Weston College is set to play a leading role in shaping vocational and technical skills across the South West after being named the area's Technical and Vocational Excellence (TVE) Hub by the Association of Colleges (AoC).

The prestigious appointment puts the college at the centre of a major national programme designed to support teachers, lecturers and education leaders as new technical and vocational qualifications are introduced across England.

As one of only nine TVE Hubs nationwide, Weston College will help drive improvements in technical education across the region, working closely with schools, colleges, training providers, employers and industry partners to ensure learners develop the skills local businesses need now and in the future.

The hubs form a key part of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development (TVPD) Programme, funded by the Department for Education and delivered by the AoC. The programme is being designed by the sector, for the sector and will help educators prepare for the continued expansion of T Levels, the introduction of new vocational pathways and revised Level 2 qualifications, ensuring students benefit from high-quality routes that reflect the latest industry standards and workforce requirements.

Through its new role, Weston College will lead collaboration across the South West, sharing expertise and best practice while helping to strengthen links between education providers and employers. The appointment recognises the College's longstanding commitment to technical and vocational education and its strong track record of working alongside employers to equip learners with the skills needed for successful careers.

Gary Durant, Deputy Principal at Weston College, said:

"We are delighted to have been selected as the South West Technical and Vocational Excellence Hub and to play a leading role in supporting the future of technical education across the region.

This appointment recognises Weston College's strong track record of working with employers, industry partners and education providers to develop the skills that learners need to succeed in their careers and that businesses need to grow.

Through the TVE Hub, we will work collaboratively with colleges, training providers and employers across the South West to share expertise, support professional development and help educators prepare for the introduction of new qualifications and pathways. By bringing together best practice from across the sector, we can help ensure learners benefit from high-quality, industry-relevant education that responds to the changing needs of the economy.

We look forward to supporting providers throughout the region, strengthening partnerships and helping to shape the next generation of technical and vocational education."

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said:

"The Technical and Vocational Hubs will sit at the heart of the Technical and Vocational Professional Development Programme, helping to build capacity from within the sector and supporting providers to deliver high-quality technical education. We are pleased to welcome Weston College as one of our regional hub partners."

The new role is expected to bring together education providers and employers from across the South West, helping to strengthen skills development, support economic growth and ensure the region is well placed to meet future workforce demands.

Over the coming years, Weston College will support the delivery of professional development opportunities for learning leads, educators and sector practitioners, helping providers prepare for evolving technical qualifications and ensuring learners receive industry-relevant education and training.

New Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level learners recently enjoyed an interesting and informative presentation from Kimberly Chikonobaya, an Apprentice Engineer currently working for Galliford Try on the Banwell Bypass Project.

Kimberly, who is a former Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level learner at Weston College, returned to share an insight into her experiences working in the construction industry. Her presentation formed part of the ‘Day in the Life of a…’ series of guest speakers, which gives learners the opportunity to hear directly from professionals working in a range of roles across the construction industry.

As part of the session, Kimberly talked learners through a typical day in her role as an Engineer, providing an insight into the responsibilities involved in working on a major infrastructure project. She also spoke openly about her experiences so far, including being one of the youngest members of the site team and one of only a small number of women working on the project.

Kimberly explained how much she is enjoying her role and highlighted how the practical skills and knowledge she developed during her T Level continue to support her in her day-to-day work. She also discussed the opportunities available within the construction industry and encouraged learners to consider the different career paths they could pursue.

Alongside her work with Galliford Try, Kimberly continues to develop her skills and knowledge, returning to Weston College and UCW one day a week to study her Level 4 HNC in Civil Engineering.

Construction Professions Lecturer, Daniel Comerford, would like to thank Kimberly for taking the time to return to Weston College – particularly on her birthday – to share her experiences and encourage the next generation of construction professionals as they take their first steps into the industry.

This Guest Lecture forms part of the Construction Professions 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. 

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 here. 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.

Our UAL Foundation and Extended Diploma learners have been putting their creativity to the test through their first project of the academic year, ‘The Power of One’.

Working to a challenging and structured brief, students were given two words as inspiration and limited to using just one material throughout the project. This encouraged them to think creatively within constraints, exploring different structures, processes and outcomes while developing their own artistic approach.

Starting with a single concept and transforming it into a finished piece gave students the opportunity to develop their confidence, communication and collaboration skills, as they worked alongside their peers, shared ideas and learned from different creative approaches. The project also encouraged experimentation and creative risk-taking, helping learners become more resilient when faced with challenges or unexpected outcomes.

By working with a limited material and repurposing found resources, students were encouraged to become more resourceful and adaptable, making independent decisions and finding creative solutions throughout the process. These are valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom, supporting learners’ personal development as well as preparing them for further study and careers within the creative industries.

The completed work is now being displayed throughout the Creative Arts corridor, giving students a valuable opportunity to celebrate and take ownership of their achievements. Seeing their work publicly showcased alongside that of their peers can help build confidence and pride, while inspiring learners to reflect on their own practice and draw inspiration from others. Presenting their work to a wider audience also gives students experience in communicating their creative ideas and developing a professional approach to showcasing their work.

Chrissandra Boxley, Head of Arts, Graphics, and Fashion at Weston College, said: “Within the Creative Arts department, we encourage our students to express their creativity, and developing a project from a single concept is a fantastic way to challenge them early in the term and encourage them to push beyond their comfort zones. We look forward to seeing our students’ confidence and creativity continue to flourish throughout the remainder of the year.”

This project forms part of the Art & Design 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.

Progress to the next level in Creative Arts! At University Centre Weston (UCW) 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. Click here!

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 here. 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.