Last month, a group of Business and Travel and Tourism students went on an exciting trip to New York City. They explored famous landmarks, experienced different cultures, and learned more about their studies in a real-world setting.  

The trip gave students a chance to see how a big city operates and to visit well-known places like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Rockefeller Centre, Wall Street, the Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the High Line, and Central Park. Each stop gave them a better understanding of history, business, and tourism and, because they visited over Valentine’s Day, they witnessed 4 proposals which was definitely a highlight!  

Besides the main attractions, students also explored Ellis Island, Chinatown, Little Italy, and 5th Avenue. These areas gave them a glimpse into the different cultures that make up New York and allowed them to see parts of the city that are not always on the typical tourist route.  

Many students found the 9/11 Memorial and Museum particularly impactful as it was such a powerful experience and a massive part of history, being portrayed through exhibitions, personal stories, and artefacts. For our Travel learners, it put something they have read and learnt about in the classrooms into a real-world context and gave them a deeper understanding of how it affected travel and tourism, not only in America, but internationally.  

Lucille, a first-year Level 3 Travel and Tourism student, shared her experience: “The New York trip was so much fun, from seeing and exploring the landmarks of the city to meeting other learners in other classes who also went on the trip. I especially enjoyed seeing the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge while getting to try some classic New York experiences like riding in a yellow taxi and tasting amazing food.”  

Hannah Carstensen, one of our Travel and Tourism lecturers who organised the trip, added, “For both our Business and Travel and Tourism learners, this was an incredible opportunity to visit a premier destination for tourism which is home to countless corporations, financial institutions and business headquarters.”   

Beyond learning, the trip helped the learners create unforgettable memories and build friendships with students on different courses that they don’t always get chance to interact with. It was an incredible trip that allowed them to experience a city completely different to Weston-super-Mare.  

If you are interested in applying to one of our Business or Travel and Tourism courses, 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. 

Jet2 recently visited our Business and Travel and Tourism learners to deliver an insightful guest talk about careers in the aviation industry. The three members of Jet2 staff provided in-depth information on what it's like to work at Jet2, along with valuable advice and guidance on how students can begin applying and make a strong first impression.

The guest talk started out with each Jet2 staff member giving an introduction to themselves and their career journey at Jet2, as well as an overview of facts about Jet2 as a company. The learners were then quizzed on which airports in the country Jet2 are based at, testing the learner's memories of the airport 3-letter codes! The guest talk then covered the different types of roles which learners could apply for, including Cabin Crew, Luggage Handling, Passenger Service Agents, Customer Operations etc. This allowed the learners to open their eyes to the wide range of opportunities in aviation, as many had only previously considered Cabin Crew!

The learners were given key information about the benefits they receive if they work for Jet2, such as the hourly rate, discounts on holidays and flights, and they reiterated how working for Jet2 means there is always opportunity to move around different roles. The guest talk also highlighted what the learners can expect during their training at Jet2, such as when they would be required to take exams, the duration of the training, and the support they would be receiving around this time before starting their role.

When the students were asked whether they perform better with practical work compared to academic tasks, every learner raised their hand; Jet2 responded by highlighting that this is ideal for roles within their company, where hands-on experience plays a key role in professional development! The students had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback, leading to the decision that it would be beneficial for Jet2 to return to the college for a day of ‘Mock Interviews’. This will allow our learners to practice and prepare for their real interviews.

The guest lecture was extremely informative, and we would like to thank Jet2 for taking the time to come and speak to our learners.

To find out more about our Business courses, click here, and to find out more about our Travel and Tourism courses, click here.

Are you a Weston College student thinking about your next steps? You don’t have to look far for progression opportunities - University Centre Weston (UCW) offers a range of degree courses right at your doorstep. 

We provide more than just courses for school leavers and adult learners. Through UCW, you can take the next step in your education without the need to move away. Our 2026 UCW Prospectus is now available, packed with details about our wide variety of degree courses, student life, and support services. 

We offer a diverse selection of degree-level programs to help you build the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career. Our courses include: 

• Business and Professional Services 
• Computing and Digital Technologies 
• Performance, Production Arts, and Music 
• Art, Media, and Design 
• Counselling and Healthcare 
• Education 
• Inclusive Practice 
• Criminology 
• Engineering and Construction 

By continuing your studies with UCW, you’ll benefit from familiar surroundings, allowing you to stay local while gaining a high-quality degree. You’ll be part of a supportive learning environment, with smaller class sizes and tailored support. Our degrees are designed with employers in mind, giving you strong career prospects and the best start in your professional journey. You’ll also receive expert financial guidance on student finance and funding options. If you choose to move, we offer flexible and affordable accommodation solutions. Plus, you can find inspiration in our alumni success stories—former Weston College students who have progressed to rewarding careers with the help of UCW. 

Ready to Take the Next Step? 

Access our 2026 UCW Prospectus online now! 

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.