<p>We are delighted to announce that former Weston College student Jack Lewis has been shortlisted for <strong>Apprentice of the Year</strong> at the <strong>Association of College’s annual AoC Awards!</strong> These prestigious awards recognise the best of the best students from colleges and higher education across the whole of the UK. Jack currently studies at <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> with previous UCW alumni, Kam Stevens having previously been shortlisted for and won the <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/kams-inspirational-journey/">Higher Education Student of the Year award.</a></p><p>Jack is a degree apprentice, currently working with Singer Instruments and studying <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/engineering-degree-apprenticeships/">Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering</a>. He stood out for this shortlist because of the real-world impact at the company. He introduced cutting-edge 3D printing technologies that reshaped manufacturing processes, reduced carbon footprint, and significantly lowered production costs. His redesign of microscope components not only eliminated the use of hazardous chloroform but also reduced unit cost from £24 to just 17 pence, transforming both safety and efficiency.</p><p>Jack’s impressive achievement was recognised this year at the Somerset Business Awards, where he won <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/engineering-learner-named-apprentice-year… of the Year</a>. Four hundred people attended, including key figures from local businesses. Jack said: “Winning the Somerset Business Award was a great moment, and it’s been a fantastic journey throughout my apprenticeship. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had along the way.”</p><p>Being shortlisted for this award shows exceptional leadership, and a willingness to challenge existing structures to benefit his organisation. We here at Weston College wish Jack the best of luck!</p><p>If you want to study Engineering Degree Apprenticeships at UCW like Jack, <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/engineering-degree-apprenticeships/">click here to find out more</a>! Find out more about studying Engineering and Green Skills at Weston College by <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… here</a>!</p>

<p>Will Creswick has marked the end of his 18-month apprenticeship with estate agency <a href="https://www.cjhole.co.uk/estate-agents-and-letting-agents/branch/burnha… Hole</a> by earning his Customer Service Level 2 Practitioner qualification - and has been offered a full-time position on the spot!</p><p>Will began his apprenticeship soon after completing GCSEs at The Kings Academy in Cheddar. Under the guidance of his apprenticeship assessor Georgina, Will has balanced his apprenticeship assignments with on-the-job training at CJ Hole’s Burnham office.</p><p>Will’s new role as an administrator continues a family tradition, as he’ll be joining his father Edward and following in the footsteps of older brother Tom, who has been part of the CJ Hole team for several years.</p><p>Helen Hamilton, CJ Hole’s Operations Manager, praised Will’s dedication: <em>“We are all so proud of Will and his achievement.”</em></p><p><em>“He has worked very hard over the past 18 months, and he thoroughly deserves this qualification. We know he will be a great asset to our award-winning team.”</em></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships">To find out more about apprenticeships at Weston College, click here.</a></p>

<p>We spoke with David Price, Firefighter at <a href="https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/">Avon Fire and Rescue Service</a> working out of the Children and Young Persons Department, about how <a href="https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/">Avon Fire and Rescue</a> collaborate with Weston College through a range of programmes designed to help learners launch careers in the firefighting industry!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1. What is your relationship with Weston College? e.g. what services do you offer to our students?</strong></p><p>At Avon Fire and Rescue Service we support Weston College with many different areas from <strong>Education/Personal Safety</strong> to <strong>Project Ignite</strong>. Our Education Packages can be bespoke to the courses that Weston College are running i.e. <strong>Early Years Learners</strong> or more in-depth <strong>Road Safety, Water Safety, Personal </strong>and <strong>Electrical Safety </strong>for the College and University Candidates.</p><p>As part of Avon Fire and Rescue Service, we work in close partnership with Weston College to support the delivery and quality assurance of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/protective-se… Apprenticeship programmes</strong></a>. Our relationship is built on a shared commitment to developing the next generation of firefighters through high-quality, structured learning that reflects both academic standards and the operational demands of the fire and rescue sector.</p><p>We collaborate with Weston College to ensure apprentices receive the right support at every stage, from induction to End-Point Assessment, while also contributing to the continuous improvement of the programme. Together, we’ve created an environment where learners can grow in <strong>confidence, capability,</strong> and <strong>professionalism</strong>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2. Can you tell me about the work you do with our pre-employment learners, such as Ignite?</strong></p><p><strong>Project Ignite </strong>was a venture instigated by <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pension… for Work and Pensions</a> who then reached out to Weston College. Weston College then reached out to Avon Fire and Rescue Service to see if we could support.</p><p>The general idea is that 18-25yr olds who are not achieving in general day to day life can get the help and support that they need. The main focus being that Weston College would support the academic side of the course and Avon Fire and Rescue would support the practical side with activities to enhance the candidate's<strong> self-esteem, confidence, teamwork</strong> and <strong>communication skills</strong> through activities that Fire Service Personnel do on a day-to-day basis.</p><p>The other part to this is<strong> varied locations </strong>for carrying out the training rather than being in the same place all the time. The information that the candidates gain from Project Ignite can also enrich their lives and the lives of others around them with regards to safety.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>3. What impact do these courses have on the learners, and on Avon Fire and Rescue?</strong></p><p>The apprenticeship courses delivered in partnership with Weston College have a significant and lasting impact on both the learners and Avon Fire and Rescue Service. For the learners, these programmes provide a <strong>clear</strong>, <strong>structured pathway</strong> into the fire service, equipping them with the <strong>technical knowledge, operational competence</strong>, and <strong>professional behaviours</strong> needed to succeed in a demanding and dynamic role. The blend of <strong>academic learning</strong> and <strong>on-the-job experience</strong> helps build their <strong>confidence, resilience,</strong> and <strong>decision-making skills</strong>.</p><p>For Avon Fire and Rescue, the impact is equally powerful. These courses help to develop highly capable and well-prepared firefighters who are trained to national standards and aligned with our organisational values. The apprenticeship model supports <strong>workforce planning, succession development,</strong> and a <strong>culture of continuous improvement.</strong> Ultimately, it strengthens our ability to serve our <strong>communities safely, effectively, </strong>and with <strong>professionalism.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>4. Can you tell me about the work you do with our Firefighter apprentices?</strong></p><p>Working with firefighter apprentices at Avon Fire and Rescue Service is a <strong>rewarding</strong> and<strong> vital </strong>part of our service. From the moment they join us at Training School, we support their development through a carefully structured programme that blends operational training with academic learning, in partnership with Weston College. This includes mentoring, providing formative feedback, and helping them embed the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required of a competent firefighter.</p><p>As they progress, we monitor their performance through regular reviews, support their workplace assessments, and ensure that their training aligns with both service expectations and the national apprenticeship standard. We also contribute to their preparation for the End-Point Assessment, guiding them through <strong>mock scenarios, professional discussions,</strong> and <strong>final reviews</strong> to ensure they’re confident and ready.</p><p>The goal is not just to help them pass the EPA but to help them become <strong>capable, reflective, </strong>and <strong>resilient firefighters </strong>who can make a positive difference in their careers and in the communities they serve.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>5. What types of skills do the Firefighters leave the apprenticeship with?</strong></p><p>Firefighter apprentices leave the programme with a strong blend of practical, technical, and professional skills. They’re trained in operational firefighting, community safety, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication ready to protect life, property, and the environment with confidence and professionalism.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>6. How does taking on apprentice's benefit Avon Fire and Rescue?</strong></p><p>Apprentices bring <strong>fresh energy, diversity</strong>, and a <strong>strong foundation </strong>of <strong>skills</strong> into the service. They help us grow a future-ready workforce, tailored to the demands of modern firefighting supporting succession planning, resilience, and continuous improvement across Avon Fire and Rescue.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>7. Can you tell me about any success stories of Weston College learners who can come to Avon Fire and Rescue for a pre-employment course or an apprenticeship?</strong></p><p>After the first Project Ignite we have heard that <strong>2</strong> candidates went on into employment and the rest signed up for <strong>further education.</strong> We have seen that 1 candidate from the second Project Ignite has reached out to Avon Fire and Rescue Service. Project Ignite is not a way into the Fire Service but more of an insight into the way industry works throughout the Country/World.</p><p>There have been many success stories of our apprentices - below is a snippet of a success story of an apprentice firefighter who has proved that you can switch careers at any point in your life if you feel it is right for you:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Outstanding Achievement: Andy Dolman Earns Distinction in Firefighter Apprenticeship</strong></em></p><p><em>We are proud to celebrate the success of Andy Dolman, our latest apprentice to achieve Distinction across all areas of his End-Point Assessment. Andy’s journey began as an on-call firefighter at Chew Magna while also working as a property maintenance contractor. After successfully navigating the recruitment process, he commenced his wholetime career in April 2022, enrolling in the Firefighter Apprenticeship scheme.</em></p><p><em>Through two years of dedication, commitment, and hard work, Andy successfully completed his End-Point Assessment, earning an overall grade of Distinction. Now serving at Southmead on Blue Watch, Andy continues to uphold the highest standards in his role, consistently demonstrating the values and behaviours essential to being an effective firefighter. His achievement is a testament to his professionalism, perseverance, and passion for the fire service.</em></p><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="977fc658-5067-4685-a80c-56771db81363" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_400x400&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>8. What would you say to someone considering a career as a Firefighter?</strong></p><p>Being a Firefighter is a highly skilled job that takes on many roles. Day to day training to keep your competencies up together to keep you and your colleagues safe on an incident and to assist with any eventuality that may be put in front of you. Caring for the local community, commuters and businesses through ongoing prevention work.</p><p>Hardly ever are two days the same. If you want a career that challenges you, makes a real difference and builds skills for life, becoming a firefighter is one of the most rewarding paths you can take. You’ll grow, you’ll be part of a team, and you’ll help protect and serve your community every day.</p>