My name is Beth Thompson, and I completed the ILM Leadership and Management Diploma course through the partnership of Weston College and the University of the West of England (UWE).

I had been looking at courses to support progression, and decided a leadership/management course could help me achieve that, and gain the knowledge and confidence to begin applying for a management role. I researched many different courses and colleges, but finding an Instagram advert for Weston College was ultimately what led me to choose them.

I wanted a course more practical and this choice allowed me the flexibility to work alongside it. I really enjoyed my BTEC and formed lovely relationships with my lecturers who encouraged me to consider going to university, this was something I hadn’t considered at the time.

I have worked as a lecturer since 2014, where I started on a graduate internship. Having taught across several provisions, mainly specialising in marketing-based modules. I have been teaching on UCW degree qualifications since 2018 and have managed modules including marketing, digital communications, and social media marketing. Previous to working at the college I worked at a school as an assistant business manager, and worked as a business consultant during my degree placement year at a motorhome dealership.

Rimante joined Weston College as a 16-year-old to study a Level 3 course. Since then, she’s progressed through University College Weston, gained employment at the College and now works in the HR department. Here she talks about her journey and offers advice to potential students.