<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, a group of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction</u></a> students visited the UK Construction Week Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham. This event is the UK's largest built environment event which showcases a range of international exhibitors. &nbsp;</p><p>This tradeshow exhibits 1000s of innovative products, services and materials for other like-minded individuals to experience and explore. it also gathers the top speakers within the sector to hold seminars and hands-on workshops where they discuss and debate the issues that affect the construction industry. &nbsp;</p><p>The trip provided an excellent opportunity for students to explore the latest innovations and technologies shaping the future of the construction industry. The show had a heavy focus on sustainability from Hybrid and Electric vehicles to Solar powered welfare units.  &nbsp;</p><p>On top of this, the students’ experienced live demonstrations from different products and gained hands on insights from industry professionals. They even discovered a 3D concrete printing machine that could build the next generation of homes which gave the students a better understanding of the future of construction. &nbsp;</p><p>Students also got the chance to connect with smaller feeder companies that contribute to the overall UK construction market. This gave them a better understanding of the different opportunities available to them outside of larger corporations that help lay the foundations and create key elements in the construction industry. They received a variety of freebies and merchandise from different stands they engaged with. &nbsp;</p><p>Overall, the visit proved to be educational and beneficial with a range of fantastic networking opportunities. Students got the chance to experience new materials and innovative projects that exhibitors and professionals have created across the UK. Following this event, we hope to welcome some of the exhibitors as guest speakers to the College over the coming months. &nbsp;</p><p>Thank you to all the exhibitors and employers who engaged and interacted with our students. &nbsp;</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/"…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></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/"><u>Click here!</u></a>&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>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Year 1 learners from the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… in Design, Surveying and Planning in Construction</u></a> recently enjoyed an exciting day at <strong>Uncle Paul’s Chilli Farm</strong> in Butcombe, North Somerset, as part of their induction to the course.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The experience began with students collecting tools and equipment before being guided by the farm’s staff to a site in need of a new shelter.&nbsp;The group received a briefing and set to work digging eight holes for large wooden posts, which were then concreted in place. Although the task of digging by hand proved challenging, the students persevered, successfully installing the posts and ensuring they were upright and level.&nbsp;</p><p>Students then took a walk back across the farm and had a well-earned lunch by the fire, complete with hot chocolate and marshmallows. This hands-on experience in a different environment reinforced the value of learning outside the classroom and created a core memory for the students due to building their skills and giving back to the community whilst being surrounded by animals on the farm including pigs, goats, and sheep.&nbsp;</p><p>A highlight of the day was the “Chilli Challenge”, where students sampled a range of chillies under the guidance of the farm staff. This light-hearted competition encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to try new things—qualities that are invaluable both personally and professionally.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the day, students developed essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and collaboration. The practical task of building a shelter required them to listen, share ideas, and support one another, mirroring the collaborative nature of the construction industry. The experience also revealed emerging leaders within the group, as some students naturally took on responsibility and guided their peers.&nbsp;</p><p>By the end of the trip, the students had gained not only practical <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; experience but also a sense of achievement and stronger group cohesion. Their lecturer, Daniel Comerford, praised the group’s behaviour, responsibility, and teamwork, noting how well they worked together to complete the task.&nbsp;</p><p>This trip exemplified how hands-on learning can foster both personal growth and professional development, equipping students with the confidence and skills they will need in their future careers.&nbsp;</p><p>A big thank you to the staff at Uncle Paul's Chilli Farm for welcoming our students and getting them involved with hands-on tasks around the site.</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/"…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></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/"><u>Click here!</u></a>&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>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Year 1 learners from the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… in Design, Surveying and Planning in Construction</a> course recently received an inspiring and informative guest lecture by Architect Irene de Miguel Lopez from <strong>AWW Architects</strong>, a leading architectural practice based in Bristol.</p><p><strong>AWW Architects</strong> operate from studios in Bristol, London, and Plymouth and are known for their collaborative, design-led approach that places people at the heart of every project. The practice prides itself on creating sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful architecture that improves how people live, work, and interact with their surroundings.</p><p>Irene delivered a talk titled “A Day in the Life of an Architect,” giving students a first-hand insight into the varied and dynamic nature of architectural work. She discussed her day-to-day responsibilities, which range from creating design drawings and attending client meetings, to visiting construction sites to monitor project progress.</p><p>To make the session more interactive, Irene brought along a selection of material samples that <strong>AWW Architects</strong> use when designing buildings. Students were able to handle these samples and explore how different materials influence the look, feel, and performance of a building.</p><p>Irene also explained that an architect’s role is incredibly diverse, involving the design of a wide range of environments including homes, workplaces, schools, sports facilities, and performance spaces. She highlighted that while the path to become a fully qualified architect can take up to seven years, the profession offers a rewarding and creative career for those passionate about designing and building future communities.</p><p>The talk made a clear impact, with many students expressing renewed enthusiasm for pursuing careers in architecture.</p><p>Daniel Comerford, Weston College <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… Professions</a> lecturer, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Irene for taking the time to visit our learners and share her experiences. Her talk offered invaluable insight into the profession and has clearly inspired the next generation of architects and designers in the construction industry.”</p><p>Guest lectures like this provide our students with a deeper understanding of alternative career paths that students can pursue following their <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… Level</a>. It allowed them to ask questions to industry professionals, gave them clarity on the journey required to become an architect, and the benefits of pursuing this career. It allowed them to network with a professional, increased their confidence by reducing future ambiguity, and provided them with real-world insight as well as discussions of industry standards and values.</p><p>A big thank you to Irene for taking the time to visit our students and engage with them to ensure they were fully informed regarding their future opportunities.</p><p>This guest lecture 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/"…;! 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>