To celebrate AoC Colleges Week and International Women’s Day, Weston College wants to recognise the journey of one of our employees, India Pasby. From starting at Weston Bay to achieving a Distinction in her Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship, India’s journey at Weston College has been truly inspirational. She not only grew in confidence and developed her communication skills, but she has now secured a full-time position within Weston College’s Reception Customer Service team. India shared her journey and the impact these experiences have had on her personal and professional development:

My Journey Through Weston College

My journey started at Weston Bay, a residential training centre for students on the autism spectrum, before I progressed to study the Level 3 Health and Social Care Course. After completing that course, I began a Level 2 Customer Service Apprenticeship with the Weston College Reception team. Each stage built my confidence, resilience, and practical skills, preparing me for the workplace in ways I never thought possible.

The Impact Weston Bay had on my Progression

Weston Bay was life-changing for me. Before attending, I struggled with everyday tasks such as cooking, managing social situations, understanding boundaries, and looking after myself. I also faced challenges linked to my autism and ADHD, alongside periods where my mental health made it difficult to attend for long stretches of time. When I first joined, I worried that I might be excluded because of these difficulties. Instead, I was met with patience, understanding, and tailored support. The team taught me how to work with my autism and ADHD rather than against them. Simple strategies, such as knitting during lessons to manage fidgeting or learning to sew as a positive outlet, made a significant difference to my focus and wellbeing.

The Bay supported me in developing independence and confidence, and it helped me learn how to advocate for myself in both education and employment. I had previously struggled to sustain work, but through their guidance I learned about reasonable adjustments and how to communicate my needs effectively. Most importantly, I felt seen as a whole person. I was never defined solely by my diagnosis; instead, I was supported to understand it, work with it, and recognise its strengths. I would not be where I am today without Weston Bay, and I am incredibly grateful for the impact it has had on my life.

How my Apprenticeship has Shaped Me

My apprenticeship gave me valuable, hands-on experience in a professional environment. I developed confidence in handling phone calls, welcoming visitors, resolving enquiries, and understanding how College policies operate, while gaining practical insight into the day-to-day running of a busy reception. The experience significantly strengthened both my communication skills and my confidence in the workplace.

After a previous role where I did not feel properly supported, my experience at Weston College has been completely different. My manager, Sarah Cammish, ensured I felt comfortable and confident by putting reasonable adjustments in place as well as keeping me informed of changes in advance. She created an environment where I felt valued and supported, reinforcing the importance of working in a role that recognises your strengths.

Throughout my apprenticeship, the Weston Bay team provided ongoing encouragement and regular check-ins, helping me build new skills and step outside my comfort zone. Alison Goodman, my autism practitioner, offered consistent guidance, supporting me in navigating workplace communication and managing periods of change. My assessor, Ffion Rose, also dedicated significant time to making assessments accessible and clear. Together, their support had a lasting impact on my confidence and overall success.

Receiving my Full-Time Position

When I received my Distinction, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and emotion. At the beginning of my apprenticeship, I doubted whether I would be able to balance the demands of work. To progress from that uncertainty to achieving a Distinction and securing a full-time role is something I once believed was out of reach and it is quite emotional.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Weston College to anyone considering studying here. I have always felt confident in attending Weston College knowing there is support in place for me. They never saw me as a number and have always had a holistic approach to learning. They’ve always recognised and celebrated all my small wins with me and have always cheered me on from the side line.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way and for seeing me as more than my diagnosis, you have helped me reach a point in my life that once I once thought was impossible.

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 week, our Performing Arts and Hospitality and Catering students delivered an immersive 1920s-themed murder mystery dinner, combining a three-course meal with live performances throughout the evening. The event was a fantastic cross-college collaboration: our Level 3 Hair and Makeup students styled the Performing Arts students, while BA (Hons) Graphic Design students from University Centre Weston (UCW) designed promotional materials to support the event. 

This initiative brought together multiple curriculum areas from Weston College and UCW, creating a high-quality public event that showcased the wide variety of student talent across a range of disciplines. It was a great example of how collaborative working can elevate both the learning experience and the final production. 

Our Hospitality and Catering students designed and prepared an elaborate three-course menu, offering both meat and vegetarian options to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements. While students regularly host weekly dinner services to gain invaluable hands-on experience with real customers, this event presented a new challenge by delivering a fully immersive themed evening in partnership with other departments. This required adaptability, teamwork, and resilience, enabling students to develop their problem-solving skills and confidence in a dynamic, live-event setting. 

For our Performing Arts students, the evening offered the opportunity to work beyond the traditional stage environment and perform within an interactive dining space. They engaged directly with guests, performing between tables and creating an authentic 1920s atmosphere while remaining mindful of the operational flow of the dinner service. This experience broadened their understanding of performance in non-traditional settings and provided valuable insight into alternative career pathways within the industry. 

Collaborating across departments strengthened students’ communication and teamwork skills, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and build connections with peers from other subject areas. Through this process, they gained a deeper appreciation of the integral role that each discipline plays in delivering a successful live event. 

The evening was met with outstanding feedback from attendees, who praised both the professionalism of the performances and the exceptional quality of the food. Most importantly, the event connected our students with the local community, providing meaningful real-world experience and reinforcing the standards expected within industry settings. 

Experiences such as this encourage creativity, adaptability, and resilience which are essential qualities for future careers. By participating in ambitious, collaborative projects, our students continue to build the practical skills, confidence, and professional awareness needed to succeed in their chosen industries. 

A huge well done to all the students who took part in this collaborative project, it was a fantastic display of professionalism and talent. 

This collaborative project formed part of the Performing Arts, Hospitality and Catering, Hair and Makeup, and Graphic Design 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.  

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.

What began four years ago as a bold idea at Weston College has now spread across the county: the Jobcentre Takeover Day, part of AoC National Colleges Week and National Careers Week 2026, is giving hundreds of unemployed adults the chance to explore new careers, gain vital skills, and connect directly with potential employers.

Originally developed by Weston College, the initiative partners colleges with Jobcentre Plus to deliver practical advice, workshops, and one-to-one support to adults looking to return to work. This year, the initiative has grown into a national collaboration, with colleges including Weston College, Bath College, New City College London, Northampton College, Northern College for Adults and Middlesborough College, welcoming participants to their local Jobcentre Plus.

At Weston College, 400 local adults were invited to take part in a day of skills workshops, employability sessions, and face-to-face careers guidance. Participants also heard directly from employers about what they are looking for in today’s workforce.

Mike Hudson, Director of Student Recruitment and Customer Operations at Weston College, said: "Our Jobcentre Takeover Day started as a simple idea: to bring the support and guidance people need directly to them. Seeing it grow into a national movement is incredible. This day isn’t just about advice – it’s about giving people the confidence and tools to take the next step in their careers."

For many participants, Jobcentre Takeover Day is life changing. Last year, attendees left inspired, equipped with new skills, and connected to real employment opportunities. This year, the colleges was delighted to reach even more people, providing a clear pathway from support to employment.

The initiative demonstrates Weston College’s continued commitment to its local community, proving that with the right support, opportunity, and guidance, everyone can take meaningful steps toward their career goals.