<p>Weston College and <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">UCW</a&gt; Degree Apprentice Aiden has been gaining valuable hands-on experience in IT and cyber security during his time with <a href="https://ascentflighttraining.com/">Ascent Flight Training.</a></p><p>Aiden joined Ascent’s IT team in September 2025 as a <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/digital-and-technology-solutions-bsc-hons… Security Apprentice</a>, completing his degree apprenticeship alongside his role at the organisation. Ascent provides training for <strong>RAF, Royal Navy</strong> and <strong>Army aircrew</strong> at six sites across the UK, with Aiden based at its Training Hub in Bristol.</p><p>Having originally considered going to university, Aiden decided to explore alternative routes into his chosen career and discovered apprenticeships through the government website. He was particularly interested in the opportunity to work in cyber security while gaining experience within an organisation working closely with the armed forces and major industry partners.</p><p>He said: <em>“I was really interested in the cyber security project that Ascent offered and interested in working with the armed forces. Additionally, I liked the fact that we are constantly working with large companies, such as Babcock and Lockheed Martin. This allows me to have so many different experiences from so many different people.”</em></p><p>Throughout his apprenticeship, Aiden has had the opportunity to get involved in a variety of projects across Ascent’s ICT and Cyber Security teams, allowing him to put the knowledge gained through his degree into practice.</p><p>One of his projects has involved improving IT knowledge and training resources across the business. This has included reviewing and updating internal documentation, training materials and learning platform content, testing links, checking information was accurate and working with colleagues to improve the user experience.</p><p>Through this work, Aiden has developed his documentation, problem-solving and stakeholder communication skills, while helping to create a more effective learning experience for employees across Ascent.</p><p>Alongside his ICT responsibilities, Aiden has also supported a range of cyber security initiatives. These have included investigating security alerts, assisting with vulnerability management, reviewing user access permissions and helping to promote cyber security awareness among colleagues.</p><p>These opportunities have helped Aiden strengthen his understanding of cyber security operations and risk management, while giving him the chance to apply his degree learning in a real-world environment.</p><p>For Aiden, one of the biggest benefits of an apprenticeship is being able to combine academic study with practical experience. He said: <em>“Learning and working inside industry can provide skills and experiences not found elsewhere.</em></p><p><em>“The benefits are that you gain real-world experience with the same accreditation as a university degree. You can meet and work with people who have vast experiences and are experts in their field and you can learn physical skills, not found in a classroom.”</em></p><p>Aiden spends one day a week at Weston College alongside his full-time role at Ascent, giving him the opportunity to develop academically while continuing to build his professional experience.</p><p>Since joining Ascent, Aiden has continued to grow in confidence and capability, becoming an increasingly valued member of the IT team.</p><p>Ascent’s Head of IT, Edward Anderson, said: <em>“Aiden has become a fully integrated and valued member of the team during his first year at Ascent. His confidence has grown considerably, and he now makes a meaningful contribution across the business, bringing fresh thinking, innovative ideas and practical support, particularly through the use of AI-driven automation.</em></p><p><em>“It has been a pleasure to see his development and the positive impact he continues to make.”</em></p><p>Aiden’s manager, IT Operations Manager, Ed Morgan, said: <em>“By investing in apprenticeships, Ascent aims to build a strong learning culture that promotes mentorship and leadership development. It will support community and open opportunities to people from varied backgrounds, and strengthens our reputation as an employer that attracts high quality talent and partners, while helping close the Digital divide.</em></p><p><em>“Setting up and managing an apprenticeship requires some upfront planning and ongoing guidance, but once the structure is in place it becomes a manageable part of daily operations, as the apprentice grows in capability and contributes more to the team. Anything that has value requires effort, we spend half a day per week in support as minimum.”</em></p><p>For Aiden, his apprenticeship is providing a strong foundation for his future career, with plans to continue developing his skills across IT, cyber security and AI.</p><p>His experience highlights the opportunities available through degree apprenticeships at Weston College, combining higher-level study with valuable industry experience and the chance to develop skills within a real working environment.</p>

<p><strong>Weston College Group’s Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College welcomes first learners to new industry-focused campus</strong></p><p>Today marks a major milestone for technical education in the South West as Weston College Group's Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) officially opens for business, welcoming its first cohort of apprentices to its new industry-standard campus in Filton.</p><p>Nearly 800 apprentices will begin in its first week of operation. The opening represents the culmination of months of planning, investment and collaboration between Weston College Group and leading employers from the aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors.</p><p>Situated on Airbus' Filton site, the facility has been transformed into a specialist training centre dedicated to developing the next generation of engineers, technicians and manufacturing professionals. The campus features industry-standard workshops, modern teaching spaces and the latest digital infrastructure designed to replicate real-world manufacturing environments and provide learners with valuable hands-on experience. £4 million invested in the transformation of the site, AMTEC represents one of the most significant recent investments in technical education for the advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors in the South West.</p><p>Located in the heart of one of the UK's most significant aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs, AMTEC will deliver specialist training aligned to employer needs, working closely with industry partners including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace and Babcock to ensure apprentices develop the skills required by modern industry.</p><p>The opening comes following Weston College Group's designation as one of England's Technical Excellence Colleges, enabling additional investment in training for high-demand sectors and strengthening links between education and industry. Through employer-led curriculum design and close collaboration with major manufacturers, AMTEC aims to address skills shortages while creating clear pathways into high-value engineering and manufacturing careers.</p><p>As one of four colleges that form the national AMTEC partnership, alongside City of Wolverhampton College, Newcastle &amp; Stafford Colleges Group and New College Durham, the Weston College Group will also contribute to a wider programme of collaboration focused on strengthening advanced manufacturing education across England.</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of the Weston College Group, said:</p><p>"Today is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved in the creation of AMTEC. After months of hard work, planning and collaboration, it is fantastic to finally welcome our first apprentices into this outstanding new facility.</p><p>"AMTEC has been created to give learners access to world-class technical education in the heart of one of the UK's most important aerospace and advanced manufacturing communities. By working closely with employers, we will ensure our apprentices develop the practical skills, technical expertise and industry experience needed to thrive in their careers.</p><p>"This is not only a significant milestone for Weston College Group, but also for the wider region as we help build the skilled workforce that will support the future growth and success of aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing."</p><p>Sue Partridge, Airbus Commercial Aircraft UK Country Manager, said:</p><p>“The future of the aerospace industry relies on developing the next generation of talent who are crucial to keeping our industry ahead of the game. Apprenticeships are a key part of that so we’re absolutely delighted to be hosting the AMTEC on our Filton site. The dedicated training facility will provide workshops and teaching spaces that mirror our industrial environment, supporting the development of skills and talent to meet aerospace industry needs. Filton has a long and proud history within the UK’s aviation story, and this collaboration reinforces our ongoing commitment to investing in local talent, creating high-value career pathways, and supporting the South West’s thriving aerospace ecosystem.</p><p>The new campus represents a significant investment in the future of technical education and the region's economy. With the South West home to one of Europe's largest aerospace clusters, AMTEC will help strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the industry, supporting innovation, productivity and long-term economic growth.</p><p>The opening of AMTEC marks the beginning of an ambitious journey to establish the college as a centre of excellence for technical education, helping apprentices gain the skills employers need today while preparing them for the industries of tomorrow.</p>

<p>Today Weston College welcomed <strong>Jim Davison, National Membership Director </strong>at <a href="https://www.makeuk.org/"><strong>Make UK</strong></a>, to its <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec"><strong>Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC)</strong></a> on <a href="https://www.makeuk.org/national-manufacturing-day"><strong>National Manufacturing Day,</strong></a> celebrating both the College's growing role in supporting the region's manufacturing sector and its recent membership of the UK's leading manufacturers' organisation.</p><p>The visit provided an opportunity to showcase how Weston College is working closely with employers to develop the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent through industry-focused training, apprenticeships and technical education.</p><p>The day also marked Weston College officially becoming a member of <a href="https://www.makeuk.org/"><strong>Make UK</strong>,</a> joining a national community of manufacturers, engineering businesses and industry partners committed to strengthening UK manufacturing.</p><p>As a member, Weston College will benefit from <a href="https://www.makeuk.org/"><strong>Make UK's</strong></a> extensive programme of networking events, industry briefings and conferences, while also gaining access to the Make UK Capability Platform, which enables members to connect, collaborate, share expertise and showcase their capabilities to the wider manufacturing community.</p><p>The partnership further strengthens Weston College's commitment to supporting manufacturers across the South West and ensuring learners develop the skills needed to meet the evolving demands of modern industry.</p><p><a href="https://www.makeuk.org/"><strong>Make UK</strong></a> National Membership Director Jim Davison said:</p><p><em>“National Manufacturing Day is all about celebrating the people, skills and innovation that drive our sector, so AMTEC was the perfect place to visit. Weston College is doing outstanding work in training the next generation of engineers, technicians and manufacturing professionals. As a former engineer it was a pleasure to meet so many young people who are passionate about careers in our industry.</em></p><p><em>“Manufacturers consistently tell us that access to the right skills is critical to their future, and AMTEC is a strong example of education and industry working together to meet that need. We are delighted to have Weston College as a member of Make UK and look forward to seeing our relationship go from strength to strength.”</em></p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said:</p><p><em>"Joining Make UK is an important milestone for Weston College and AMTEC and reflects our commitment to supporting manufacturers across the region. Through AMTEC, we are helping businesses develop the skilled workforce they need. Membership of Make UK will strengthen those relationships further and ensure we remain connected to national industry priorities."</em></p><p>During the <a href="https://www.makeuk.org/national-manufacturing-day"><strong>National Manufacturing Day</strong></a> visit, colleagues from Weston College and <a href="https://www.makeuk.org/"><strong>Make UK</strong></a> discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including skills development, workforce growth, productivity and the future of advanced manufacturing in the UK.</p><p><a href="https://www.makeuk.org/national-manufacturing-day"><strong>National Manufacturing Day</strong></a> shines a spotlight on the importance of manufacturing to the UK economy and provides an opportunity to celebrate the innovation, technology and skilled workforce that underpin the sector.</p>