UCW is excited to announce the launch of a new Degree Apprenticeship in May 2025 (subject to final approval as pending from the Nursing and Midwifery Council). This new Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA), in partnership with UWE Bristol, is an initiative to help support the NHS Long Term Workforce Development Plan - providing a clear career pathway within nursing.

The aim of the Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) is to offer an alternative route to obtaining a nursing degree and to support the progression of those who have already completed Nursing Associate or Assistant Practitioner programmes, and who would like to continue to study to obtain a nursing degree.

By opening new routes to become a Registered Nurse, this Degree Apprenticeship is a response to employer demand and increases the capacity and capability of the nursing workforce by ensuring that the right person with the right level of skills and education is delivering the right care to patients.

At Weston College, we have invested over £11 million into our technical facilities to create employer-led, high-specification, future-proofed delivery spaces at our UCW site for training the existing and future workforce. Investment has also been made into additional high-spec computer technology (hardware and software) ensuring facilities and equipment match industry requirements and expectations.

If you would like to register to apply for this upcoming Degree Apprenticeship, please email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk

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 Level 2 Beauty Therapy students were treated to an inspiring and educational visit from Claire, a seasoned beauty professional representing Outback Organics. The session was a unique opportunity for students to gain firsthand knowledge from an expert whose career has spanned continents and specialities. 

Claire’s extensive career journey captivated the students as she shared her experiences, which began in London, where she trained and worked before jetting on an exciting career aboard luxury cruise ships. Her expertise and passion took her around the globe, first to New Zealand and later to Australia, where she navigated the beauty industry as a product seller. Throughout her career, Claire has developed a wide range of skills, from nails and facials to body massages, and now specialises in waxing, eyebrow shaping, and permanent makeup. 

Currently working with Outback Organics, Claire champions the company’s line of botanical skincare products. Outback Organics blend cutting-edge cosmetic ingredients with natural Australian extracts from the coastline, forests, and bushlands, making them a perfect fit for spas, salons, and beauty therapists, as well as individual users. 

Focusing on underarm and leg waxing, she walked the students through the process step-by-step, covering everything from skin preparation and waxing techniques to essential after-care practices. These practical demonstrations provided students with a hands-on look at professional waxing techniques, along with insider tips and tricks to help them excel in their future careers. 

Jenna, Head of Service Sectors, reflected on the visit, stating, “Claire's visit today was particularly inspiring for the students. Plenty of them are interested in pursuing a career in waxing, so having an experienced beauty therapist visit provided them an insight into what their career could look like. The students were impressed by Claire's expertise in the field, this goes to show how important industry involvement in their studies is!” 

The visit from Claire and Outback Organics highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry experience, leaving a lasting impression on the students. 

This partnership forms part of the Hair and Beauty Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.     

To find out about what courses we have to offer for Hair and Beauty, please 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. 

We are proud to share the inspiring journey of Gemma, a 2022 Sixth Form graduate and Weston College's A Level Student of the Year 2023 who has gone on to pursue her passion for French at the prestigious University of London Institute in Paris! 

Gemma chose to study at Weston College after attending an Open Day and being impressed by the engaging teachers and tailored courses, “my sister had attended the College before me and had a positive experience, so it seemed like a no-brainer”. 

During her time at Weston College, Gemma honed essential skills like time management, organisation, and persuasive writing, which have proven to be invaluable in her academic journey. “My French teacher really prepared me well not only for the A-level exams, but for further education too. My Law teacher was incredible; she boosted my self-confidence and taught us all how to write very convincing arguments with evidence and support to back them up, something that I’ve carried with me through University.” 

Gemma’s journey didn’t go without challenges, balancing A-level studies with university applications, she had the generous support of her tutors. From writing personal statements to balancing revision, she felt comfortable to gain help from her tutors, learning that she could attend revision sessions while maintaining a healthy life-work balance. 

One of Gemma’s standout memories from Weston College was the build-up to exams and her continued success in French class. "We had finished learning the content for our French exams, and so every week we would use the time to complete a past paper and this one particular week I managed to get 98% correct! It was just a little confidence boost leading up to exams and confirmed for myself that I had made the right decision to choose to study French at University.” She dedicates her success to her lecturer, Emilie, who had been an integral part of her experience at Sixth Form. Gemma recalls “it was so nice that both of our hard work was paying off!” She also fondly recalls a mock trial in her Law class, organised by Octavia (her Law lecturer) that combined fun with practical learning. 

Gemma credits her passion for French to an early secondary school teacher whose enthusiasm left a lasting impression. Her love for the language blossomed at Weston College thanks to equally passionate and supportive teachers. "They kept my motivation high and inspired me to continue studying French and look into Further Education." 

Now in her final year of a French Studies degree, Gemma is thriving in Paris, and deep into her dissertation writing. She describes the city as the perfect place to study, work, and live, filled with free museums, libraries, vibrant cafes, and an exciting nightlife. Her next goal is to complete a master’s in teaching English and begin her teaching career in France. “I’m definitely not ready to leave Paris after my Undergraduate degree and I’ve always wanted to teach over in France, so I’m really looking forward to this next chapter and hoping it all goes smoothly!”. 

Reflecting on her experience, Gemma has had an exciting journey from walking through the Sixth Form doors, to jetting off to the beautiful city of Paris. "I had a great experience at the College; it made me more independent, confident and prepared me well for everything I wanted to accomplish after college. The teachers I had were fun, engaging and supportive and ultimately, I wouldn’t be where I am now, if I hadn’t had had their support" She also sends her thanks to the College’s careers officer, who encouraged her to apply to Oxford. Although being offered a place at both the University of London Institute in Paris and Oxford University, Gemma ultimately chose Paris; and was deeply appreciative of the officer’s continued support.