access outstanding education and training, helping them build successful careers while supporting economic growth across our region."</p><p>The College's approach is grounded in its values of integrity, compassion, ambition and being people-centred. These values will continue to shape how the new facilities are developed and how learners, apprentices, employers and partners experience the South West Skills Campus.</p><p>Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare, said:</p><p>"Investing in the next generation is exactly what this Labour Government is here to do, and I'm delighted that Weston College has secured £8.8 million through the Department for Education's Post-16 Capacity Fund and Construction Skills Capacity Fund.</p><p>"This is one of the largest capital investments in the College's history and a real vote of confidence in Weston. It will expand opportunities for post-16 students, apprentices and adult learners, while creating state-of-the-art facilities for construction, digital technologies, drone surveying and low-carbon skills like heat pumps and renewable energy.</p><p>"I've worked closely with Weston College since becoming an MP and have seen first-hand the incredible work they do to prepare people for the jobs of the future. This investment will help local people gain the skills employers need, create more pathways into good careers, and strengthen Weston's economy for years to come."</p><p>The investment comes at a time of growing demand for technical skills and for training that reflects the changing needs of employers.</p><p>For Weston College, the funding will mean more people can access high-quality technical education and gain practical experience with the technologies and skills increasingly required across the construction and wider technical sectors.</p><p>It will also help strengthen progression routes into employment, further and higher education, apprenticeships and skilled careers, supporting the College's wider contribution to the economy of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset and the South West.</p><p>This project is supported through Department for Education funding awarded via the Post-16 Capacity Fund and Construction Skills Capacity Fund. Weston College acknowledges the support of the Department for Education in enabling the development of the South West Skills Campus and the expansion of high-quality technical education and training opportunities across the region.</p>