<p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">Last week our Level 2,3 and T Level Health learners embarked on an enriching journey to London! Over the course of three exciting days, the learners immersed themselves in multiple aspects of healthcare evolution and human anatomy, enhancing their knowledge and eagerness for the field.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">The students’ highlight of their trip was a visit to the Florence Nightingale Museum, where they explored the rich history of healthcare and gained insights into its evolution through the years. This experience was unforgettable for our students, they carefully connected their classroom-based learning to real world applications by delving into the pioneering practices of Florence Nightingale to modern-day innovations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">Moreover, the learners had the unique opportunity to engage in interactive activities while touring the Science Museum, discovering the intricate workings of the human body! By having the chance to have hands-on experience and view exhibits, the students enhanced their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities of healthcare in the gripping museum.&nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Health and Social Care Students in London in Front of a Statue&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ce0fb6e6-b0ea-4967-b59a-7567a03c7da0" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_750x750&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">Additionally, the learners ventured into the thrilling London Dungeons, a fascinating experience that provided valuable insights into public health practices throughout history. This journey not only sparked curiosity and critical thinking but developed their understanding of healthcare.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">This trip stepped the learners outside of their comfort zone, building relationships and allowing personal development. Through engaging with diverse experiences, students sharpened essential skills such as teamwork, communication and adaptability.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">What an incredible once-in-a lifetime experience for the nineteen Level 2,3 and T Level Health learners!&nbsp;</span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">This exhilarating trip forms part of the Health and Social Care Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">For further information on our fantastic Health and Social Care courses, please </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">click here.</span></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr"><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></span><a class="fui-Link ___1rxvrpe f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; aria-label="Link here" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-… class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr"><strong>. 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></span></p>

<p paraeid="{6fee86e1-e7a6-4937-87e3-89d9ebee4d5f}{167}" paraid="876487087">Makaton tutor, Ali, recently spent the afternoon delivering an ‘Introduction to Makaton’ workshop to <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… &amp; Social Care</a> learners and staff. For learners looking to go into a career in the Health &amp; Social Care industry, the ability to communicate effectively is not merely an advantage but a necessity in providing the best possible care and support for clients and patients.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{6fee86e1-e7a6-4937-87e3-89d9ebee4d5f}{191}" paraid="2048916054">During the training, participants learned the core principles and elements of Makaton, including basic signs and symbols. Ali seamlessly integrated practical exercises and role-playing scenarios into the session, enabling attendees to put their newfound knowledge into practice immediately. This hands-on approach not only made the learning experience engaging but also helped cement the understanding of Makaton's application in real-life situations.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{6fee86e1-e7a6-4937-87e3-89d9ebee4d5f}{197}" paraid="1508507715">The feedback from the learners was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to expand their communication skills and a newfound enthusiasm for incorporating Makaton into their daily routines. Participants eagerly embraced the chance to receive a certificate for attending Ali's training session, acknowledging the commitment they made to improving their communication skills.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{6fee86e1-e7a6-4937-87e3-89d9ebee4d5f}{203}" paraid="1968067550">Lecturer, Louise, shared her appreciation for Ali's dedication and passion. She stated, "Thank you, Ali, for your dedication and passion. You have left a lasting impact on our learners, and I am confident that you will continue to inspire and empower others wherever you go." Louise's sentiments perfectly capture the sentiment of everyone who had the privilege of attending Ali's Introduction to Makaton.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This&nbsp; guest speaker forms part of the Health and Social Care Careers Excellence Hub. At Weston College our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It's not just about getting a job; it's about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches.</p>

<p paraeid="{6fee86e1-e7a6-4937-87e3-89d9ebee4d5f}{209}" paraid="2073231151">Collaboration with industry professionals like Ali is undoubtedly crucial for students and professionals in the fields of Health &amp; Social Care. These partnerships bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for the multifaceted challenges they will face in their future roles. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and social care, effective communication is paramount, and Ali's Introduction to Makaton has proven to be a valuable step in the right direction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weston-super-Mare's prestigious Winter Gardens venue played host to the highly anticipated Weston College Business Awards last night.</p><div style="float:right;width:45%;"><iframe style="border-style:none;overflow:hidden;" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="569" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebo…; width="500"></iframe></div><p>The event brought together 250 distinguished guests for an inspiring celebration of learners and local employers who have worked closely with the college to offer work-placed opportunities to people taking their first steps in their career.</p><p>The Winter Gardens was transformed into a hub of excitement and anticipation as attendees, including prominent figures from the local business community, educators, and local dignitaries, gathered to honour the outstanding achievements and commitment of individuals and businesses alike.</p><p>The attendees were treated to a motivational speech by Paralympic Gold medallist, Andy Lewis. His remarkable journey as an athlete and unwavering determination left a lasting impact on the audience.</p><p>Principal and CEO of Weston College Group, Sir Paul Phillips, who hosted the awards, said: “This year we received a record number of nominations and, while this made judging an unenviable task, it highlights the wealth of talent among our learners and the level of dedication and expertise within our employer network. </p><p>“It was fantastic to celebrate the many successes of our work-based learners, who show outstanding commitment to their programmes. They are truly a credit to the College and their employers.   </p><p>“Working with key employers is critical for our local region, and it was a pleasure to recognise so many brilliant businesses.   </p><p>“I would like to say congratulations to all of our winners, who we are delighted to work closely with.”</p><p>The awards were presented across various categories, honouring exceptional apprentices, trainees, and industry placement learners who had demonstrated outstanding dedication and made significant contributions to their respective fields.</p><p>Winner of the Digital Apprentice of the Year Awards, Toby from Visit Somerset, said: “To be nominated for Digital Apprentice of the Year is mind blowing and to be recognised at these awards is a big accomplishment.</p><p>“I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone looking to earn and learn at the same time. It has given me an opportunity to start my career and learn new skills for the workplace, but also personal skills such as self-confidence.”</p><p>The Overall Learner of the Year, Jess from VADO, added: “My apprenticeship provided me with a great opportunity to learn and develop. If I ever had any questions the team at Weston College were brilliant, they were easy to contact and always on hand to support.</p><p>“Once I completed my apprenticeship I was given a promotion as well, which was great!”</p><p>Additionally, employers were acknowledged for their unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of learning and providing valuable opportunities to their workforce.</p><p>Matt Carpenter, from Future Stars Coaching, said: “We have been taking on apprentices for well over five years, and recently started taking on traineeships with Weston College. Every time I come to Weston College they seem to better themselves! It has been a brilliant night, with a brilliant guest speaker, and to come away with two awards (Traineeship Employer of the Year, and Josh winning Health, Sport and Community Apprentice of the Year) has been fantastic.”</p><p><strong>Business Award winners list:</strong></p><p><strong>Learners</strong></p><ul><li>Business, Finance and Professional Services Apprentice of the Year – Ruby from Thatchers Cider</li><li>Construction Apprentice of the Year – Kash from Ashton Scaffolding Services</li><li>Digital Apprentice of the Year – Toby from Visit Somerset</li><li>Hair and Beauty Apprentice of the Year – Courtney from Serenity Hair &amp; Beauty</li><li>Health, Sport and Community Apprentice of the Year – Josh from Future Starts Coaching</li><li>Industry Placement Learner of the Year – Christiana from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW)</li><li>Into Work Learner of the Year – George from Southern Co-op and Dunstan House Inn</li><li>Leadership and Management Apprentice of the Year – Jess from VADO</li><li>Luke Wheaton Engineering Apprentice of the Year – Jonah from Rolls Royce</li><li>Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – Corey from Andy Hall Cars</li><li>Pre-employment Learner of the Year – Lee</li><li>Service Sectors Apprentice of the Year – Christie from Weston College</li><li>Traineeship Learner of the Year – Lavar from UHBW</li></ul><p><strong>Employers</strong></p><ul><li>Career Excellence Hub Employer of the Year – Hinkley Point C</li><li>Inclusive Practice Employer of the Year – Puxton Park</li><li>Industry Placement Employer of the Year – UHBW</li><li>Large Employer of the Year – Avon Fire &amp; Rescue</li><li>Medium Employer of the Year – Thatchers Cider</li><li>Pre-employment Employer of the Year – Somerset NHS Trust</li><li>Small Employer of the Year – The Ginger Pig Kitchen</li><li>Sustainability Partner of the Year – Burnham and Weston Energy</li><li>Traineeship Employer of the Year – Future Stars Coaching</li><li>Work Experience Employer of the Year – Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm</li></ul><p><strong>Overall Learner of the Year – Jess from VADO</strong></p><p><strong>Overall Employer of the Year – Avon Fire &amp; Rescue</strong></p><p>A big thank you to our sponsors, who have made this event possible: Honeyfield Property Services, Ashton Gate, Inspired Worx, Pace, Image Sign, Mindful Education, Gravity, and Puxton Park.</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6t3H2yCdlOk&quot; title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>