<p>The <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec"><strong>Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC)</strong></a> is on target to open its doors as planned in Filton, Bristol, marking an exciting new chapter for technical education and the Weston College Group.</p><p>Following months of hard work, construction of the new specialist campus has been completed on schedule. With teaching staff now on site and final preparations underway, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a&gt; is ready to welcome its first learners.</p><p>A significant milestone in the project was reached this week as Senior Capital Works Project Manager Mark Eustace officially handed over the keys to the new facility to Vice Principal of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a&gt;, Andy Smith, marking the transition from construction and fit-out to teaching and learning preparations ahead of opening.</p><p>Located in the heart of Filton, one of the UK's leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a&gt; has been created to deliver high-quality technical training for the next generation of skilled engineers and manufacturing professionals.</p><p>The new Technical Excellence College will provide specialist training across aerospace and advanced manufacturing, working closely with major employers and SMEs across the region, including <a href="https://www.airbus.com/en">Airbus</a&gt;, <a href="https://www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com/en_GB/home.html">Rolls-Royce</a&gt;, <a href="https://www.gknaerospace.com/">GKN</a&gt; and <a href="https://www.babcockinternational.com/">Babcock</a>.</p><p>Teaching begins on Monday 28th September, when <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC's</a&gt; first cohort of learners will start their studies, with around 200 apprentices expected on the first day and approximately 700 apprentices due to attend the new campus throughout its first week of operation.</p><p>The development represents a significant investment in the future of technical education and the region's engineering and manufacturing sectors, creating a dedicated environment where apprentices can develop the practical skills, technical expertise and industry experience needed by employers. As a Technical Excellence College, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a&gt; will play a key role in supporting economic growth, addressing skills shortages and helping to build the highly skilled workforce required for the future of UK manufacturing and engineering.</p><p>Andy Smith, Vice Principal of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a&gt;, said:</p><p><em>"AMTEC is on target to open as planned, and it is incredibly exciting to see the vision for this new college becoming a reality.</em></p><p><em>"The completion of the building work, the arrival of our teaching team and the preparations for our first learners are all major milestones. We have created a genuinely outstanding facility in the heart of one of the UK's most important aerospace and advanced manufacturing communities.</em></p><p><em>"Receiving the keys to the building marks the beginning of the next chapter as we focus on delivering an exceptional learning experience for our apprentices. Our ambition is for AMTEC to become a centre of excellence for technical education, working hand in hand with employers to give our learners the skills and experience they need to build successful careers and support the future of these vital industries."&nbsp;</em></p><p>Mark Eustace, Senior Capital Works Project Manager for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a&gt;, said:&nbsp;</p><p><em>"Handing over the keys to Andy and the Curriculum team is a proud moment and marks the culmination of a tremendous effort from everyone involved in delivering this project.&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>"From initial planning through to completion, the focus has been on creating a technical training facility that meets the needs of both learners and industry. It has been fantastic to see the building take shape, and I am delighted to officially pass the campus over to the team who will bring it to life through teaching, learning and employer engagement."&nbsp;</em></p><p>With its doors nearly ready to open, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">AMTEC</a&gt; is preparing for an exciting new chapter, helping to develop the skilled workforce that will drive the future of aerospace and advanced manufacturing.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Weston College has welcomed new and returning students for the 2026/27 academic year, with each Career Excellence Hub hosting a range of induction activities designed to help learners settle into college life, meet their peers and staff, and get to know their new learning environment.</p><p>The year began with Welcome Talks led by the College Executive Team. These sessions introduced students to the College’s leadership team and outlined key expectations for the year ahead, alongside important policies and procedures to help learners make a confident start to their studies.</p><p>Across the campuses, faculties also organised a variety of activities combining fun, creativity and practical learning.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></strong></a> students toured the Puxton Park campus, met the animals, and took part in hands-on team-building activities.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave…; learners took part in human bingo and a range of icebreakers, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… &amp; Design</u></strong></a> students created a collaborative ‘Class of 2027’, using collages and personalised playing cards to showcase their creativity.</p><p>For some learners, induction provided an early opportunity to get hands-on with their future careers. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… &amp; Catering</u></strong></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… &amp; Beauty</u></strong></a> learners began developing essential kitchen and salon skills, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; students completed practical diagnostic activities, becoming familiar with the equipment and techniques they will use throughout their studies.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</u></strong></a> students explored their campus through a scavenger hunt before taking part in introductory subject sessions. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</u></strong></a> learners worked with interactive simulation dummies during practical assessments and observations, while <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students got active with team-building and multi-sport challenges.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… Arts</u></strong></a> students were introduced to the course through choreography sessions and fun group challenges, including a creative competition to create a wedding dress using toilet paper.</p><p>Learners across <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… &amp; Animation</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… Design</u></strong></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></strong></a> also took part in icebreakers, problem-solving challenges and team activities, helping them build relationships while tackling challenges linked to their chosen subjects.</p><p>These Welcome Days play an important role in helping learners make a positive transition into college. Alongside introducing students to their courses and learning environments, they provide an opportunity to build confidence, develop friendships and start creating a sense of belonging from day one.</p><p>At Weston College, we know that starting a new chapter can feel daunting, so we are committed to creating a welcoming and engaging experience for every learner.</p><p>It has been fantastic to see our new and returning students make such a positive start to the year, and we can’t wait to see everything they go on to achieve throughout 2026/27!</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>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Representatives from Weston College Group attended the <strong>Farnborough International Airshow 2026</strong>, strengthening relationships with leading employers and exploring the latest innovations shaping the future of aerospace, aviation, and advanced manufacturing.</p><p>Over two days, members of the College's Strategic Partnerships team met with key industry leaders, including <strong>Airbus, ADS South West </strong>and a range of employers from across the aerospace and manufacturing supply chain. Discussions focused on developing new partnerships and creating opportunities that will support learners at the College's new <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/amtec">Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre (AMTEC)</a>, which opens this September.</p><p>The visit highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement across the sector and reinforced Weston College's commitment to ensuring learners are equipped with the skills, knowledge and experiences required to succeed in future-facing careers.</p><p>Tracie Leahy, Programme Director TEC and National Partnerships at Weston College Group, said:</p><p><em>"Farnborough International Airshow provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with some of the world's leading aerospace and engineering organisations. As we prepare to open AMTEC, these conversations are invaluable in helping us understand the evolving needs of industry and ensuring our curriculum remains relevant, responsive, and ambitious.</em></p><p><em>"Our employer partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. By working alongside industry leaders, we can create meaningful opportunities for learners and help develop the highly skilled workforce that the sector needs for the future."</em></p><p>The visit included exclusive tours of the <strong>Emirates Airbus A350</strong>, the <strong>Airbus A400M</strong>, and a range of exhibits showcasing cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the aerospace and manufacturing industries.</p><p>Lynsey McKinstry, Skills Partnership Manager Weston College Group, added:</p><p><em>"Attending an event of this scale reinforces the importance of aligning education with industry. Seeing aircraft that our learners help to manufacture through our employer partnerships in Filton was a proud moment and a powerful reminder of the impact further education can have on people's lives and careers.</em></p><p><em>"AMTEC represents a major investment in the future of technical education in the South West, and opportunities like this help ensure our learners benefit from the very latest industry insight, innovation and employer engagement."</em></p><p>Key discussions throughout the event focused on future skills requirements, sustainability, digital technologies and strengthening pathways into high-value careers across aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing.</p><p>The visit supports Weston College Group's commitment to connecting learners with world-class employers through its Careers Excellence Hubs, employer partnership network and industry-led curriculum. As the College prepares to launch AMTEC, Farnborough International Airshow 2026 provided a valuable platform to build relationships, identify emerging trends and ensure learners are equipped to thrive in one of the UK's most innovative and rapidly evolving sectors.&nbsp;</p><p>The opening of AMTEC this September marks a significant milestone for technical education in the South West, creating new opportunities for learners to gain the specialist skills that employers need today and in the future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>