<p>Two of Weston College’s Construction Professions students are gaining invaluable real-world experience through their involvement in the project to restore <strong>Birnbeck Pier</strong> in Weston-super-Mare. Through our strong partnership with <a href="https://n-somerset.gov.uk/">North Somerset Council</a> and leading industry contractors, these learners have secured exciting opportunities to contribute to this landmark scheme as part of their 315-hour industry placement.</p><p>Students studying the T-Level in <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…, Surveying and Planning for Construction</a> benefit from a blend of classroom learning and practical, on-site experience. At Birnbeck Pier, this includes guided technical site walks and the chance to engage directly with experienced construction professionals, helping to bring their studies to life.</p><p>Following a competitive selection process, two of our students were chosen to undertake extended placements with the council’s appointed contractors. These placements form a core part of the T-Level qualification, and are essential in equipping learners with the technical knowledge and industry experience needed to launch successful careers in construction.</p><p>One of our students, Fin, joined the project in mid-December after being appointed by Bristol-based contractors <strong>Smith and Brenson, </strong>who are delivering the landside phase of the development. Over the past four months, Fin has become an integral part of the on-site team, gaining experience in both site operations and project coordination.</p><p>Our second student, Ashton, recently began their placement with <strong>Mackley,</strong> a specialist civil engineering contractor leading the restoration of the Grade II* listed pier structure. This work offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a complex marine and heritage project of national significance.</p><p>Finton said:<em> “I’ve learnt a great deal since starting my placement. The hands-on work I’ve done has been very helpful as it’s given me a strong understanding of the project and the challenges that come with it. Working in the site office and joining project meetings has been especially beneficial for my college course as it’s allowed me to see the different roles people take on within projects and how they contribute to the overall outcome. This is also helping me to develop a clearer understanding of what I might like to do in my future career and the different options available to me."</em></p><p>Ashton said:<em> “I’m gaining real hands-on experience alongside classroom learning, which makes everything feel more relevant and exciting. It’s helped me build confidence in my skills and given me a clear path towards a future career in the industry. Considering how important the pier is historically, it’s great to be playing a small role in its restoration. It closed before I was born, so I’m looking forward to being able to access it for the first time once work is complete.”</em></p><p>Daniel Comerford, Lecturer in Construction Professions, said: <em>“We are extremely grateful to North Somerset Council and their contractors - Smith and Brenson, and Mackley - in allowing two of our learners the opportunity to work on the Birnbeck Pier project. This will allow them to put into practice the skills that we teach them in college, to a real-life, complex project, which in turn will increase their learning and understanding of the complexities of the construction industry.”</em></p><p>We are incredibly grateful to <strong>North Somerset Council </strong>and their contractors, <strong>Smith and Brenson </strong>and<strong> Mackley, </strong>for their ongoing support in providing these placements. Collaborations like this are key to creating meaningful career pathways for our students and supporting the development of the next generation of construction professionals.</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This project forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… Professions</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><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>We spoke with Kate from <a href="https://griffiths.co.uk/">Alun Griffiths</a> about the ways in which Griffiths consistently collaborate with Weston College.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1. Could you introduce yourself and explain your role at Alun Griffiths?</strong></p><p>My name is Kate Hamilton-Border, and I am the Regional Social Value Coordinator-England at Griffiths. I am responsible for the coordination of our social value activity across all our projects in England, ranging from working with local charities, supporting careers and stem activities in education settings, and developing local employment opportunities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2. What services does Alun Griffiths provide?</strong></p><p>Griffiths is one of the leading civil engineering and construction contractors in Wales and the West of England, delivering major infrastructure that supports economic growth, connectivity, and community wellbeing. Founded in 1968 by Alun Griffiths OBE, the company has grown from a regional contractor into a trusted delivery partner for national and local government, transport authorities, and private sector clients.</p><p>With a workforce of more than 500 people, Griffiths specialises in highways, rail, active travel, structures, environmental engineering, public realm improvements, and complex infrastructure programmes. The company operates its own directly employed labour force, plant fleet, and materials production facilities, enabling high standards of quality, safety, and programme certainty.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>3. In what ways does Alun Griffiths collaborate with Weston College?</strong></p><p>Griffiths works with Weston College in several different ways, from providing T Level placement opportunities, Apprenticeships at levels 2,3, and 4 and supporting staff development with additional qualifications. Our staff are also involved in careers education activities and support curriculum design as members of the Construction Professionals Advisory Board. Our collaborations are not just limited to those involved in Civil Engineering and Construction however and we pride ourselves on thinking outside the box when it comes to supporting the college, including opportunities for Kings Trust and Empower learners to develop skills.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>4. How has your partnership with Weston College benefited your organisation?</strong></p><p>We are proud to be partnering with Weston College; it enables us to develop our early careers offer and provide those who are considering starting their journey in the sector a solid platform to build from. Staff involved with the college enjoy learning from students and staff and sharing their own experiences, valuing time 'away from the day job' and having a sense of achievement knowing they have made a valuable contribution to the North Somerset communities we work in.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>5. Can you share examples of how learners have benefited from Alun Griffiths’ involvement as a CEH partner?</strong></p><p>Although Griffiths has only recently joined the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/FutureTalentBusinessPartner">Career Excellence Hub</a>, we are already beginning to see early benefits for learners through our involvement, with further activity planned for the coming months.</p><p>Early examples include:</p><ul><li>Access to employer expertise: Through initial discussions and planned activity, learners are beginning to benefit from direct access to our teams, including engineers, quantity surveyors, social value leads, and operational staff. This is helping to build awareness of career pathways and the skills required to progress.</li><li>Strengthened employer–college collaboration: By joining the CEH, we have established a more structured partnership with Weston College, ensuring that future curriculum input, site visits, and employer-led sessions are aligned with live industry needs. This will directly support learner readiness for employment.</li></ul><p>Planned activity for the coming year includes:</p><ul><li>Site visits to active Griffiths projects in the North Somerset and Bristol areas</li><li>Guest lectures and technical talks from our project teams</li><li>T level work placements and early-career engagement opportunities</li><li>Support with employability skills, including mock interviews and CV guidance</li></ul><p>As our partnership develops, we expect to gather stronger, more measurable evidence of learner impact. We are committed to playing an active role within the CEH and ensuring that learners gain meaningful, career-enhancing experiences through our involvement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>6. Could you highlight any success stories involving Weston College learners?</strong></p><p>During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we were proud to shine a spotlight on the people who embody what apprenticeships are all about - opportunity, growth, and long-term careers. Few stories capture this better than Jack Billingham’s nine-year journey with Griffiths. Jack joined us in 2016 as an Apprentice Groundworker, eager to learn and build a future in construction.</p><p>Through determination, structured training and the support of colleagues across our business, he has progressed all the way to Senior Engineer at our Bristol Airport site. His journey began with a Level 2 Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience on the South Bristol Link Road project with day-release learning at Weston College.</p><p>Within a year, Jack had mastered the fundamentals of groundworks, drainage, concreting, and road construction - and was ready for more. He went on to complete a Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, gaining experience across flood defence schemes and a major junction improvement project.</p><p>This broadened his technical understanding and strengthened his ambition to progress further. Jack then undertook a Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Construction &amp; the Built Environment, again with Weston College. During this time, he stepped up to the role of Site Engineer at Bristol Airport, working first on enabling works and later the Airport’s Multi-Storey Car Park 2 - the largest single project investment on the site at the time. He even took on line-management responsibility, supporting a graduate engineer while applying his classroom learning directly on site.</p><p>With encouragement from colleagues and support through Griffiths’ professional development pathway, Jack achieved EngTech MICE status with the Institution of Civil Engineers. This milestone led to his promotion to Senior Engineer, now delivering the North Side Car Parks and Terminal Extension projects.</p><p>Jack’s story is more than a personal success - it reflects our commitment to developing local talent, investing in people, and creating long-term careers, not just project-long employment. His expertise now benefits our Bristol Airport sites and the wider South West, demonstrating the lasting community value that apprenticeships can create. And the journey doesn’t stop here. With new apprentices joining our West of England team, Jack is playing a key role in mentoring the next generation of construction professionals, passing on the same support that helped shape his own career.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>7. What skills, attributes, or qualities do you look for when recruiting apprentices or industry placement students?</strong></p><ul><li>GCSEs (or equivalent) in Mathematics and English (typically grade 4 / C or above).</li><li>Good numeracy and literacy.</li><li>Basic IT literacy (e.g., MS Office); willingness to learn CAD/BIM.</li><li>Strong communication and interpersonal ability.</li><li>Problem-solving mindset, energy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.</li><li>Good organisational skills and attention to detail.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>8. What advice would you give to organisations considering partnering with Weston College?</strong></p><p>Reach out and see what opportunities there are for you, the College is welcoming and staff are always willing to hear new ideas and support organisations in a way which suits you, we have valued the bespoke ways in which we have been able to work with them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>9. Is there anything else you would like to add?</strong></p><p>Griffiths is proud to be the headline sponsor of the Weston College Business Awards 2026, strengthening our partnership with Weston College and supporting an event that showcases the very best in learner achievement, employer collaboration, and educational excellence.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/node/88092"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Power%20Up%20-%20WEB%20BANNER_5.jpg" data-entity-uuid="964d5b09-a01f-42d9-a5f6-c03118ff93aa" data-entity-type="file" alt="Power Up Logo" width="5522" height="1355"></a>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Recently, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; learners delivered several high-quality flowerbeds to <strong>Weston Hospital</strong> for their Sanctuary Garden as part of the students’ <strong>Growth &amp; Grace Community Action Project</strong>, creating a space that patients and staff can visit filled with plants and flowers that have been grown on site.&nbsp;</p><p>This was a fantastic initiative led by the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; trades, getting all students involved to build 11 high-quality planters and a potting table. Students also created a wooden crate and supplied a variety of seeds and bulbs, bags of soil, gardening tools, and watering cans to provide the hospital with everything they need to begin growing their sanctuary garden.&nbsp;</p><p>Each of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; trades worked hard to create the planters using recycled materials, learning new skills and gaining a better understanding of the importance of community engagement. From <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…;, to <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…;, our students worked together to design, build, and treat the planters. Not only this, students also explored the role of the hospital, the importance of community, and how their skills can positively impact others within their Personal Development sessions.&nbsp;</p><p>Students and staff then delivered the planters to the hospital, setting them in place as directed and treating the wood again before filling them with soil ready to be used. They also attached a wire trellis above the larger planter to allow for the plants to grow and flourish. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to see the space that they had created and meet the staff who will help to maintain the area, allowing them to experience the impact that their work has had on the community and give them a sense of pride in their work.&nbsp;</p><p>Richard Hanney, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; Trades at Weston College, said, “The standard of work and attitude from our learners has been outstanding. They have delivered on their promise, and more importantly, they have represented the very best of what young people can bring to their community. The Growth &amp; Grace is not a one-off project, it’s the start of a long-term partnership with Weston General Hospital and the Chaplaincy team, supporting the incredible work they do.”&nbsp;</p><p>One of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; students, Izzy, added what this project has meant to her, saying, “It was lovely to deliver these planters to the hospital and make somewhere that can often be quite a sad environment a little bit brighter. I’ve found myself visiting family at Weston Hospital, so it feels good to come for something happy and do something nice for the community and the patients.”&nbsp;</p><p>A huge well done to the students who got involved with this initiative, your hard work made this project a success!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This Community Engagement Project 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><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>