<p>Last Wednesday, we welcomed Hydrock to our South West Skills Campus, to inspire our T Level learners from Engineering and Civil Engineering.</p>

<p>Employer engagement and focussing on careers is a key part of our course delivery, with learners gaining insight from industry to enhance their learning experience.</p>

<p>Hydrock who are passionate about addressing global challenges through smart engineering solutions, delivered three engaging sessions to our learners, which focussed on sustainability, and also developing key soft skills required by employers.</p>

<p>The sessions included:</p>

<ul>
<li>Future Communities – learners designed their own community</li>
<li>Soft Skills Development – several activities which aimed to develop communication, empathy and assertiveness</li>
<li>Career and CV Workshop</li>
</ul>

<p>Dave LeFeuvre, Subject Area Manager for Building Services, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to Hydrock, who delivered some really creative activities for our learners, which got them thinking outside the box to tackle challenges. The learners have commented on how beneficial they found the experience.</p>

<p>“On the back of this session, several of our learners are now looking to complete their industry placement with Hydrock, which is fantastic news.</p>

<p>“At Weston College we feel it is important to connect our students with employers, to bring industry to life in the classroom.”</p>

<p>Find out more about our T Level courses by click the course of interest, below.</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… Engineering</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…;
</ul>

<p>Joe Martin, an Apprentice Sheet Metal Fabricator at GKN Aerospace, won the title of Engineering Apprentice of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards 2016.</p>

<p>Now in the sixth year, the awards recognise the exceptional achievements of employers and apprentices across a range of industries.</p>

<p>Joe was chosen as the engineering category winner by a panel of judges and was presented with his award on stage by keynote speaker, Sally Gunnell.</p>

<p>Joe is a natural leader within the group and has been invited to work on a go-kart which the second year apprentices are constructing. Joe has had to use his skills to manufacture parts of the titanium structure (which include the seat structure, brake mounts as well as other key components) while ensuring that they fit correctly.</p>

<p>Joe said: “While I was at school I was encouraged to stay on and complete the sixth form and then see if I could gain a place at university. All this I achieved but after a while I decided that this was not the path I wanted for my career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I looked at apprenticeships but then I thought I may be too old. A friend told me that GKN Aerospace were taking on apprentices and upon applying it made me realise that I wanted to take a hands-on approach into gaining a career and an apprenticeship seemed to be the best way to do this.</p>

<p>“I really enjoy being an apprentice. I attend Weston College four days a week and work the other day at GKN, learning new skills which will help me in my career; all this and I get paid.</p>

<p>“My future plans are to complete my Level 2 apprenticeship, then my Level 3, establish myself as a skilled fabricator, then become a team leader and finally part of the management team.”</p>

<p>His employer said: “Joe has applied himself fully to all aspects of work at GKN and has performed to a high standard throughout the first year of his apprenticeship. He is one of our highest performers and has become the natural leader amongst our first years. All our other first years gravitate towards Joe for answers to engineering problems.”</p>

<p>GKN Aerospace also won two business awards at the ceremony: Large Business Employer of the Year and the overall Employer of the Year 2016 title.</p>

<p>For more information on the Weston College Business Awards visit: <a href="http://www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards">www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards…;