<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This week, one of our third-year <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/plumbing-cons… &amp; Heating Technician apprentices</a>, Jack Winstone, has been awarded a prestigious £1,000 bursary for tools from the <strong>Worshipful Company of Plumbers</strong> in partnership with <strong>Monument Tools</strong>. This bursary is one of only six awarded nationally, making Jack’s achievement particularly remarkable.</p><p>These bursaries are awarded annually to <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; apprentices in order to reward them for their hard work within their trade and assist them with expenses as they progress through their apprenticeship qualification. Not only does this support the next generation of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; by providing them with high-quality tools to kickstart their careers, but it also gives them more confidence in their ability. Being one of the select few chosen is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work of our students.</p><p>Jack has shown exceptional dedication, professionalism, and technical ability throughout his apprenticeship. His enthusiasm for the trade, combined with his commitment to developing both his practical and theoretical skills, has consistently set him apart. This recognition is a testament to Jack’s hard work and character, but also to the high standards and support provided by the plumbing team here at Weston College.</p><p>Within our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; courses, our learners are pushed to compete in many enriching competitions and opportunities to encourage growth within their trade and network with professionals and like-minded students in the industry. This allows them to learn from others to develop their skills and prepares them for the future competition in the industry.</p><p>Richard Hanney, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; at Weston College, added, “Seeing one of our students win such an exclusive competition and come away with rewards to excel in their trade and kickstart their career is fantastic and a reflection of, not only their hard work throughout their apprenticeship, but also the dedication of the staff who put in the effort to ensure they succeed. It is opportunities like this that nurture the future talent of the industry and give them the opportunities to overcome barriers and succeed no matter the adversities.”</p><p>A huge well done to Jack for this achievement and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow within the plumbing industry.</p><p>This fantastic opportunity forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; 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.&nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/engineering-and-construction/"…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> 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. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">Click here!</a></p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p>

<p>This month, we’re celebrating Joshua Fiddler, a former Weston College learner who’s now making waves as a Business Analyst at BT. Joshua first gained recognition as our Business Administration Apprentice of the Year in 2017, and his journey since then has been inspiring.&nbsp;</p><p>We caught up with him to learn more about his path and what he’s up to now.&nbsp;</p><p>Joshua completed consecutive Business Administration apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 at Weston College. After finishing, he stayed with his initial employer Brabantia for six years, building a strong foundation before moving to BT.&nbsp;</p><p>Over the past four years, he’s taken on various business improvement roles, driving transformation and championing change across the organisation. He chose the Business Administration apprenticeship because it offered a hands-on way to earn while learning and develop practical skills. Reflecting on his college experience, Joshua describes it as “excellent,” highlighting supportive instructors and guidance.&nbsp;</p><p>A standout moment was participating in WorldSkills, which pushed him beyond his comfort zone. He also credits his instructor, Lyndsey Lawrence, for mentorship that left a lasting impression. College gave Joshua both the business skills and the confidence to navigate daily operations effectively. Through his apprenticeship, he gained insights into the logistics industry and began to explore career possibilities.&nbsp;</p><p>While his path wasn’t fully defined at the time, the experience laid a solid foundation for future growth. After leaving college, Joshua progressed within his first company before seeking opportunities in larger organisations. When BT came calling, he embraced the chance to move into the telecoms sector and focus on large-scale business improvement.&nbsp;</p><p>One pivotal moment in his career came during a business restructuring, where he was asked to run daily operations after senior management departures. This intense challenge accelerated his management skills, supported by a mentor who helped him navigate complex organisational change. Agility and adaptability have been central to Joshua’s career, especially in roles driving change.&nbsp;</p><p>He believes these qualities provide a competitive edge and allow success in unpredictable situations. Joshua’s advice to students? Keep an open mind, stay true to yourself, and connect with people – friends, family, and colleagues alike – because opportunities often come from unexpected conversations.</p><p>If he could speak to his younger self, he’d say: “Smile more and don’t leave assignments until the last minute!” Joshua credits Weston College with shaping his journey: it gave him the skills, confidence, and opportunities to reach where he is today.&nbsp;</p><p>His advice to current and prospective students is simple: <strong>embrace every chance, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to try new things – you never know where it might lead.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Interested in an apprenticeship? Take a look at our apprenticeship opportunities <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… data-pm-slice="1 1 []">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 <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</p>

<p data-start="191" data-end="315">To celebrate <strong>National Apprenticeship Week</strong>, we caught up with three of our apprentices to hear all about their <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… experiences.</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What is your name and what apprenticeship are you currently doing?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> My name is Tautvyde Kudarauskaite, though I’m also known as Toad. I am currently in the first year of my Level 4 Technical Apprenticeship with Airbus, specialising in Quality.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tautvyde.jpg" data-entity-uuid="d397db46-b09e-499f-b516-e7da2f3691c1" data-entity-type="file" width="1920" height="2028"><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Joshua:</strong> My name is Joshua Reynolds‑Hailing. I am a Marketing Apprentice at Elborough Care Services, and I am studying a Level 3 Multi‑Channel Marketing apprenticeship with Weston College.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screenshot%20%2875%29.png" data-entity-uuid="645c6c5b-14e3-4473-9b87-dfb7366e6313" data-entity-type="file" width="1406" height="936"><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> My name is Marcus Pan and I’m doing an electrical apprenticeship. I work for Holden electrical.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Marcus%20SPARKS%20Comp.jpg" data-entity-uuid="000bf346-9276-40a0-a4f6-993aa704ea55" data-entity-type="file" width="1280" height="720"><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What type of tasks are you required to do in your current role?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> This apprenticeship is built on four years of continuous, fast-paced learning. I rotate placements every 3–6 months, which means as soon as I’m comfortable in one area, I’m moving on to the next challenge. While moving teams frequently might seem daunting, Airbus ensures we have the time to integrate properly before we’re expected to contribute. This structure offers me new learning every single week, which I’d never give up for something repetitive.</p><p><strong>Joshua:</strong> In my role I help with a range of marketing tasks. This includes collecting data, creating content, supporting campaigns, and using Customer Relationship Management and analytics to keep everything organised. It’s a mix of creative, analytical, and practical work that all supports my multi‑channel marketing.</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> I do mainly domestic electrical work like rewires and extensions but I’ve also done some commercial jobs in schools and offices.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What are some of the main skills you have learned so far, and how will they help your future career?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde: </strong>The biggest lesson so far has been patience. In an industry as massive as aerospace, it takes time to get the "knack" of how things work. By being patient, I’ve learned not to over-promise on tasks I can’t yet deliver, which makes my progress feel stable and authentic, while also learning not to feel disappointed when I can’t master everything during a single placement.</p><p>This patient approach feeds directly into my work with teamwork and problem-solving. In Quality, we are at the center of complex, evolving issues that don't have easy answers. By understanding my own current strengths and being honest about my weaknesses, I can contribute more effectively to the team rather than feeling like I have to carry the weight of a solution all by myself. Aerospace is never as straightforward as it seems, it’s a giant puzzle, and developing that analytical, collaborative mindset early on is invaluable for tackling the issues that arise on the shop floor.</p><p><strong>Joshua:</strong> I have learnt strong project management skills, using planning tools to organise tasks, manage timelines, and work with different teams. This has shown me how important clear communication and structured planning are when delivering campaigns.</p><p>Data has also been a big part of my learning. I have built skills in analysing performance, preparing reports, and using insights to improve future work. I have also used survey and research tools to gather audience feedback, such as running monthly quizzes and engagement surveys.</p><p>Creatively, I have improved my copywriting and learnt how to adapt tone and messaging for different audiences. Working on Elborough Care Services YouTube channel has helped me develop skills in content planning, scripting, and understanding how people engage with videos. I have also gained experience designing marketing materials using specialist software, making sure everything is visually engaging and on brand.</p><p>I have supported multi‑channel campaigns across social media, websites, email, and video. Using a content management system, I have published text, images, and videos while making sure everything is accurate, accessible, and aligned with campaign goals.</p><p><strong>Marucs:</strong> Some of the main skills I’ve learned so far is communication, problem solving and planning. Throughout my apprenticeship I’ve had to communicate with colleagues and customers so my communication skills have improved. While working you sometimes face problems and have to think quick on how to overcome the problems.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Are there any standout successes you’d like to describe?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> The standout for me is the sheer volume of opportunities available outside of my primary job description. I’ve volunteered for college open evenings, the Airbus-led Flying Start Challenge, and various career talks. Most notably, I am currently the only Apprentice Ambassador at Weston College, where I represent my entire cohort by providing direct feedback to improve the apprenticeship experience. Being able to represent both my peers and the company while showing future students that engineering is a feasible, exciting career path brings me a lot of fulfillment.</p><p>I also get the chance to participate in many sustainability talks, which is a topic incredibly important to me. It has really deepened my understanding of the global impact a company of this scale can have. Being involved in these discussions allows me to see how we can make a positive difference in the world, giving me a real sense of pride knowing that my own values align with the company I work for.</p><p><strong>Joshua:</strong> My apprenticeship has helped me grow into a well‑rounded marketer with strong analytical skills, creative confidence, and technical ability. I have become more independent, reliable, and ready to contribute professionally to the organisation.</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> During my apprenticeship I was given the chance to enter the regional sparks competition and won.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What support have you received during your apprenticeship?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> The support structure is one of the best parts of this route. I have a network of managers, which is a huge advantage-I always know exactly who to go to for specific queries without feeling like I’m "bombarding" one specific person. Between my Assessor for college work, an HR Manager for employment matters, an Apprentice Manager for the overall scheme, and my individual Placement Managers, I am never without a point of contact. This rotation ensures that you’re always supported by someone you connect with.</p><p><strong>Joshua:</strong> I have received support from my mentors at Elborough Care Services. I also have received specialist support, Autonome Support with my independence, and my tutor Georgie has been a big help through our monthly sessions and regular contact on Teams.</p><p>All of this support has helped me stay on track and develop my skills throughout the apprenticeship.</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> I’ve learned a lot with my company and they’ve helped me get to where I am today.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>What part of your apprenticeship do you enjoy the most?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> Honestly, it’s the freedom of not having to have my entire life figured out yet. These four years are designed for discovery. Airbus is incredible at providing "extracurricular" growth—whether it’s joining unions, attending high-level training, or participating in company events. You aren't just a number, you’re an investment. The sheer amount of resources Airbus pours into our development makes me incredibly proud to work here and confident that I’ll be fully prepared for a permanent role whatever that may be.</p><p><strong>Joshua:</strong> I have enjoyed every part of my apprenticeship. Continuing from my internship into an apprenticeship with Elborough Care Services has been a great experience. I have enjoyed working with Georgie as my tutor, Alison as my support specialist, and Autonome for my personal development.</p><p>I have also enjoyed learning new skills and taking on projects I never thought I would do, such as branding, advertising, data analysis and learning new skills that will benefit me within the future such as communication, and teamwork.</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> What I enjoy most about my apprenticeship is the people who I work with as we are all close and working feels fun.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Do you have any ideas of what you want to do after your apprenticeship?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde: </strong>Not yet, and I’ve learned that’s perfectly okay. Being in the first year, there is zero pressure to have a final destination in mind. The whole point of this journey is to spend time figuring out what I enjoy and where I excel.</p><p><strong>Joshua:</strong> I would like to continue my marketing journey, either by staying with Elborough Care Services or by building a successful YouTube career. My goal is to create content that makes people smile and develop branding that stands out online.</p><p><strong>Marcus:</strong> After my apprenticeship the main goal is to start my own company.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Would you recommend others to do an apprenticeship?</em></p><p><strong>Tautvyde:</strong> I am a huge advocate for this path. If you want a route that leaves you with zero debt, a massive amount of industry experience, and high-standard qualifications, an apprenticeship is the way to go. There is no "catch"—it really is as good as it sounds.</p><p>My biggest piece of advice is to not talk yourself out of applying just because you feel you lack experience. At this stage, companies like Airbus aren't looking for a finished product, they are looking for a bright personality, a curiosity for how things work, and a genuine eagerness to learn.</p><p>However, don't just take any apprenticeship because of the benefits or the 'no debt' factor. Long-term satisfaction comes from working for a company that brings you fulfilment and aligns with your true self. Research, research, and research again. Look into the company's values, their sustainability goals, and how they treat their people. Never settle for just any role, find the one where you’ll be proud to wear the badge every day.</p><p><strong>Joshua:</strong> I strongly recommend apprenticeships as they are a great way to develop skills, gain real experience, and progress in your chosen career. They offer hands‑on learning alongside high‑quality training, helping you build industry knowledge while earning a wage.</p><p>Apprentices also receive regular support, feedback, and guidance, which is ideal for people who prefer learning by doing rather than only classroom studying.</p><p>If you are thinking about doing an apprenticeship, I would recommend researching your options and looking at the resources available on the Weston College website. This will help you decide whether an apprenticeship is the right path for you.</p><p><strong>Marcus: </strong>I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship as you get paid to learn. Even though the pay might not be a lot it’s still great to be paid for learning.</p>