<p>We are delighted to announce that former Weston College student Jack Lewis has been shortlisted for <strong>Apprentice of the Year</strong> at the <strong>Association of College’s annual AoC Awards!</strong> These prestigious awards recognise the best of the best students from colleges and higher education across the whole of the UK. Jack currently studies at <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> with previous UCW alumni, Kam Stevens having previously been shortlisted for and won the <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/kams-inspirational-journey/">Higher Education Student of the Year award.</a></p><p>Jack is a degree apprentice, currently working with Singer Instruments and studying <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/engineering-degree-apprenticeships/">Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering</a>. He stood out for this shortlist because of the real-world impact at the company. He introduced cutting-edge 3D printing technologies that reshaped manufacturing processes, reduced carbon footprint, and significantly lowered production costs. His redesign of microscope components not only eliminated the use of hazardous chloroform but also reduced unit cost from £24 to just 17 pence, transforming both safety and efficiency.</p><p>Jack’s impressive achievement was recognised this year at the Somerset Business Awards, where he won <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/engineering-learner-named-apprentice-year… of the Year</a>. Four hundred people attended, including key figures from local businesses. Jack said: “Winning the Somerset Business Award was a great moment, and it’s been a fantastic journey throughout my apprenticeship. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had along the way.”</p><p>Being shortlisted for this award shows exceptional leadership, and a willingness to challenge existing structures to benefit his organisation. We here at Weston College wish Jack the best of luck!</p><p>If you want to study Engineering Degree Apprenticeships at UCW like Jack, <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/engineering-degree-apprenticeships/">click here to find out more</a>! Find out more about studying Engineering and Green Skills at Weston College by <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… here</a>!</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.sby.org.uk/"><strong><u>South Bristol Youth Charity</u></strong></a> brought together a group of enthusiastic Year 9 students from <strong>Hans Price Academy</strong> and <strong>Broadoak Academy</strong> for an engaging visit to Weston College’s South West Skills Campus.&nbsp;</p><p>The students participated in an interactive Motor Vehicle Workshop led by Iain Forster and Tony Lowe from the Weston College <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor… Vehicle</u></a> Team. Working in small groups, the students got hands-on experience learning about and disassembling different car components, using high-quality tools and equipment to simulate real industry practices.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student assembling part of the car wheel mechanism&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="04c48812-a06f-4de6-b669-46ee78eeb74e" 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>The day also included an insightful apprenticeship talk delivered by Erin Allsworth, the Apprenticeship Recruitment Advisor at Weston College, where students were encouraged to ask questions and explore the variety of apprenticeship opportunities available to them. This valuable session helped to explain alternative education routes and highlighted the potential of vocational training and hands-on careers.</p><p>To round off the visit, students toured the South West Skills Campus, including the cutting-edge <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; facilities, gaining a broader understanding of college life and the diverse opportunities available after secondary school.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Two students being taught how to fix the wheel of a car by a member of staff&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2018f89a-a56b-4f43-aa61-0b6ea401aa25" 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><strong>South Bristol Youth Charity</strong> aims to motivate and empower young people by expanding their awareness of different career and education pathways, helping to build students’ confidence, resilience, and long-term aspirations.&nbsp;</p><p>This kind of experience is crucial in helping young people make informed choices about their futures. By collaborating with schools and industry professionals, we create a safe, supportive environment where prospective students can discover their potential and feel empowered to pursue high-quality education and careers.&nbsp;</p><p>The initiative forms part of the charity’s ongoing mission to inspire the next generation through practical learning and meaningful connections with local employers and educators.</p>

<p>The winners of the 2025 <a href="https://www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk/">Somerset Business Awards</a> were announced recently, at the prestigious Winter Gardens Pavillion.</p><p>With nearly 400 people from across Somerset in attendance, winners from across industries were announced, including Weston College and University Centre Weston apprentice, Jack Lewis, working at Singer Instruments - who was named as Apprentice of the Year.</p><p>Jack who is studying the<a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/engineering-degree-apprenticeships/"&gt; Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship</a>, has been impressing throughout his apprenticeship; from streamlining production to improving the design for manufacturability of needle holders.</p><p>Jack’s work has resulted in a significant cost-saving for Singer Instruments, which has allowed them to improve production efficiency and contribute to the scalability of the product.</p><p>Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeship and Skills at Weston College, said: “We are so proud of Jack, he has shown that he is an incredible apprentice with some truly impressive achievements already – we can’t wait to follow his career as he continues to progress within the engineering sector.”</p><p>Jack, added: "Winning the Somerset Business Award was a great moment, and it’s been a fantastic journey throughout my apprenticeship. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had along the way."</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… you would like to follow in Jack’s footsteps, you find out more about our engineering courses, by clicking here.</a></p>