Weston College was delighted to welcome the National Youth Theatre to deliver its IGNITE Your Creativity programme, a series of fully funded, industry-led workshops designed to inspire and engage students from across a wide range of creative and technical curriculum areas. Delivered in partnership with and supported by Netflix, the programme provided learners with practical, hands-on experiences that introduced them to the wide range of creative and technical roles within film, television, theatre and related industries. 

Taking place over a two-week period, the workshops enabled students to work closely with industry professionals, gaining first-hand insight into how creative projects are developed and delivered in professional environments. Learners explored a variety of roles and responsibilities, from performance and production to technical and behind-the-scenes careers, while developing confidence, teamwork skills and a greater understanding of working on professional film and theatre sets. 

The programme engaged students from Performing Arts, Media, Theatrical Hair and Makeup, Fashion, Art and Design, A Levels, Into Work and Creative Media Extension learners with SEND, and the King’s Trust cohort. Sessions were carefully tailored to meet the needs of each group, ensuring that all participants were able to access meaningful, relevant and inclusive learning experiences, regardless of background or career stage. 

Students were introduced to a wide range of creative disciplines, including acting and performance, directing and assistant directing, producing, research, camera and sound, podcast and audio production, screenwriting and vertical drama. Learners studying fashion, hair and makeup explored costume design, fabrication, set and prop creation, hair, wigs and special effects makeup for productions. SEND learners and those preparing for employment benefitted from accessible delivery, clear progression routes and increased confidence in exploring creative career pathways. 

The practical, short-format sessions had a positive impact on student engagement, motivation and attendance. Fully funded delivery, bursaries and adaptable approaches helped remove barriers to participation, reinforcing the college’s commitment to inclusive education. The programme also strengthened progression by highlighting routes into mentoring, showreel development, industry networks and further specialist training. 

Students who participated in the workshops have been offered to take part in a fully funded, one-week National Youth Theatre course taking place during February Half Term at the Blakehay Theatre, Weston-super-Mare. This intensive programme will enable learners to collaboratively create a short film for use in CVs and showreels, while receiving mentoring and guidance from more than ten industry professionals. Students will gain hands-on technical experience across key production areas, including sound, camera, lighting, make-up and design, alongside the opportunity to take part in industry visits that deepen their understanding of professional creative environments.  

This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with high-profile employers and gain experience that will enhance their portfolio. It is also a great networking opportunity, giving students the chance to continue to work with the National Youth Theatre in the future and gain hands-on experience in a range of potential career paths. 

Ethan Shi, A Level Media Lecturer, added, "Breaking into the creative industries, such as Film and TV, can be challenging. It takes confidence. It takes skills. It takes passion. But even more so, opportunities. When employers and industry speakers step into the classroom, they will demonstrate and support learners by turning their imagination and career prospects into real pathways. They show not just what it takes to gain a foothold, but also demonstrate the diverse roles and potential that can be achieved through the right guidance, access, and progression." 

Lynsey McKinstry, Strategic Business Partnership Manager at Weston College, said, “We are so grateful to the National Youth Theatre for delivering these workshops to our students. It is employer engagement like that is invaluable for our students personal and professional development. Hearing directly from industry professionals helped bring careers in the Creative industry to life and showed learners the wide range of roles available within production. These opportunities allow students from all pathways to build confidence, understand employer expectations and see how their skills can translate into real employment.” 

A huge thank you to the team at the National Youth Theatre who took the time to visit our students and deliver these impactful workshops. 

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.

This month, we’re celebrating Joshua Fiddler, a former Weston College learner who’s now making waves as a Business Analyst at BT. Joshua first gained recognition as our Business Administration Apprentice of the Year in 2017, and his journey since then has been inspiring. 

We caught up with him to learn more about his path and what he’s up to now. 

Joshua completed consecutive Business Administration apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3 at Weston College. After finishing, he stayed with his initial employer Brabantia for six years, building a strong foundation before moving to BT. 

Over the past four years, he’s taken on various business improvement roles, driving transformation and championing change across the organisation. He chose the Business Administration apprenticeship because it offered a hands-on way to earn while learning and develop practical skills. Reflecting on his college experience, Joshua describes it as “excellent,” highlighting supportive instructors and guidance. 

A standout moment was participating in WorldSkills, which pushed him beyond his comfort zone. He also credits his instructor, Lyndsey Lawrence, for mentorship that left a lasting impression. College gave Joshua both the business skills and the confidence to navigate daily operations effectively. Through his apprenticeship, he gained insights into the logistics industry and began to explore career possibilities. 

While his path wasn’t fully defined at the time, the experience laid a solid foundation for future growth. After leaving college, Joshua progressed within his first company before seeking opportunities in larger organisations. When BT came calling, he embraced the chance to move into the telecoms sector and focus on large-scale business improvement. 

One pivotal moment in his career came during a business restructuring, where he was asked to run daily operations after senior management departures. This intense challenge accelerated his management skills, supported by a mentor who helped him navigate complex organisational change. Agility and adaptability have been central to Joshua’s career, especially in roles driving change. 

He believes these qualities provide a competitive edge and allow success in unpredictable situations. Joshua’s advice to students? Keep an open mind, stay true to yourself, and connect with people – friends, family, and colleagues alike – because opportunities often come from unexpected conversations.

If he could speak to his younger self, he’d say: “Smile more and don’t leave assignments until the last minute!” Joshua credits Weston College with shaping his journey: it gave him the skills, confidence, and opportunities to reach where he is today. 

His advice to current and prospective students is simple: embrace every chance, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to try new things – you never know where it might lead.

Interested in an apprenticeship? Take a look at our apprenticeship opportunities 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 month, two of our Level 2 Beauty Therapy students acted as models during a Squad UK International Pressure Showcase at Weston College, giving them an excellent first-hand opportunity to work with Squad UK members and learn from them.  

During the day, Squad UK had a limited amount of time to complete a range of beauty treatments, from full-body clay masks to facials and massages. These treatments were completed on two of our Level 2 Beauty Therapy students, Eve and Aimee, teaching them crucial skills in time management, remaining calm under pressure, and professionally applying these treatments to clients. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to learn through experience and prepare them for a career in the Beauty Therapy industry. 

Squad UK for Beauty Therapy consists of top-performing young professionals and students selected to represent the UK in international competitions like WorldSkills. These individuals undergo intensive training like the Time-Pressure Challenge where they practice advanced treatments, including skincare, make-up, and nail artistry to compete at the highest level. 

Two members of Squad UK were in attendance as judges, Chloe and Maddie, who are former Beauty Therapy students at Weston College and have completed in WorldSkills competitions. Chloe Williams competed in 2018 and became a regional finalist before competing again in 2019 and being selected to be a part of Squad UK. Maddie Hulbert competed in 2024 and was also a regional finalist before competing again in 2025 and placing 3rd in the national final and being selected to become a Squad UK member with the aim of going to Japan. Maddie is still new to Squad UK and was learning the international marking scheme through shadow judging alongside Chloe and Hayley, the current WorldSkills training manager. 

This was a great opportunity for our current students to engage with former students and see the potential progression for them, giving them a broader understanding of the pathways following their course that they may not have previously considered. Maddie and Chloe are a fantastic reflection of what students can achieve when they work hard and take part in enriching activities and competitions like WorldSkills. 

At Weston College, our learners are encouraged to participate in competitions to further their skills, meet likeminded individuals, and connect with industry professionals. This also improves their confidence, communication, and organisational skills which can be transferred to their future careers in the beauty therapy industry. 

Well done to Eve and Aimee for being professional models throughout the challenge where they gained valuable, first-hand experience from Squad UK members.  

This challenge forms part of the Beauty Therapy 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.