<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This month, Weston College celebrated <strong>Raising and Giving (RAG) Week</strong> with the theme of the Wild West. The themed event gave everyone the chance to organise games, activities, and raffles in support of two incredible charities: <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and <strong>UNICEF</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> provides vital palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, while also offering essential emotional support to their families. <strong>UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)</strong> operates in over 190 countries, working to protect children’s rights through initiatives such as vaccinations, education, access to food and clean water, and safeguarding.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the week, students from across the college took part in a wide variety of fundraising activities, showcasing teamwork, creativity, and community spirit. RAG Week is held annually at colleges across the UK and is a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved, have fun, and make a difference ahead of the exam season.&nbsp;</p><p>Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; learners played a huge role in the week’s success, hosting an exciting lineup of events including a dance-a-thon, Mario Kart tournaments, Buckaroo and Pony Club racing, karaoke sessions, and even a Wild West-themed bar serving snacks and drinks. Their energy and commitment were outstanding, with multiple events taking place each day.&nbsp;</p><p>Other curriculum areas also embraced the challenge, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; students going above and beyond by selling scrap wood and organising a raffle featuring high-quality tools. Across the college, staff and students fully embraced the theme, dressing up in cowboy hats, bandanas, and plenty of denim. The Student Engagement Team added to the atmosphere by selling themed accessories, helping to raise additional funds while encouraging participation.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> students also organised an impressive 30-mile Wild West-themed stretcher relay challenge along the seafront. This provided a great opportunity for students to have fun, stay active, and support two meaningful causes, as well as prepare them for the upcoming Ten Tors Challenge and future careers in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> industry. &nbsp;</p><p>A highlight of the week was the college-wide raffle, which included a range of popular prizes such as day passes and tickets to local attractions, including restaurants, cinemas, and activity centres. Bake sales were also held to boost fundraising efforts.&nbsp;</p><p>Other curriculum areas across the college also got involved, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></a> students enjoying a pyjama day, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; students organised a games afternoon and football match. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students hosted a Nerf gun tin can alley and a rodeo rush event, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; students led a Pokémon GO raid walk through Weston-super-Mare town centre.&nbsp;</p><p>Overall, the week brought together students and staff from every campus, creating an exciting, inclusive, and impactful celebration of community and charity. In total, RAG Week raised an impressive&nbsp;£3,723.98 for <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and <strong>UNICEF</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>Thank you to everyone who organised events, took part, or made a donation. Your support made the week such a success and helped raise an incredible amount for these important causes.</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []"><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>&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">&nbsp;</p>

<p>We spoke with <a href="https://twistedweb.net/"><strong>Twisted</strong></a&gt; to learn more about how they work alongside our digital learners, supporting their development and providing opportunities for them to build valuable skills and experience within the digital industry.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Could you please introduce yourself and outline your role at Twisted?</strong></em></p><p>I'm Ross, I'm the Marketing Director at Twisted, and I work with businesses who don't have an internal marketing team, or those who want to support their existing efforts by amplifying the businesses own brand voice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Can you tell us more about Twisted and the services you provide?</strong></em></p><p>Operating as Twisted for 6 years, we are part of a national group, offering Marketing Consultancy, Web Services, Creative design and branding expertise.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>What types of opportunities are you currently offering to Weston College students?</strong></em></p><p>T-Level Placements within computing &amp; Business. We have accepted 3 students this academic year, and one last year who is now on a DATS apprenticeship with our sister company.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>How do you engage with and support our digital learners?</strong></em></p><p>In addition to supporting with placements, we have:</p><ul><li>Worked alongside the <a href="https://westonhospicecare.org.uk/">Weston Hospicecare</a> Business Enterprise Project for 3 years.</li><li>Collaborated with the Computing Department to run “Employer Engagement” Weeks.</li><li>Delivered guest lectures.</li><li>Provided an A Level internship in graphic design.</li><li>Participated in CEH curriculum forums.</li><li>Agreed to work with the Re-engagement Department on a future date (to be confirmed).</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>What qualities or skills do you look for when recruiting digital learners?</strong></em></p><p>A willingness to learn and develop both hard and soft skills. Presentation and punctuality.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Are there any standout success stories involving Weston College digital learners?</strong></em></p><p>Taking a T-Level student who had a bad experience at his first placement who showed consistent improvement throughout, leading to being offered his apprenticeship with us. Seeing the development of a shy student grow and interact with us, and become a valued member of the team.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>How has partnering with Weston College through our digital programmes benefited Twisted?</strong></em></p><p>Partnering brings both valuable resource to us, but also allows us to help develop the next wave of potential future employees.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>In what ways do our learners benefit from Twisted being a CEH partner of the College?</strong></em></p><p>We bring a true idea of what is expected in an average workplace. Being part of a team, and seeing actual results that are commercially viable and "real world" achievements. Building confidence to put their own ideas across to provide a genuine contribution to the workplace.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Is there anything else you would like to add?</strong></em></p><p>Our work with the college has always felt highly rewarding to us, being able to pass on knowledge and experience in a way that hopefully will make a difference to young people who are about to enter the world of full-time work.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/node/88092"><img data-entity-uuid="69117514-fff3-46b0-b581-ebc159526e92" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Power%20Up%20-%20WEB%20BANNER.jpg" width="5522" height="1355"></a>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, we had four Weston College students competing in the national <strong>WorldSkills</strong> competition. Maddie and Ellie competed in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy Practitioner</u></a> Skill category, Oscar competed in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours… Skills</u></a> Digital category, and Jodi competed in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours… Skills</u></a> Horticulture competition.&nbsp;</p><p>WorldSkills is a fantastic competition that aims to improve the skills and development of young people across the world. It encourages our students to step outside their comfort zone and go against a range of different people to improve their confidence and ability and be a part of something they may have not previously considered.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Our students competed in a range of tasks and did a fantastic job, with Maddie placing 3rd nationally in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy Practitioner</u></a> Skill category and Oscar getting a Highly Commended award in the Foundation Skills Digital category. This is a fantastic achievement that they should be extremely proud of. It will also improve their skills and their confidence for future careers and personal development.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Ellie and Jodie also did exceptionally well, becoming finalists in the regional competitions before progressing to the national competition. This is a huge achievement and is an excellent way to improve the students’ resilience, adaptability, and confidence. It also improves their transferrable skills such as their time-management and their problem-solving skills. They also got to meet like-minded individuals and network with professionals in the industry.&nbsp;</p><p>We recently received an email from Ellie’s parents, thanking the Hair and Beauty team for supporting Ellie throughout the competition and her studies, saying:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><em>“Ellie’s dad and I would like to thank you all so much for all the training, coaching, and time you have given Ellie in preparation for the WorldSkills 2025 finals.”</em>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“Your dedication and belief in her abilities have made an incredible impact on her journey. We are truly proud of her achievement, and her dedication to the competition was second to none. She did it for herself, but she also worked extremely hard for you.”</em>&nbsp;</p><p><em>“Thank you for being such inspiring mentors and we wish you every success in your candidates going forward.”</em>&nbsp;</p><p>As a college, we would like to say a massive well done to the students who competed, but also a huge well done and thank you to the lecturers behind-the-scenes who worked tirelessly with the students, training and supporting them to ensure they went in feeling confident and prepared.&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</p>