<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thomas, a former Weston College student, is excelling in the engineering and manufacturing industry. Now working at the National Composites Centre (NCC), Thomas reflects on his journey, from his time at Weston College to being shortlisted for the prestigious Make UK Awards.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thomas began his academic journey at Weston College in 2021, pursuing a </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/engineering-a…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/engineering-a…; target="_blank">Level 3 Diploma in Composites Engineering</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> and gaining a solid foundation in the field of advanced materials. Once completed in 2024, Thomas advanced to a Level 4 Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) apprenticeship with the NCC.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">At the NCC, Thomas has engaged in a variety of projects, shadowing advanced technicians and gaining hands-on experience. Beyond the technical aspects, he has worked with organisations like BBC Bitesize and the Gatsby Charity to promote engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thomas’ hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. The National Composites Centre nominated him for the Make UK Awards in the Manufacturing and Engineering category for final-year apprentices.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">To qualify, Thomas compiled a portfolio highlighting his achievements. This was followed by an interview to delve deeper into his apprenticeship experience. Reflecting on the moment he was shortlisted, Thomas said:&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">“When I found out I had been shortlisted, I was shocked but very proud. It was validating to see all my hard work and dedication acknowledged. I was also excited to represent my company at the award ceremony.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Looking ahead, Thomas plans to continue developing his skills and qualifications. He is currently pursuing a Level 4 apprenticeship and hopes to further enhance his practical expertise in the workshop. His focus is on seizing opportunities for training and expanding his ability to operate advanced equipment and machinery.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Grateful for the support he received from both Weston College and the NCC, Thomas encourages others to consider apprenticeships:&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">“I’m thankful and feel very fortunate to have been surrounded by such supportive people. Apprenticeships create a great environment for learning new skills and exploring different career paths.”&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thomas’ story is a testament to the power of dedication, education, and the opportunities provided by apprenticeships. As he continues to make strides in his career, he serves as an inspiration for aspiring engineers and technicians.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We’d like to congratulate Thomas for his hard work, and we wish you all the best in the future.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying for an Engineering Apprenticeship, click here.</a></p>

<p>Weston College is delighted to announce its shortlisting for The Engineer’s 2024 Collaborate to Innovate (C2I) Awards in the highly regarded STEM Initiative category.</p><p>This recognition highlights the College’s successful collaboration with local, national, and global employers to inspire the next generation of engineers and drive meaningful change in the engineering sector.</p><p>Now in its ninth year, the C2I Awards were established to spotlight exemplary engineering collaborations that address complex societal challenges and advance innovation.</p><p>Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships &amp; Skills at Weston College, said: “We are honoured to be recognised for this prestigious award, which underscores the dedication and effort invested daily at Weston College to promote STEM education and engineering apprenticeships.</p><p>“We are immensely proud of the impactful work happening at the College, and the key partnerships we have with organisations within the industry, to drive change.</p><p>“I’d like to extend my best wishes to all the other nominees ahead of the award ceremony in February.”</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… you would like to study engineering at Weston College, please click here.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/employers?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=… you’re an employer looking to partner with the college, then please click here.</a></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">In order to provide greater opportunities for our learners, we are actively seeking to increase our number of Careers Excellence Hub Partnerships with fantastic employers. Our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; target="_blank">Engineering</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> CEH are doing just that by taking our learners up to Babcock in order to promote and develop a partnership between Weston College </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; target="_blank">Engineering</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> and Babcock for T Level Industry Placements.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Babcock is a globally leading engineering company which specialises in international defence, aerospace and security equipment and manufacturing. They ensure that the critical services of defence equipment are produced to be durable, affordable and available in order to create a safe and secure world. They also provide engineering support to naval, land, air, and nuclear operations, as well as frontline support, specialist training and asset management.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">To begin the day, our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; target="_blank">Engineering</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners got a tour of Babcock and its facilities to better understand how the company work and familiarise themselves with the environment. During the tour, the learners were then lucky enough to witness a simulated torpedo firing which they thoroughly enjoyed.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Not only this, the students also had the opportunity to engage in a series of tasks and activities throughout the day, the highlight being a virtual welding simulator. This was a computer-based tool that allowed the students to practice welding techniques in a virtual environment, without the need for actual equipment or materials. Three learners broke the record, achieving a score of 98/100 which highly impressed the Babcock staff and were awarded medals as recognition of their outstanding achievement.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Since visiting Babcock, the company have confirmed that they are keen to work out a finalised plan for hosting T Level industry placements and are fully onboard with supporting our learners achieve world leading industry skills. This future partnership will open up many amazing opportunities for our learners and is largely accredited to their hard work and the positive impression they made on Babcock during their visit.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We’d like to thank Babcock for having our learners and making a lasting impact on their passion for engineering.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; target="_blank">If you are interested in applying to one of our Engineering courses in September, click here.</a><span style="font-size:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p>