<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>On Friday 6th March, as part of <strong>Women in Construction Week</strong>, Weston College hosted a <strong>Women in Construction Roundtable</strong> at our South West Skills Campus in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/"><strong>West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.</strong></a></p><p>The event brought together women from across the construction sector, including representatives from <a href="https://www.kier.co.uk/"><strong>Kier Group</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://griffiths.co.uk/"><strong>Alun Griffiths</strong></a><strong>,</strong> <a href="https://kanegroup.co.uk/"><strong>Kane Group</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/"><strong>Galliford Try</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.tclarke.com/"><strong>TClark</strong></a><strong>,</strong&…; alongside Weston College’s own T Level learners, apprentices, and members of the college’s careers and apprenticeship teams.</p><p>The session began with a welcome and overview of the event, followed by roundtable introductions. Employers then shared short video clips showcasing their organisations and the opportunities available within their businesses, before offering reflections on their roles and career journeys.</p><p>This was followed by a discussion on career pathways within construction, exploring traditional and alternative routes into the industry, as well as advice for those at the start of their careers. The final part of the roundtable focused on the experiences of women working in construction, covering topics such as challenges faced, the value of support networks, the rewards of working in the sector, and opportunities for positive change.</p><p>The conversation sparked honest and inspiring reflections on career journeys, early exposure to careers in school, obstacles encountered along the way, and the successes that come with determination and perseverance. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to share experiences, celebrate progress, and highlight the importance of visibility and representation for women in the industry.</p><p>Events like this play a vital role in demonstrating that construction is a career open to everyone, offering a wide range of pathways and opportunities.</p><p>If you would like to get involved in future events like this, please contact <strong>employers@weston.ac.uk.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This week, Level 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; students visited <strong>the Avon Fire and Rescue</strong> Fire Station, providing them with invaluable real-world insight into fire safety, emergency response, and the critical role that firefighters play in protecting the community.</p><p>As aspiring <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…;, there was an emphasis on Health and Safety, with students learning how to respond effectively to electrical fires, the correct protocols to follow in an emergency, and how to call for help. This knowledge is directly transferable to their future careers, reinforcing the importance of safe working practices and responsible behaviour on site.</p><p>During the visit, students were also given a tour of the fire station, where firefighters explained their roles and responsibilities, shift patterns, involvement within the community, and the benefits and challenges of the profession. This provided learners with a realistic understanding of emergency service careers and the importance of teamwork, resilience, and quick decision-making under pressure.</p><p>Students were introduced to specialist emergency vehicles such as fire engines and a hovercraft, broadening their awareness of the wide range of situations firefighters respond to. Not only this, students took part in practical demonstrations and activities to gain first-hand experience of essential operational procedures.</p><p>The students also observed and practised how firefighters access a fire hydrant to obtain a larger water supply during an incident. Working in teams, they repeated the process in a timed challenge, developing communication, problem-solving skills, and confidence under pressure. Firefighters further demonstrated the use of different stretchers, with students experiencing both patient and responder roles, enhancing their understanding of casualty care and safety.</p><p>During their visit, a memorable event occurred when all fire engines were called out to an emergency, leaving the station largely empty. Upon their return, students assisted by helping to clean one of the fire engines, giving them a unique insight into the realities of fire service life and reinforcing values such as responsibility, respect, and teamwork.</p><p>This visit deepened their understanding of the serious consequences of electrical hazards, encouraged swift and appropriate action in emergency situations, and strengthened their awareness of how their future profession intersects with public safety.</p><p>Overall, the experience was an excellent opportunity, providing students with practical knowledge, increased confidence, and a stronger sense of professional responsibility skills and attributes that will support them throughout their careers in the electrical industry and beyond.</p><p>A huge thank you to the firefighters at Avon Fire and Rescue for welcoming our students and sharing your journey and knowledge.</p><p>This curriculum trip 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/"… and Construction</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><p>&nbsp;</p>