Weston College was proud to contribute to the latest Bristol & Bath Cluster Meeting hosted by the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF), held at the Airbus AIRTeC Centre in Filton.

The event brought together industry leaders, education providers and regional stakeholders to explore how the South West can collectively strengthen the aerospace and advanced engineering skills pipeline.

The meeting focused on workforce pressures facing the sector, the impact of emerging technologies, and the importance of closer collaboration to ensure businesses of all sizes can access the talent they need.

A central focus of the meeting was the proposed Aerospace Skills Academy in Filton, introduced by Weston College and due to launch in September 2026.

The Academy is being developed in partnership with employers to help address workforce shortages across the regional aerospace cluster. Designed to align closely with real business needs, the initiative will strengthen links between employers and training providers, supporting long-term regional growth.

Throughout the session, delegates emphasised the importance of employer involvement in shaping curriculum and delivery, ensuring provision works not only for prime manufacturers but also for SMEs across the supply chain. Weston College is already working closely with employers to co-design its Aerospace Skills Academy programmes and is particularly keen to expand collaboration with SMEs, recognising their critical role in the regional aerospace ecosystem. By engaging smaller businesses more directly in curriculum development, placements and skills planning, the College aims to ensure training provision is accessible, responsive and aligned to the real-world needs of the entire supply chain.

The Bristol & Bath Cluster Meeting demonstrated the strength of engagement across the South West and the shared commitment to developing the future workforce.

Weston College extends its thanks to WEAF for organising such a productive and forward-looking event, to Airbus for hosting, and to the members and partners whose insight and collaboration continue to drive progress across the region.

Weston College is currently recruiting staff ahead of the Aerospace Skills Academy’s planned September 2026 opening. Individuals interested in supporting the next generation of aerospace talent are encouraged to get in touch:

• View current vacancies WORKING FOR THE COLLEGE | Weston College

• Register interest for flexible opportunities Expression of Interest

• Contact our Recruitment Team for an informal conversation – grouprecruitment@weston.ac.uk   or call 01934 411411

For Colleges Week, we’re celebrating three adult learners who remind us exactly why further education changes lives - not just for the students themselves, but for everyone around them. 

Ewa is the kind of learner who quietly transforms spaces. At BayTree School, her child-centred approach shines. She goes above and beyond every single day to support learners with complex needs, adapting communication with care, safeguarding wellbeing, and delivering high-quality educational support with both skill and heart. 

But what makes Ewa truly remarkable is that her compassion doesn’t stop at the school gates. At college, she’s the steady presence others gravitate toward - lifting peers with empathy, encouragement, and genuine kindness. Now progressing through Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning, she balances full-time work and parenting with unwavering resilience. Her dedication, both professionally and personally, makes her an exceptional Student of the Year and an inspiration to the whole college community. 

Caroline embodies resilience in action. While navigating personal challenges, she excelled academically, never allowing obstacles to define her path. Instead, she leaned into her passion for learning, supporting her peers and committing wholeheartedly to her own growth. 

She completed her qualification to a high standard and even gave up her Saturdays to attend additional workshops - a testament to her drive and determination. Beyond the classroom, Caroline has made a lasting impact at Weston College, creating welcoming learning spaces and supporting both peers and lecturers alike. 

Her compassion extends into the wider community through her work as a listening mentor at Wellspring Counselling, where she supports children with care and empathy. We’re thrilled that Caroline continues her journey with us and has progressed to study at University Centre Weston, proof that her story is only just getting started. 

Alex represents determination at its very best. Balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, and full-time study is no small feat - yet his attendance and engagement were exemplary throughout. He even used half-term holidays to extend his learning, showing a level of commitment that truly stands out. 

Alex didn’t just focus on his own success; he lifted others along the way. Meeting peers outside lessons, offering support whenever needed, and helping build a collaborative learning environment, he embodied perseverance and community spirit. 

His strong academic performance, positive influence, and relentless drive make him richly deserving of this recognition. We were delighted when Alex chose to continue his educational journey with us and is now studying Cyber Security at University Centre Weston, taking his ambition and talent to the next level. 

Together, Ewa, Caroline, and Alex show us what Colleges Week is all about: courage, commitment, community, and the belief that it’s never too late to grow, achieve, and inspire. 

Find out more about our adult courses we have to offer here. 

Recently, our Uniformed Protective Services students took a trip to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, giving them the opportunity to explore an operational RAF Station and gain first-hand experience and insight into a career within the RAF. 

During the visit, students received an in-depth guided tour of the operational air base and were introduced to members of different teams, including the Physical Training Instructor, the RAF Fire Service, the Load Master, the Intelligence Engineer, and the RAF Police. This provided them with a broad understanding of the potential careers within the RAF and the roles and responsibilities they hold. 

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is the UK's primary air and space force, responsible for protecting British skies and international interests. It was founded in 1918 as the world's first independent air force; it acts as a separate service alongside the British Army and Royal Navy. Our Protective Services students often aim for a career in the armed forces or emergency services, aspiring to help and protect the community by being part of a team. 

Students came away feeling inspired and began considering the potential career routes into the RAF, gaining a better understanding into the starting wage, the potential opportunities and adventures available, and the personal and professional benefits of working in the Royal Air Force. 

This trip was invaluable in providing the students with first-hand experience into an armed forces career, giving them a glimpse into the day-to-day life which they could potentially experience in the future. Students got to ask questions about different specialisms, learn the qualities and attributes that the RAF look out for, and understand the best pathways to get into the career. 

Dave Beresford, Head of Protective Services, said, “Going to the Brize Norton base was a fantastic experience for our students to get a better idea of their future careers. They learnt key skills and gained a better understanding of what it takes to work in the armed forces. Getting to talk to a range of professionals and witness them in action was invaluable for our students’ personal and professional development, inspiring them to push their limits within the course and achieve their dream career.” 

A huge thank you to the team at RAF Brize Norton for their support and for taking the time to share their knowledge with our students.  

This curriculum trip forms part of the Protective Services 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.  

Progress to the next level in Criminology and Public Services! At University Centre Weston (UCW) 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. Click here! 

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 here. 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.