<p>My name is Jack, and I completed my Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with Weston College in July 2022– which was sponsored by the Ministry of Defence.</p><p>I applied directly for my role with the Ministry of Defence, who in turn had arranged for their apprenticeship to be delivered through Weston College. After completing my A-Levels I took a few years away from education to pursue a volunteering role overseas, and upon my return to the UK was looking at ways to follow my desires to become an engineer. Exploring my options, including a ‘conventional’ University course, I discovered the world of degree apprenticeships and was excited by the opportunity to learn academic theory and see its direct application in the workplace. The prospect of earning a wage whilst doing so was just an added bonus!</p><p>The degree apprenticeship benefited me in ways that my friends who completed conventional degrees never could; to explore the breadth and depth of my chosen discipline both with academics, and with working professionals. Additionally, I was given the opportunity from day 1 of my studies to contribute to and deliver work for my employer that was of real-world significance and consequence, not purely academic exercises. Being able to work whilst studying also enabled me to reaffirm that engineering was a discipline that I wished to pursue professionally.</p><p>Being an apprentice brings a plethora of benefits, ranging from the opportunities to gain practical experience, to being prepared for the world of work. Qualifying for student discount and getting paid to learn are rather nice perks too!</p><p>Furthermore, working for the Ministry of Defence provided some once in a lifetime opportunities, ranging from seeing Submarines in construction, to going out on Operations with the NATO Submarine Rescue System, and travelling internationally to work with colleagues around the world. The mentoring and support that the MOD provided, and the encouragement to pursue personal development was really helpful and enabled me to undertake additional studies at university, whilst also engaging in STEM outreach work with the Nuclear Institute.</p><p>As this was a new course, and I was part of the first cohort to be sponsored through Weston College by the MOD, there was a steep learning curve. Both for us, and the staff through the five years of the scheme. In addition to the cultural changes to learn, trying to learn Nuclear engineering wasn’t without its difficulties. However, despite challenges and setbacks we, my friends and I, were able to complete the scheme and we all graduated and have been able to take up full time employment.</p><p>Since completing the degree apprenticeship, I've taken up a role with Rolls-Royce Submarines, where I work as a mechanical engineer. This is an exciting role which I'm deeply enjoying, and one that my apprenticeship helped prepare me for.</p><p>Completing a degree apprenticeship is a really rewarding (and challenging!) way of furthering your own education and competencies. There are more and more opportunities for degree apprenticeships becoming available every year, and so it’s certainly worth considering! Take time to research your potential employer, and the apprenticeship standard, to make sure it aligns with what you want to do. If you find a good fit, then there is no better way of getting into the world of work whilst continuing your education.</p><p>Apprenticeships have the power to unlock doors, provide opportunities and prepare you for the workplace in ways that universities don’t. If there is an opportunity to pursue your aspirations through an apprenticeship, then I cannot stress enough how seriously you should consider going down the apprenticeship route.</p><p><em>Jack</em></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… you would like to follow in Jack's footsteps and complete a degree apprenticeship, you can check out our courses, by clicking here.&nbsp;</a></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/weston-college-enrol-300-apprentices-50-d… you're an employer and would like to employ someone like Jack, you can do so through our 300 in 50 campaign. Find out more, by clicking here.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3a859296-bbd8-47a1-8827-479f742450cc}{123}" paraid="2098962334" xml:lang="EN-GB">Level 3 Automotive apprentice Luke Merchant has been recognised with an award from&nbsp;the Institute of Motors Industry</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3a859296-bbd8-47a1-8827-479f742450cc}{123}" paraid="2098962334" xml:lang="EN-GB">(IMI) for his outstanding success as&nbsp;a WorldSkills Silver Medallist as he now accelerates into his career working as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes!&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Luke Merchant motor vehicle apprentice with award&quot;" data-align="right" data-langcode="en" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97bf7b57-b25b-4007-85e7-a0942fa7e855" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9b187397-97b1-478e-8532-22a485128119}{72}" paraid="1208974252" xml:lang="EN-GB">WorldSkills UK&nbsp;is an independent charity that works with employers, education, and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’.&nbsp;Over 3,000&nbsp;learners&nbsp;registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in&nbsp;March 2021. Luke was awarded the prestigious silver medal at the 2021 automotive technologies finals where he has to compete as one of the&nbsp;top learners in the country.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{147}" paraid="632116090" xml:lang="EN-GB">After Luke finished his apprenticeship, he then went on to work as a Vehicle Technician at Mercedes Benz, Weston-Super-Mare&nbsp;where he continues his career in automotive technology.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{232}" paraid="1715772793" xml:lang="EN-GB">Luke states:&nbsp;"Working for Mercedes has been great so far. I am really enjoying getting to know all their systems and processes.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{105}" paraid="482070947" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Winning the silver medal at WorldSkills and my time at Weston College has helped me massively. I'm now more confident in myself and always trying my best to develop and grow my skills."&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{80}" paraid="2092104593" xml:lang="EN-GB">Steve Harvey, Head of Business at&nbsp;Mercedes Sytner comments: "Since joining the team here at Mercedes Benz W-s-M, Luke has been doing a fantastic job!&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{229a9fec-0eed-4076-ac0c-e3c9582474b4}{102}" paraid="1159978829" xml:lang="EN-GB">Firstly, working alongside an experienced Mercedes-Benz technician, so he could understand how the workshop work flows, regarding health and safety, use of the diagnostic equipment and of course meeting the rest of the team. Luke has also got involved with looking at all process’s which are involved when working on our customers cars.”&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{136}" paraid="654450139" xml:lang="EN-GB">Steve continues: "Luke is now working on his own, and we are really pleased with the progress he is making. At present with all the new product coming through from new electric to diesel and petrol and of course the awesome AMG range, it is an exciting time to be joining Mercedes-Benz and the Sytner Group!&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{85bb760a-469c-44e0-94a9-1b461a6001a1}{194}" paraid="972418085" xml:lang="EN-GB">Some of the electric cars which will be coming through are outstanding and have the latest high-tech equipment, safety, and performance packages available, for example the new EQS with the hyper screen.”&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{164}" paraid="975241476" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Luke will now be able to have the full training on these types of vehicles, it is definitely a great time to join our team of very skilled technicians. We will certainly be looking for more aspiring talent to join our team. Luke is an example of what can happen with a tremendous attitude and drive to further his potential during and after completing his NVQ3."&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{7c81eb9c-5810-4ffa-88f2-cf011e6eb9ce}{245}" paraid="1882477818" xml:lang="EN-GB">Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills&nbsp;is just one&nbsp;of the&nbsp;exclusive&nbsp;opportunities available&nbsp;to learners&nbsp;through their&nbsp;newly launched&nbsp;Career Excellence Hubs. At the College, each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits,&nbsp;which include&nbsp;WorldSkills competing opportunities.&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b34342ef-d8d5-49a8-a368-66df3e6737c7}{152}" paraid="661974729" xml:lang="EN-GB">Congratulations Luke! &nbsp;</p>

<p>In partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue (AF&amp;RS), Weston College has launched the Operational Fire Fighter apprenticeship.</p><p>The new programme launched in January, with 24 people training to become fire fighters, at Severn Park in Avonmouth.</p><p>As part of the apprenticeship, the new recruits will work on everything from fitness, fire safety and practical skills such as breathing apparatus procedures, ladder training, hose management and road traffic collision operations.</p><p>Simon Shilton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Avon Fire and Rescue said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome 24 new recruits to AF&amp;RS to begin what I hope will be a prosperous fire service career.</p><p>“These new recruits have already undergone a rigorous selection process, and their next stage of training will see them put through their paces and prepared for life as a fire fighter.</p><p>“Modern firefighting is about so much more than fires, encompassing elements such as complex rescues, prevention work and community engagement. AF&amp;RS truly works to prevent and protect before all else, working to keep the community safe in all that we do.</p><p>“As they move through this process, I give the new recruits my best wishes and can assure them that is truly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers.”</p><p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, added: “We are delighted to be working with Avon Fire and Rescue on this brilliant initiative, and providing opportunities to people that want to become fire fighters.</p><p>“If you think this will be a good career for you, join us at our Apprenticeship Open Evening on 10th February, at South West Skills Campus, 4pm-7pm where we can tell you about the next intake of Fire Fighting apprentices and how you can apply – <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/apprenticeship-open-evening-0">register here</a>.”</p><p>You can contact Weston College’s apprenticeship team on 01934 411 594, or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk</p>