<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>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Earlier this month, 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 part in an emergency response simulation to provide them with invaluable, hands-on experience and prepare them for a future career in the emergency and protective services industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This event was a fantastic collaboration opportunity across Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW), with 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 acting as the respondents, and the HE <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/ual-level-4-makeup-hair-and-special-effec… Level 4 Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics</u></a> students turning a handful of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> students into gruesome casualties, using fake blood and prosthetics to create realistic wounds and simulate a potential real-world scenario.&nbsp;</p><p>During this simulation, the casualties were given a general back story to answer any questions the responders may have so they are able to investigate the two events being simulated: a gas explosion and a fatal bike collision as a result of a knife crime incident. Students remained in character and took their responsibilities seriously, asking effective questions and reacting appropriately to the information provided.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>This simulation event was a fantastic way for students to experience a real-world emergency scenario in a safe environment and get a glimpse into the questions to ask, the potential responses and discomfort of the casualties and how to approach them, and the challenges respondents must overcome.&nbsp;</p><p>This event was also a great experience for the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/ual-level-4-makeup-hair-and-special-effec… Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics</u></a> students, giving them the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge and follow a brief to create designs that would match a specific injury. Not only this, they also got to the opportunity to see how their work transformed the event and made it more realistic and believable, seeing the impact that makeup and prosthetics can have to bring a set to life.&nbsp;</p><p>Students approached their roles as respondents with professionalism and empathy, engaging casualties patiently and compassionately. This not only strengthened their communication skills but also enhanced their leadership and problem-solving abilities. Working collaboratively, they gathered critical information about the situation and effectively applied their classroom knowledge to determine appropriate next steps.&nbsp;</p><p>Nicola Stent, Lecturer in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>, said, “It was amazing to see how stuck-in the students got with this event, asking appropriate questions and treating it with respect and seriousness as they would in their future careers within the Protective Services industry. This was a great way to prepare them for the fast-paced and high-pressure scenarios that they may face in the future. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/ual-level-4-makeup-hair-and-special-effec…, Makeup and Prosthetics</u></a> team for bringing the vision to life, creating such realistic and detailed wounds that reflected a real-life emergency scenario.”&nbsp;</p><p>A huge well done to all the students and staff involved in this event, the collaboration is a reflection of the hands-on and high-quality approach to teaching that students experience throughout their course.&nbsp;</p><p>This simulation event 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><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, a group of 15 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Protective Services</u></strong></a> students took a trip to Dartmoor to train for the infamous <strong>Ten Tors competition</strong> that will take place in May 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The Ten Tors Challenge brings together approximately 2,400 teenagers in 400 teams of six, each navigating a course of 35, 45, or 55 miles, depending on their age, across Dartmoor. Over two days, teams are required to be completely self-sufficient, carrying all the equipment and supplies necessary to safely complete their route and camp overnight. Along the way, they must reach ten nominated tors or checkpoints, testing not only their physical endurance but also their navigation and survival skills.&nbsp;</p><p>In order to complete such a difficult competition, our students have been training in the harsh weather and across the rugged terrain of Dartmoor to prepare themselves for the upcoming challenge. They were put through physical and mental strains as they navigated round an 8-mile route of bogs, hills and valleys. This training provided our students with the transferrable skills and confidence required to succeed in the upcoming competition.&nbsp;</p><p>This type of experience equips students with the practical skills, and physical and mental resilience to prepare them for careers in the Protective Service industry. It is a great example of how our students develop their leadership and strategy skills through real-world challenges, pushing them beyond their perceived limits and reinforcing the value of teamwork, adaptability, and mental strength.&nbsp;</p><p>Dave Beresford, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a> lecturer at Weston College, said, “Events like the Ten Tors Competition is a great opportunity for students to test their mental and physical strength, seeing what they can overcome and achieve when they push themselves and work together. It also provides excellent training for careers in the Armed Forces and Protective Services, teaching them valuable lessons for the future.”&nbsp;</p><p>Good luck to all the students participating in the Ten Tors challenge in May, you will smash it!&nbsp;</p><p>This curriculum competition forms part of 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> 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. </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>