Careers and Employability Team Blog: February Edition

1 Feb 2026

Blogs and Vlogs

Welcome to the February Edition of the Careers and Employability Team Blog!

A Fantastic Year for UCAS Applications at Weston College

This week marks an exciting milestone for our learners - the UCAS deadline has officially passed, and we’re proud to share that Weston College submitted an impressive 442 university applications before the 6pm deadline on Wednesday. A huge well done to all students who worked so hard on their personal statements, course choices, and applications. It’s a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of your ambition and commitment to your future careers. A big thanks to our UCAS advisor Carys Gyatt who worked diligently until 6pm on Wednesday to get them all submitted.

What Happens Next?

With applications now safely submitted, students move into the waiting stage — often the most nerve-wracking- part of the process! Universities can respond at any time, and some may get in touch sooner than others. Offers may include:

Unconditional offers
Conditional offers (based on grades or other entry requirements)
Interview invitations, depending on the course
Rejections, though we hope these are few and far between

Every university works to its own timeline, and response times can vary widely between courses and institutions. Some offers may arrive in the next few days, while others may not come until spring.

Key Date to Remember: 13th May

By 13th May, students will know whether they have been accepted into their chosen universities.

This gives learners plenty of time to prepare for their next steps, whether that’s confirming their firm and insurance choices, exploring accommodation options, or considering alternative plans through UCAS Extra or Clearing if needed.

A Message to Our Applicants

To every student who submitted an application: you’ve done the hard part. You’ve shown dedication, resilience, and ambition - qualities that will serve you well at university and beyond.

While waiting can feel stressful, remember that this is also a time to feel proud. No matter the outcome, you have taken an important step toward shaping your future.

The Careers and Employability Team will continue to be here to support you with:

Understanding your offers
Preparing for interviews
Exploring alternatives if your plans change
Getting ready for university life

If you need guidance at any stage, please reach out - we’re always happy to help.

Congratulations again to all 442 applicants! Here’s to an exciting few months ahead as your offers begin to roll in.

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National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Why It Matters for Your Future

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is back from 9–15 February 2026, and it’s the perfect chance for you - as a college student - to explore real opportunities that could shape your next steps. This year’s theme, “Skills for Life” highlights how apprenticeships help you build practical, career‑ready skills that stay with you long after you finish your training.

Whether you already know the industry you want to work in or you’re still exploring your options, NAW gives you a unique opportunity to connect with employers, hear real stories from apprentices, and discover routes that combine earning with learning.

What’s Happening During the Week?

Across the UK, organisations will be running a mix of virtual and in‑person events—from employer Q&As to workshops, skills sessions, careers fairs, and interactive demonstrations showing what different apprentices do day‑to‑day.

Institutions, including universities, colleges, and employers, will also be spotlighting the impact of apprenticeships across sectors like engineering, healthcare, tech, and business.

At Weston College we’ll be celebrating T Level Thursday, and our Weekly Career Drop-ins will be taking place as usual across the campuses. If you have any questions or queries regarding apprenticeships, you can book a 1:1 with a member of our team. You can also email us at CET@weston.ac.uk or scan the QR code below to book an appointment.

Why Should College Students Care?

Earn While You Learn Apprenticeships let you gain industry‑recognised qualifications without the traditional university route—and with a salary from day one.
Real Experience Employers Want You’ll build skills that employers say they urgently need, helping you stand out in a competitive job market. The 2026 theme “Skills for Life” reflects exactly this.
Pathways for Every Background There are opportunities across every major industry—from digital and engineering to care, environmental science, creative fields, and more. Many employers use NAW to showcase new roles, success stories, and application tips.

How You Can Get Involved

Join an online webinar or careers fair
Speak to current apprentices and employers during live Q&As.
Explore the NAW events map and see what’s happening near you or online. [nationalap...week.co.uk]
Use the week to research pathways, draft applications, or meet your careers team for support.

Final Thoughts

National Apprenticeship Week isn’t just a celebration - it’s your chance to discover a future career pathway that fits your strengths, ambitions, and learning style. If you’re curious about apprenticeships, make the most of this week. You could uncover an opportunity that leads directly into a rewarding and meaningful career.

Arrow with text saying celebrating success

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we also recognise all the amazing work our learners do whilst on their T Level qualification. T Level Thursday is a chance to celebrate student success, highlight employer partnerships, and showcase how T Levels are shaping the future workforce.

Whether you’re a student exploring your next steps, an employer thinking about talent pipelines, or a parent or educator supporting young people, T Levels are creating real opportunities – and real outcomes.

What Are T Levels?

T Levels are two-year technical qualifications, equivalent to three A levels, designed in collaboration with employers to meet industry needs. They combine:

High-quality classroom learning
Industry-relevant technical skills
A substantial industry placement of at least 45 days

This blend ensures that students don’t just learn about an industry – they experience it.

Why T Levels Matter in 2026

As industries continue to evolve, employers are increasingly looking for young people who are work-ready, confident, and skilled. T Levels respond directly to this demand by:

Teaching up-to-date technical knowledge
Embedding employability skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving
Giving students real workplace experience before they progress

In 2026, with more pathways established and employer awareness growing, T Levels are becoming a core part of the skills landscape.

Celebrating Success: Digital T Level Learners Complete Industry Placements with TitanRoc

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate six Digital T Level learners who are about to complete their industry placements with the innovative gaming company TitanRoc. Since Summer 2025, these learners have been actively involved in QA testing an upcoming game, contributing real value to the development process while gaining first-hand experience in the fast-paced gaming industry.

Their dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism have not only supported TitanRoc during a crucial phase of production but also helped shape their own technical and professional growth.

Throughout their time with TitanRoc, the learners have developed a strong portfolio of skills, including:

Quality Assurance (QA) testing techniques – including bug identification, replication, and reporting
Critical thinking to identify inconsistencies and gameplay issues
Analytical review of game performance and user experience
Logical troubleshooting to determine causes of bugs or irregularities
Communication skills through structured bug reporting and daily team interactions
Collaboration within a professional development team, working alongside designers, programmers, and producers
Time management and task prioritisation within an active development cycle
Attention to detail when checking for visual, audio, and gameplay accuracy

This experience has offered our learners a unique opportunity to participate in a real-world gaming project, and their contributions have been invaluable. We are excited to see where their talent and passion take them next - whether deeper into the gaming industry or into broader digital and tech pathways.

A huge congratulations to all six learners for their hard work, commitment, and achievements!

Key dates and upcoming events