<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 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>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Learners from the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… Level Digital Production, Design and Development</a> course recently took part in the <strong>West of England Transport Data Hackathon</strong>, a collaborative industry-led event hosted by the <strong>West of England Mayoral Combined Authority</strong> in partnership with <strong>AECOM</strong>.</p><p>The hackathon brought together students, industry professionals and researchers, giving learners a valuable opportunity to work alongside experts in the field while attempting to overcome real-world transport challenges using authentic datasets and digital tools.</p><p>Over the course of the week, learners worked in teams to address challenges linked to the region’s Integrated Micromobility Service (IMS), which manages shared e-scooters, e-bikes and e-cargo bikes across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath. Teams were encouraged to think creatively, explore open datasets and develop innovative digital solutions, with several choosing to design websites or applications using Python.</p><p>To conclude the week, students created a formal presentation and presented them in their Bristol offices, showcasing their solutions to a judging panel and responding to questions about their technical decisions, data insights and potential real-world impact.</p><p>Participation in the hackathon enabled learners to develop and demonstrate a broad range of skills, including programming and coding, data analysis and statistical thinking, as well as transferable skills such as collaboration, communication and critical problem-solving. Learners also gained first-hand experience of working with live transport data and addressing challenges faced by the region.</p><p>By engaging directly with real transport systems, learners enhanced their employability and gained a deeper understanding of how digital skills can be applied to encourage change. Events such as this hackathon provide invaluable insight into the industry, empowering students to build confidence, apply their classroom knowledge, and prepare for potential careers in digital and data transport solutions.</p><p>Well done to all the students involved, they presented themselves with professionalism and maturity and engaged well with industry professionals.</p><p>This curriculum project forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… and Digital</a> 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/computing-and-digital-technolo… and Digital</a>! 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>