<p>Max and Kieran, two <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan… Construction</a> students from Weston College, recently demonstrated their skill and professionalism at the <strong>South West Skills (SWS) Challenge Construction</strong> event held at <strong>Yeovil College</strong>. Competing against learners from other local colleges, the pair were set the demanding task of building a stretcher bond wall featuring a 90-degree herringbone pattern with recessed joints—an intricate challenge that tested precision, speed, and skills.</p><p>Although only first and second place were awarded prizes, Max and Kieran narrowly missed out, with judges remarking on how close the competition was. Remarkably, they completed the task in just four hours which was an hour ahead of the allotted five-hour limit. This showcased their excellent time management and efficiency under pressure.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student and lecturer standing next to his final brickwork competition submission&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c3219f6-e084-4744-994e-761529eadea2" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The <strong>SWS Challenge series</strong>, newly introduced this academic year, covers a range of subject areas and aims to enhance technical abilities and build students’ confidence for future employment and competitions. Events like these are crucial in helping students apply their classroom learning to real-world application. They provide a platform for learners to develop key transferable skills such as problem-solving, organisation, and communication in a high-pressure, hands-on environment.</p><p>Max and Kieran’s performance was applauded not only for the quality of their work but also for their professionalism and attitude. Christie Ross and Duncan Edwards, two of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan… Construction</a> lecturers and their personal tutors, accompanied them to the event and expressed how proud they were of how Max and Kieran held themselves throughout the day.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student and lecturer standing next to his final brickwork competition submission&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d132b05-3d55-4820-9600-4144181c1208" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Christie shared, “I was told by the brickwork staff there they were an absolute credit to Weston College—and they were! They went in, had fun with it, and represented Weston College perfectly. Hopefully next year, when we host the competition, we will get some points for the home team!"</p><p>Beyond the technical experience, the competition offered the students valuable opportunities to network with industry professionals serving as judges, who provided constructive feedback to assist in their continued development. It also gave them the chance to connect with peers who share similar interests and aspirations in construction.</p><p>After college, both Max and Kieran are set to begin apprenticeships in September with <strong>Dan Findlay Construction Ltd</strong>., working on <strong>Persimmon sites</strong>. Their experience at the SWS Challenge has made them more prepared for the next step in their careers. They walked away not only with new skills and insights, but with a few souvenirs and a memorable experience that will shape their personal and professional journey.</p><p>Well done to Max and Kieran for their hard work and their professionalism, you did Weston College proud!</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… you’re interested in applying to one of our Construction courses, click here.</a></p>

<p>We recently welcomed students from <strong>Electrical, Plastering, Carpentry</strong>, and <strong>Creative Arts</strong> to our <strong>Creative Construction Skills Summit </strong>at the Winter Gardens - each subject area bringing energy, creativity, and a real sense of purpose.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity data-align="right" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb167e4-04c7-4ec1-9ea1-e5a0955b7c8e" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_285x285&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>The student’s challenge was to design a piece of public art that also generates sustainable energy, which encouraged conversation about the links between the Creative and Construction industries – which many students may not have previously considered! From floating solar designs to kinetic sculptures, their ideas were not only imaginative but genuinely inspiring.</p><p>A huge thank you to <a href="https://www.slx.co.uk/">SLX Events</a> and the brilliant Casey Howells, who shared an impactful message about the value of core skills, kindness, and seeing the world through different lenses - an approach that opens doors across all industries.</p><p>Special thanks to the incredible <strong>Adz Khan</strong>, whose talk on<strong> responsibility</strong>, <strong>action, networking, </strong>and <strong>self-belief</strong> lit up the room. His message was clear: work experience isn’t just a tick-box, it’s a powerful opportunity to grow and shape your future.</p><p>We’re also grateful to our amazing staff, especially the Weston College support teams, School Liaison, and Personal Development teams - your dedication made this event a success.</p><p>Richard Hanney, Head of Construction, said: <em><strong>"We look forward to continuing our work with Adz and others who help inspire our students. If we can share even a bit of that insight and energy, we’re moving in the right direction. Here’s to more spaces where creativity meets community, skills meet opportunity, and kindness drives innovation!"</strong></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>To find out more about our construction courses,</strong><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; click here.&nbsp;</strong></a></p><p><strong>To find out more about our creative courses,</strong><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds-creat…; click here.</strong></a></p>

<p>Weston College learner, Gracie Donaghy, recently won the <a href="https://www.sparks-magazine.co.uk/sparks-female-skills-competition-2025… Female Skills Competition 2025</strong></a>! This intense competition challenges participants to complete a live electrical installation from start to finish, testing their knowledge, accuracy, and time management under pressure.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Gracie standing between two SPARKS Professionals holding two large cheques&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1cd8ad7-51af-4a30-b662-07f3f3cd63bf" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Gracie is currently in her third year of an <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/electrical-co… Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation Apprenticeship</a> with Wessex Water. This apprenticeship has allowed her to develop skills in installing and testing cabling systems, containment, and a range of electrical components.</p><p>Gracie secured her place in the final of the competition after impressing the judges during the South Regional Heats and achieving first-place. Her precision and skill were demonstrated throughout both competitions, gaining recognition from her peers and competitors as well as the judges for her excellent accuracy, time-management and attention to detail.</p><p>Having taken part in the competition last year, Gracie came into this year’s event with a clear goal to beat her previous performance. She dedicated time to practicing installations that she felt less confident with, including lighting circuits and unfamiliar wiring setups.</p><p>After winning the South Regional Heats and securing her place in the final, Gracie added, “During the competition, I felt very nervous as I wanted to do well and demonstrate my best work. After the competition, I felt very proud of the work I had completed. I performed better than I did last year and that was my main aim.”</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Gracie using a screwdriver to secure her electrical installation at the competition&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="113e8e26-ea84-4d56-9acb-7dba27e8c741" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Not only did Gracie show massive improvements from last year’s competition, but she also did herself and Weston College extremely proud. Gracie was stunned when she not only received the amazing title of <strong>SPARKS Female Skills Winner 2025</strong>, but she also got a range of tools and goodies and a fantastic cash prize to put towards her future.</p><p>The <strong>SPARKS Female Skills Competition</strong> is a great way for young females from all over the country to show their skills and compete with likeminded individuals. Competitions like these encourage future generations to take up trades courses and break down stereotypes in largely male-dominated subject areas.</p><p>Gracie also highlighted the fantastic benefits to the competition, saying, “it gives you a chance to meet others going through the same journey, and to push yourself to see what you can achieve under time constraints.”</p><p>Andy Fisher, one of our Electrotechnical Lecturers, has worked closely with Gracie throughout her time at Weston College, saying "Gracie is an exceptional student who works extremely hard in every task she completes. Her place in the final reflects the quality of work she produces. She is always millimetre perfect and very tidy with her installations and has always been such a pleasure to teach.</p><p>"As a lecturer, it’s an amazing competition to get the chance to attend with them and you can tell it means a lot to them too. Not only this, it’s also a phenomenal thing to put on their CV and Gracie has gone above and beyond with her achievement!"</p><p>Well done to all of the students who took part, and a massive well done to Gracie for this fantastic achievement and for representing the college with an amazing display of professionalism and maturity throughout both competitions!</p><p>If you would like to find out more about our Electrical Installation courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan… here</a>.</p><p>If you are interested in apprenticeship opportunities, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… here</a>.</p>