Last month, a group of our T-Level Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction students visited the UK Construction Week Exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham. This event is the UK's largest built environment event which showcases a range of international exhibitors.  

This tradeshow exhibits 1000s of innovative products, services and materials for other like-minded individuals to experience and explore. it also gathers the top speakers within the sector to hold seminars and hands-on workshops where they discuss and debate the issues that affect the construction industry.  

The trip provided an excellent opportunity for students to explore the latest innovations and technologies shaping the future of the construction industry. The show had a heavy focus on sustainability from Hybrid and Electric vehicles to Solar powered welfare units.   

On top of this, the students’ experienced live demonstrations from different products and gained hands on insights from industry professionals. They even discovered a 3D concrete printing machine that could build the next generation of homes which gave the students a better understanding of the future of construction.  

Students also got the chance to connect with smaller feeder companies that contribute to the overall UK construction market. This gave them a better understanding of the different opportunities available to them outside of larger corporations that help lay the foundations and create key elements in the construction industry. They received a variety of freebies and merchandise from different stands they engaged with.  

Overall, the visit proved to be educational and beneficial with a range of fantastic networking opportunities. Students got the chance to experience new materials and innovative projects that exhibitors and professionals have created across the UK. Following this event, we hope to welcome some of the exhibitors as guest speakers to the College over the coming months.  

Thank you to all the exhibitors and employers who engaged and interacted with our students.  

This curriculum trip 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.  

Progress to the next level in Construction! 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. 

Construction learners recently benefited from a valuable industry-led session delivered by leading contractor Gilbert Ash.

The company visited campus last week to speak with students about site behaviour, safety expectations and the importance of maintaining professional standards on a modern construction site. The session aligned closely with current curriculum delivery, giving learners a clear link between classroom teaching and real-world practice.

Learners from the Level 2 Bricklaying course were also able to have a site visit to Long Ashton, seeing first-hand how the principles discussed in the classroom are applied on site.

Duncan Edwards, brickwork lecturer at Weston College, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our learners to step beyond the classroom and experience a live site environment. Seeing professionals in action, on a major site, is invaluable to their development as future tradespeople. Opportunities like this give our students real insight into the industry and help bring their curriculum to life, so a huge thank you to both EPIC and Gilbert Ash for making it possible.”

The ongoing collaboration between Weston College, EPIC and Gilbert Ash, is creating invaluable opportunities for learners to engage with employers, develop professional confidence and understand the expectations of the industry they are preparing to join.

More site visits are planned over the coming months, alongside active apprenticeship recruitment and T Level placement opportunities, ensuring learners gain meaningful experience that supports their next steps in construction.

You can discover opportunities in Construction at Weston College, by clicking here.

This week, we were delighted to welcome Nick Elston, award-winning speaker, facilitator and Founder of Forging People, to the Conference Centre for a powerful and engaging guest lecture delivered to our SEND learners.

Nick’s session explored a range of important topics, including:

• Anxiety
• Self-doubt
• Fear of rejection
• Finding your voice
• Speaking up and being heard

He began with “How to Forge Ahead”, a thought-provoking session focused on mental health, resilience and personal growth. Nick openly shared stories from his own life, speaking candidly about the challenges he has faced and the strategies that helped him overcome them. He highlighted how fear often stems from the stories we tell ourselves, scenarios we imagine long before they ever happen, and encouraged learners to recognise these patterns. Nick offered practical tools, advice and techniques to help manage moments of uncertainty, reduce self-doubt and seek support when it is needed most.

The lecture then moved into “Find Your Voice”, a dynamic and interactive session all about communicating with confidence whether in interviews, presentations, applications, educational settings or everyday life. Our learners showed exceptional enthusiasm, with many stepping to the front to take part in Nick’s speaking exercises. They shared what brings them joy and what frustrates them, all while building confidence in their own communication styles.

Throughout the session, learners asked thoughtful questions and engaged with the material. They left feeling empowered, equipped with new strategies and a stronger understanding of how to express themselves effectively, reinforcing the message that every voice matters and deserves to be heard.

A huge thank you to Nick Elston for delivering such an inspiring, honest and impactful session. His guidance has provided our learners with valuable skills and insights they can carry forward throughout their lives.