<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This week, one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… 3 Uniformed Protective Services</u></a> learners, Jess, is taking part in a <strong>Walk for Autism</strong> challenge where she will walk 10,000 steps a day for 8 days from 26th March – 2nd April, 80,000 steps in total, raising money for autism initiatives such as specialised projects, education, and social opportunities.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Jess wearing her walk for autism t-shirt&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b97a18c-b186-41f0-954e-9be4a66e605c" 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 <strong>Walk for Autism</strong> challenge is a fundraising event that encourages participants to raise as much as they can, with a range of rewards to recognise their efforts. Those who raise £50 receive a wooden medal, while £125 earns a bronze medal and green wristband. Participants who reach £250 are awarded a silver medal and green wristband, and those raising £500 or more receive a gold medal and a yellow “legend” wristband. In addition, anyone who raises over £20 will receive a branded t-shirt to help promote the challenge and spread awareness for the cause.&nbsp;</p><p>This charity provides more opportunities for people living with autism and their families. Jess is a young carer for her younger brother who is diagnosed with autism and other additional needs, therefore understands the challenges people with the diagnosis face. She is completing this challenge independently, working hard to raise money and give people with autism more opportunities and specialised support.&nbsp;</p><p>Jess is currently completing the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Protective Services</u></a> course which prepares her for these types of events, with many enduring expeditions, teamwork races, and extraneous training to encourage students to continue pushing themselves to their limits and take on challenges like this to raise awareness and money for great causes.&nbsp;</p><p>Jess added, “I haven’t done this challenge before but I already know I will be doing it again in the future! Being a young carer means I see how people with autism see the world differently and I hope to raise as much money as possible to support more people like my brother and give them access to more opportunities. After college, my plan is to work in the Police Force&nbsp;to help people and educate others in the importance of considering additional needs and individual differences.”&nbsp;</p><p>This is a fantastic initiative that Jess is taking part in, making her a role model to her peers and encourages others across the college to participate in challenges like this wherever possible. Good luck Jess!&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.walkforautism.co.uk/fundraisers/jessicarosevear"><u>If you’d like to donate to Jess’ Walk for Autism challenge, click here.</u></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This month, Weston College celebrated <strong>Raising and Giving (RAG) Week</strong> with the theme of the Wild West. The themed event gave everyone the chance to organise games, activities, and raffles in support of two incredible charities: <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and <strong>UNICEF</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> provides vital palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, while also offering essential emotional support to their families. <strong>UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)</strong> operates in over 190 countries, working to protect children’s rights through initiatives such as vaccinations, education, access to food and clean water, and safeguarding.&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the week, students from across the college took part in a wide variety of fundraising activities, showcasing teamwork, creativity, and community spirit. RAG Week is held annually at colleges across the UK and is a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved, have fun, and make a difference ahead of the exam season.&nbsp;</p><p>Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/cours…; learners played a huge role in the week’s success, hosting an exciting lineup of events including a dance-a-thon, Mario Kart tournaments, Buckaroo and Pony Club racing, karaoke sessions, and even a Wild West-themed bar serving snacks and drinks. Their energy and commitment were outstanding, with multiple events taking place each day.&nbsp;</p><p>Other curriculum areas also embraced the challenge, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; students going above and beyond by selling scrap wood and organising a raffle featuring high-quality tools. Across the college, staff and students fully embraced the theme, dressing up in cowboy hats, bandanas, and plenty of denim. The Student Engagement Team added to the atmosphere by selling themed accessories, helping to raise additional funds while encouraging participation.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> students also organised an impressive 30-mile Wild West-themed stretcher relay challenge along the seafront. This provided a great opportunity for students to have fun, stay active, and support two meaningful causes, as well as prepare them for the upcoming Ten Tors Challenge and future careers in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> industry. &nbsp;</p><p>A highlight of the week was the college-wide raffle, which included a range of popular prizes such as day passes and tickets to local attractions, including restaurants, cinemas, and activity centres. Bake sales were also held to boost fundraising efforts.&nbsp;</p><p>Other curriculum areas across the college also got involved, with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></a> students enjoying a pyjama day, while <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…; students organised a games afternoon and football match. <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> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport…; students hosted a Nerf gun tin can alley and a rodeo rush event, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; students led a Pokémon GO raid walk through Weston-super-Mare town centre.&nbsp;</p><p>Overall, the week brought together students and staff from every campus, creating an exciting, inclusive, and impactful celebration of community and charity. In total, RAG Week raised an impressive&nbsp;£3,723.98 for <strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong> and <strong>UNICEF</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>Thank you to everyone who organised events, took part, or made a donation. Your support made the week such a success and helped raise an incredible amount for these important causes.</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []"><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>&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Recently, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Protective Services</u></a> students took a trip to <strong>RAF Brize Norton</strong> in Oxfordshire, giving them the opportunity to explore an operational RAF Station and gain first-hand experience and insight into a career within the RAF.&nbsp;</p><p>During the visit, students received an in-depth guided tour of the operational air base and were introduced to members of different teams, including the Physical Training Instructor, the RAF Fire Service, the Load Master, the Intelligence Engineer, and the RAF Police. This provided them with a broad understanding of the potential careers within the RAF and the roles and responsibilities they hold.&nbsp;</p><p>The <strong>Royal Air Force (RAF)</strong> is the UK's primary air and space force, responsible for protecting British skies and international interests. It was founded in 1918 as the world's first independent air force; it acts as a separate service alongside the British Army and Royal Navy. Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> students often aim for a career in the armed forces or emergency services, aspiring to help and protect the community by being part of a team.&nbsp;</p><p>Students came away feeling inspired and began considering the potential career routes into the RAF, gaining a better understanding into the starting wage, the potential opportunities and adventures available, and the personal and professional benefits of working in the Royal Air Force.&nbsp;</p><p>This trip was invaluable in providing the students with first-hand experience into an armed forces career, giving them a glimpse into the day-to-day life which they could potentially experience in the future. Students got to ask questions about different specialisms, learn the qualities and attributes that the RAF look out for, and understand the best pathways to get into the career.&nbsp;</p><p>Dave Beresford, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>, said, “Going to the Brize Norton base was a fantastic experience for our students to get a better idea of their future careers. They learnt key skills and gained a better understanding of what it takes to work in the armed forces. Getting to talk to a range of professionals and witness them in action was invaluable for our students’ personal and professional development, inspiring them to push their limits within the course and achieve their dream career.”&nbsp;</p><p>A huge thank you to the team at RAF Brize Norton for their support and for taking the time to share their knowledge with our students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</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/bsc-hons-criminology-and-public-services/… and Public Services</u></a>! 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>&nbsp;</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>&nbsp;</p>