<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last week, Weston College welcomed members of <strong>WorldSkills </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></strong></a><strong> Team UK</strong> for training preparation ahead of the WorldSkills Shanghai competition, taking place in September 2026. The training provided competitors with a valuable opportunity to practice and refine their skills in preparation for the global competition.</p><p>The <strong>WorldSkills</strong> Competition is an international event that brings together talented students and young professionals from across the world to compete in a range of vocational and technical skills. Competitors are challenged to demonstrate their knowledge, technical ability and professionalism to the highest possible standard.</p><p>As part of the WorldSkills <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a> competition, contestants complete simulated real-world scenarios involving standardised patients, testing their abilities across six key competencies: communication, assessment, planning, implementation, education and improvement.</p><p>Using Weston College’s <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a> simulation room, Team UK were able to replicate realistic care scenarios using high-quality equipment and simulation dummies as patients. This provided competitors with an authentic environment in which to practice their skills, while also showcasing Weston College’s outstanding facilities to external organisations and industry professionals.</p><p>Hosting a professional team such as <strong>WorldSkills Team UK</strong> provides Weston College with a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of the College and demonstrate the quality of its facilities and learning environments. It also gives our students and staff the chance to observe industry-leading professionals in action, providing first-hand insight into the standards, techniques and professionalism expected within the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a> sector.</p><p>Opportunities such as this strengthen Weston College’s links with industry and showcase how our facilities can support high-level professional training, while inspiring our learners to see the opportunities available to them within their chosen careers.</p><p>Good luck to all the competitors competing in WorldSkills Shanghai next month!</p><p>This visit forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.&nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/healthcare/"><u>Healthcare</u>…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a></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>Last week, our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> students took part in a <strong>Reverse Careers Fair</strong>, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their skills, ambitions and career aspirations to local employers.</p><p>Unlike a traditional careers fair, students became the exhibitors, creating displays that highlighted their work, CVs, personal achievements and future career goals. They also introduced themselves to employers, giving valuable insight into their interests, experiences and ambitions within the industry.</p><p>Students demonstrated a wide range of career aspirations, including mental health nursing, midwifery, care work and embalming, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within Health and Social Care.</p><p>We were delighted to welcome employers from <strong>Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP)</strong>, <strong>University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust</strong>,<strong> Access Your Care</strong>, and other industry professionals, who took the time to speak with students, offer advice and learn more about the next generation of health and care professionals.</p><p>Following the Reverse Careers Fayre, students attended a series of employer presentations and talks. These sessions provided a valuable insight into the wide variety of careers available within the sector and what it is like to work in different health and social care settings. Topics covered included nursing, mental health nursing, dementia care, support work and a range of progression opportunities within the industry.</p><p>The event gave students the chance to develop their confidence, communication and employability skills while building connections with professionals working in their chosen fields.</p><p>A huge thank you to all the employers who attended and supported the event. Their time, expertise and encouragement helped make the day a valuable and inspiring experience for our students.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, our Level 1 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> students became <strong>Dementia Friends</strong> after receiving an engaging session from Dementia Friends Ambassador, Alan Richardson, who explored what dementia is and the impact it has on people’s lives.</p><p><strong>Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends</strong> initiative aims to raise awareness and deepen people’s understanding of dementia, encouraging them to take small actions that can positively impact those living with the condition in their communities.</p><p>Alan outlined what it truly means to live well with dementia and how small, everyday actions can make a big difference. This gave our learners a deeper understanding of how to support people with dementia, equipping them with a practical understanding of dementia, as well as a level of empathy and confidence to communicate with people suffering with it.</p><p>Following this talk, our learners developed the confidence and communication skills that are essential for careers in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> sector. It was also a powerful opportunity for our students to gain insight into the Alzheimer’s Society and the impact they have on people living with dementia, promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society for the next generation to foster going forward.</p><p>Dale Bond, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> at Weston College, added, “Sessions like these are invaluable in helping our students develop a holistic understanding of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> industry, equipping them with a well-rounded skill set and preparing them for a wide range of future pathways. We aim to ensure students engage with as many employers as possible, giving them insight into the diverse opportunities available, broadening their knowledge, and nurturing kind, empathetic individuals who will thrive in their future careers.”</p><p>A huge thank you to Alan Richardson for taking the time to visit our students and share your knowledge!</p><p>This guest lecture forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.&nbsp;</p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/healthcare/">Healthcare</a&gt;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">Click here!</a></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>