The health and life sector accounts for 15% of employment in the UK, with around 80,000 people employed in various roles in the West of England alone.

Despite this, skills shortages and vacancy rates are higher than ever.

We’re tackling these challenges head on by providing learners with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in the industry – as apprentice Rebecca Twinney demonstrates.

Rebecca is a senior healthcare assistant at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, and her incredible work ethic saw her named Sport, Health, Lab Tech and Social Care Apprentice of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards 2019.

Rebecca said: “To be recognised for all of the hard work and commitment which I had put into the qualification was overwhelming. The award will serve as a reminder to me of just what is possible when I put my mind to it and has given me the motivation to continue striving for excellence within my profession.

“I genuinely feel that being given the award is no more my achievement than it is of my College assessor, Bekki Ackerman, as it never would have been possible without her unwavering support for every single minute of my qualification.”

Since this achievement, Rebecca has progressed onto a Trainee Nursing Associate programme with the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

We work in partnership with the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust to provide apprenticeship routes into a variety of areas. These are an excellent opportunity to earn, gain work experience and achieve nationally recognised qualifications at the same time.

Rebecca continued: “In terms of my personal career goals, it was essential to obtain this qualification and continue along my planned career progression route. I am just so grateful to all at Weston College for helping me achieve the promotion I was aiming for and get a place on my next training course so that I can continue towards becoming a qualified nurse in the future.

“I am so pleased to be well on my way towards my career ambitions and it is with my sincerest thanks to all of the staff at Weston College for making this possible and helping me to realise my dreams.”

Congratulations to Rebecca on her outstanding achievements!

New state-of-the-art resources on the horizon

From September our learners will benefit from the bespoke resources and facilities available at the new state-of-the-art Health and Active Living Skills Centre.

This centre will be a fantastic hub for health and social care apprentices. They will gain technical experience by using the new facilities, such as the Nursing Anne simulators, to enable them to become competent and confident practitioners.

Learners will also benefit from the centre’s digital infrastructure, allowing them to network with one another and prospective employers from a variety of large NHS trusts.

The centre will also encourage students to lead a balanced lifestyle, as staff will promote students’ physical and mental health, and well-being by encouraging them to use the new sporting facilities that the centre also boasts.

Click here to find out more about our new facility as well as apprenticeships and courses in Health and Social Care.

The College’s library service beat off tough UK competition to scoop a Best National Practice Award for its unique level of technical support.

The Council for Learning Services in College (ColRiC) judges chose Weston College’s LibraryPlus-based and cost-free ‘TechGenius’ service for its service interaction.

Technology and Library Team Leader Jon Hofgartner said: “This is brilliant news. TechGenius was set up by Learning Technologist Louise Hutson with Foundation Degree Computing students gaining work experience by helping others with computer, tablet, laptop, PC and phone glitches.

“Around eight TechGeniuses rotate campuses offering general technical advice – from help setting up new phones to support with any computing device.”

Foundation Degree Computing student and TechGenius support Ryan Prescott, 20, of Ashcombe Road, Weston, said: “Weston College provided us with a great opportunity to work on a real help desk. We hope winning this award will bring more recognition to the TechGenius program and look forward to helping more people.”

Chair of CoLRiC, Margaret Phillips, said: “CoLRiC launched these awards as we are convinced there are many unsung heroes in Libraries making a truly magnificent difference to learners. We have been overwhelmed by the number and quality of the entries and the commitment given by staff to the service and their institutions.”

In the last three years the College’s Library Service has invested over £1 million and now has 22 staff.

Service Head of Executive Lead Quality and Learning, Claire Bushell, explained: “ Three years ago the college started from scratch to create state-of-the-art learning facilities on all campuses which are vibrant, office-free spaces where students study, discuss, think and create in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

“We have nearly 200 computers, laptops, tablets, cameras and Kindles and technologically-confident accessible staff who support students. There are also quiet spaces and times.

“It’s wonderful our students are integral to winning this national award. The feedback we get from library users is incredibly positive and it’s now a very valued resource.”

On April 28^th Jisc is set to hold a Learning Technology Forum at LibraryPlus on Knightstone’s campus.

It will be an opportunity for education professionals across the region to tap into the latest teaching and learning technology resources.

The College is also organising its first ever Technology Enhanced Learning Conference at Knightstone’s campus on July 9^th which is open to anyone in Secondary, Further and Higher Education.

Claire added: “The conference is an exciting first for us with a range of sessions from developing technology enhanced learning with social media and of course TechGenius.”

Thirty first year students from the Foundation Degree in Uniformed and Public Services at Weston College have returned from an eight-day trip to The Gambia.

The students, who were accompanied by teaching staff from the College, experienced the culture of the West African country, and gained knowledge about public services provision.

This was the seventh year that students from various courses at Weston College have visited this school, and during a visit to Ayr Luton Primary School they discovered the impact of support provided by students from the College over the years.

James Hazzard, Higher Education Quality Manager, who has visited The Gambia on previous trips involving students from the College, said: “It was fantastic to see how much of an impact our visits have had on what was a destitute and impoverished school.

“The school is now full of resources our students have donated through fundraising activities.  It was an overwhelming, emotional, yet rewarding experience for all involved.”

During the trip, the students also visited a fishing village, and met with tribe leaders to witness living conditions.  

The students were also able to gain exposure to the public services provision including the fire brigade and police, where they received tours, got the chance to use equipment and received lectures on the challenges faced by the public services in a third world country. 

The trip was self-funded by the students, with additional funds generously provided by the College to go towards providing stationary and books for Ayr Luton School.

Mark Harvey, Programme Co-ordinator for the FdA in Uniformed and Public Services, which is run in partnership with the University of the West of England, said: “These experiences enhance life skills and contribute towards successful completion of the course and into employment.

“Last year over 30% of the class gained a 1st, which is well above the national average.”