Over the last few months, our Level 3 Animal Management students have been working hard to raise money for the animal charity Animal Advocacy and Protection (AAP) through Noah's Ark Zoo as part of the students’ Social Action Enterprise project. Their efforts will help the charity continue its vital work supporting animals and providing safe, spacious environments for those in need.

AAP is a European animal welfare organisation dedicated to protecting exotic animals, including primates, lions, and tigers. The charity rescues animals from suffering, advocates for stronger welfare laws and regulations, and works to find them safe and suitable homes.

The Social Action Enterprise project gives students the opportunity to engage with the community and support charitable causes through hands-on fundraising while gaining a deeper understanding of the important role charities play in improving animal welfare and living conditions.

To raise funds, students sold handmade birdhouses and lip balm keyrings at craft fairs, including events at Noah's Ark Zoo and the Rotary Club Dog Day. They also organised raffles within the college, offering a range of prizes to boost ticket sales.

In total, the students raised an impressive £500 - a fantastic achievement for their first large-scale fundraising project.

Initiatives like this provide valuable opportunities for students to engage with the community, build confidence, and develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These experiences not only prepare them for future education and employment but also help them understand the importance of giving back and making a positive impact.

Laura Link, Head of Animal Management at Weston College, said: “The Social Action Enterprise project is a fantastic enrichment opportunity for our students, giving them the chance to work together for a meaningful cause. It was great to see how involved and engaged they were throughout, and we’re looking forward to running the project again next year, building on this year’s success to raise even more for this fantastic charity.”

Well done to all the students and staff involved in this incredible fundraising effort.

This initiative forms part of the Animal Management 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 Animal Management! 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.

With 22 years in the Royal Air Force and almost two decades at Weston College, Neil’s career shows how military experience can lead to a fulfilling and long-term career in Further Education (FE), continuing a strong sense of service beyond the Forces.

Discovering a Passion for Teaching in the RAF

Neil’s move into education began while he was still serving. Stationed at RAF Cosford, he worked as an Armed Forces Subject Specialist Tutor, giving him his first opportunity to support others to develop technical skills.

“I really enjoyed that part of my service career,” Neil explains. “As I approached the end of my time in the RAF, I knew I wanted to explore teaching further.”

As part of his resettlement, Neil gained additional qualifications to prepare for civilian life. With family based in the South West and Midlands, he explored opportunities along the M5 corridor and successfully applied for a role within Weston College’s Electrical Installation team. Nineteen years later, he remains a proud member of the College.

Why Further Education?

For Neil, FE offered a natural continuation of what he valued most in the RAF: developing people.

“The biggest draw was very similar to teaching in the military – helping others build skills,” he says. “FE also gave me the opportunity to teach learners across a wide range of ages. Over the years I’ve taught people from 16 to 72, and that variety is something you don’t get in the military.”

Skills That Transfer Perfectly

Neil believes his RAF career equipped him with a strong set of transferable skills that fit naturally into education, including resilience, leadership, communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving and technical expertise.

“Experiences during service really shaped how I approach challenges,” he reflects. “They built resilience and problem-solving skills that I still rely on today.”

A Strong Sense of Team

Life in the RAF taught Neil the importance of teamwork, trust and looking out for others – values he has carried into Weston College.

“That sense of belonging stays with you,” he says. “I’ve tried to bring the same commitment into my department and the wider College.”

This approach led Neil to become a staff mentor, supporting new colleagues as they settle into College life – something he describes as one of his proudest achievements.

Changing Lives Through Education

Neil has seen many examples of how FE can open new doors. One that stands out involved adult learners retraining on electrical courses and going on to build successful new careers, including one learner who later returned to Weston College as a member of staff.

“That’s what FE is about,” Neil says. “Giving people the opportunity to change direction and improve their lives.”

Advice to Fellow Veterans

Neil’s message to those leaving the Forces is clear:

“The transition can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. You get to pass on your knowledge, build new teams and friendships, and genuinely make a difference.”

For Neil, FE offers the same sense of purpose he felt in uniform.

“Serving Queen and Country becomes serving your local community. Helping people develop skills and confidence – that’s a privilege.”

If you’re a veteran looking for a meaningful second career, Weston College could be the perfect next step. Take a look at the latest job vacancies available at here.  

After serving as a Royal Marines Commando, Darran has built a successful and influential career in Further Education (FE), demonstrating how the skills, values and mindset developed in military service can translate into long-term impact within education.

Discovering a New Direction After Service

As Darran prepared to leave the Royal Marines, he began to consider teaching as a potential next step. A strong interest in sport, physical training and human performance led him to explore opportunities within education, where he could continue working in practical, people-focused environments.

“I knew I wanted a career that involved developing others,” he explains. “Teaching, coaching and supporting learners felt like a natural fit.” Darran served as a Royal Marines Commando between 1998 and 2002, initially in the Heavy Weapons branch and later with Reconnaissance. 

After giving the required notice to leave the Armed Forces, he transitioned directly into Further Education, beginning part-time work as a Sports Lecturer and Rugby Coach at Coleg Gwent. What started as a small number of teaching hours quickly developed into a full-time role.
 

Why Further Education?
 

For Darran, the appeal of FE lay in its practical, applied nature. “Coaching learners in hands-on environments was a huge draw,” he says. “FE gives you the opportunity to support people not just academically, but personally and professionally too.”

Over time, Darran has worked across both Sports and Public Uniformed Services programmes, supporting learners with a wide range of ambitions – from elite sport to careers in the Armed Forces and emergency services. Darran is now part of the Executive Team at the College and is the Vice Principal responsible for Governance.
 

Skills That Transfer into FE
 

While Darran’s specialist military training did not directly map onto civilian roles, the transferable skills developed during service proved invaluable. “Communication, leadership, resilience, tenacity – those skills gave me the confidence to succeed in education,” he explains. “They matter just as much as technical knowledge.”

Darran also credits his experiences overseas, during operations and exercises, with shaping his perspective and approach to working with people from diverse backgrounds.
 

Evolving Leadership and Teamwork
 

Moving into FE required an adjustment in leadership style. “The sector favours slower, more inclusive and more purposeful approaches,” Darran reflects. “That really helped my leadership evolve. You learn to listen more, involve others and bring people with you.”

Mentorship from experienced colleagues played an important role during this transition, helping Darran navigate a very different professional environment.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
 

Darran believes professional development never stops. “I’ve learned something from every line manager and senior leader I’ve worked with,” he says. “I try to keep an open mind and continue developing – that mindset has stayed with me throughout my career.”
 

A Proud Achievement
 

Among many achievements, one stands out; leading the development of the UK’s first degree-level qualification in Uniformed Services – a programme that has since been adopted by multiple FE and HE institutions. “That’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” Darran says. “It’s about creating clear, credible pathways for learners who want to serve.”
 

Continuing to Serve Through Education
 

For Darran, working in FE provides a strong sense of ongoing purpose. “Supporting learners on their personal and career development journeys is an honourable life choice,” he says. “It allows you to continue serving, just in a different way.”
 

Advice to Other Veterans
 

Darran is keen to encourage veterans to consider the breadth of opportunities within FE. “There are many roles beyond teaching,” he explains. “The discipline and structure of the Armed Forces prepare people well for careers in FE – whether that’s teaching, leadership, professional services or support roles. If you’re considering it, just go for it.”

If you’re a veteran looking for a meaningful second career, Weston College could be the perfect next step. Take a look at the latest job vacancies available here.