Recently, our Business, Management & Leadership T Level students have met a range of finance industry professionals through our Focus on Finance initiative. This programme connects learners with leading employers, providing valuable insights into the financial sector and helping them build the practical skills needed to succeed in their future careers.  

Students attended an engaging workshop at KPMG’s Bristol offices which offered a first-hand look at the professional environment of a global firm. This allowed students to engage with employees from across the business, explore emerging technologies shaping the future of finance, and develop key transferable skills. The day was finished with a guided office tour, giving students a glimpse into the day-to-day life of working at a major financial services organisation.  

Students also received a guest lecture from Anthony Carey and James Skuce from Lloyds Banking Group, who delivered an insightful session on the wide range of career opportunities available within the organisation. They highlighted the industry placement programme that has already taken on many successful Weston College students. Many of these former interns have since gone on to secure permanent roles with Lloyds Banking Group and are now working towards their CIMA qualifications. Last year’s group achieved outstanding results, winning the South West heat and placing third nationally in a Lloyds Banking Group’s competition. This was a testament to the hard work of our learners and the strength of our employer partnerships. 

Our partnership with Lloyds Banking Group goes beyond student placements, with Weston College’s Business Curriculum Co-ordinator, Emma Hussey, attending the T Level Industry Insights Day at Lloyds’ Harbourside office in Bristol. Supported by Anthony Carey from Group Finance Support, the visit offered Emma a deeper understanding of the bank’s operations across multiple departments. A highlight was meeting former T Level students now employed at Lloyds, showcasing the real impact of employer engagement. Emma will now use these insights to help students connect classroom learning with real-world careers.  

To continue the Focus on Finance initiative, Rob Rogers, Senior Manager of Customer Relations at the Bank of Ireland, visited the College to speak with students about his non-linear career journey into Finance. Rob emphasised the importance of adaptability, career planning, and continuous learning — qualities essential for success in the dynamic financial world. He also discussed the importance of professional behaviour in the workplace, encouraging students to always hold themselves with professionalism and kindness as connections can be formed in all aspects of life.  

The Focus on Finance initiative continues to be at the core of Weston College’s Business T Level programme. Through partnerships with leading employers, our students are not only developing strong academic foundations but also gaining the confidence, professionalism, and hands-on experience required to succeed in the finance and administration sectors.  

Thank you to Lloyds Banking Group, KPMG, and Rob Rogers for taking the time to visit our students and share your industry insight with them. This provides them with a broader understanding of a career in finance and the approaches that different organisations take within their systems.  

This initiative forms part of the Business 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. 

Progress to the next level in Business! At University Centre Weston (UCW) 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. Click here!  

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 here. 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.

Last Friday, Weston College proudly hosted a Construction Employer Breakfast, welcoming over 15 local employers from across the construction industry. The event served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships between education and industry, allowing employers to engage directly with our curriculum teams and Head of Construction, Richard Hanney, over a collaborative breakfast session.

The morning began with introductions and networking, followed by an overview of the College’s current construction programmes. Employers learned about our commitment to aligning course content with industry needs and the vital role that employer feedback plays in ensuring learners are not only work-ready but equipped with the future-facing skills that the sector demands.

Interactive polls, written feedback exercises, and guided tours of our teaching spaces encouraged open dialogue around the key competencies required in today’s construction roles. Employers shared their thoughts on the top ten skills they believe should be embedded into the curriculum, from technical abilities to softer, employability-focused traits such as teamwork and problem-solving.

Richard Hanney, Head of Construction, said, "It was a fantastic morning, the level of engagement and input from employers was outstanding. Their feedback has really helped us shape our approach to programmes going forward. Furthermore, the offers of support, from masterclasses to site visits and beyond, were amazing. A huge thank you to all those who attended and continue to champion our learners and staff.”

This collaborative session helped forge meaningful partnerships and reinforced the importance of working together to develop a skilled, confident, and employable future workforce.

To find out more about our construction provision at Weston College, click here.

This event forms part of the Construction 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.  
 

This month, The Grand Pier hosted a Cyber Security Awareness event, CSIDES, to educate individuals, students, and employers about the importance of Cyber Security and provide them with the tools to protect themselves and their organisations. Our Digital students attended the event to build on their knowledge and network with professionals in the industry. 

Cyber Security is a growing risk within the digital world and as more aspects of daily life move online, the risk of cyberattacks grows significantly. Strong cybersecurity measures help to protect sensitive data, prevent identity theft, and maintain trust in digital platforms. Without solid safeguards in place, organisations and individuals are left vulnerable to fraud and exploitation. Ultimately, cybersecurity is not just about technology but about ensuring safety and privacy in the online sphere. 

CSIDES is the UK’s first cyber security event built by and for a coastal community. This event took place throughout the Grand Pier, with industry professionals discussing a range of approaches to cyber security, holding discussions with attendees, and hosting hands-on workshops to engage the audience and ensure they have a practical understanding of cyber security and the importance of it. 

This event gave our Digital students the chance to chat to employers, engage with workshops, and learn more about online security from professionals. They also learnt more about potential careers in cyber security, gaining a deeper understanding of what the role and responsibilities would entail, as well as the importance of this career to organisations and a society.  

During these talks, experts discussed how to stay safe online, the common misconceptions and mistakes people make, protocols to follow, vulnerabilities online, and top tips to protect and encrypt your data. Not only this, industry professionals also discussed their personal experiences and journey into cyber security, with many of their routes being non-linear and having evolved over time. 

Joe Abdulgani, Assistant Principal Curriculum at Weston College, said, “This event was an excellent way for students to gain a deeper understanding of cyber security and the important role it plays in securing data across organisations. Not only this, hearing from a range of industry professionals within the field was a great opportunity for students to network and explore the different progression routes they could pursue after they complete their course.” 

Hazel McPherson, CEO of 4FOX Security experienced CISO, and the founder of CSIDES, said: “CSIDES was built to prove that coastal towns like Weston-super-Mare can lead the way in digital innovation. Seeing hundreds of students and local residents explore cyber security on the Grand Pier was a moment of pride, not just for us as organisers but for the whole community. Events like this open doors, spark careers, and show that the future of cyber can be inclusive, creative, and open to everyone, because we need to defend together.” 

Thank you to CSIDES for welcoming our students and educating them in an engaging and interactive way. 

This curriculum visit forms part of the Computing & Digital Technologies 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.  

Progress to the next level in Computing & Digital Technologies! At University Centre Weston (UCW) 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. Click here! 

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 here. 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.