Year 1 learners from the T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning in Construction recently enjoyed an exciting day at Uncle Paul’s Chilli Farm in Butcombe, North Somerset, as part of their induction to the course.  

The experience began with students collecting tools and equipment before being guided by the farm’s staff to a site in need of a new shelter. The group received a briefing and set to work digging eight holes for large wooden posts, which were then concreted in place. Although the task of digging by hand proved challenging, the students persevered, successfully installing the posts and ensuring they were upright and level. 

Students then took a walk back across the farm and had a well-earned lunch by the fire, complete with hot chocolate and marshmallows. This hands-on experience in a different environment reinforced the value of learning outside the classroom and created a core memory for the students due to building their skills and giving back to the community whilst being surrounded by animals on the farm including pigs, goats, and sheep. 

A highlight of the day was the “Chilli Challenge”, where students sampled a range of chillies under the guidance of the farm staff. This light-hearted competition encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones, demonstrating resilience and a willingness to try new things—qualities that are invaluable both personally and professionally. 

Throughout the day, students developed essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and collaboration. The practical task of building a shelter required them to listen, share ideas, and support one another, mirroring the collaborative nature of the construction industry. The experience also revealed emerging leaders within the group, as some students naturally took on responsibility and guided their peers. 

By the end of the trip, the students had gained not only practical construction experience but also a sense of achievement and stronger group cohesion. Their lecturer, Daniel Comerford, praised the group’s behaviour, responsibility, and teamwork, noting how well they worked together to complete the task. 

This trip exemplified how hands-on learning can foster both personal growth and professional development, equipping students with the confidence and skills they will need in their future careers. 

A big thank you to the staff at Uncle Paul's Chilli Farm for welcoming our students and getting them involved with hands-on tasks around the site.

This curriculum trip forms part of the Construction 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 Construction! 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. 

Year 1 learners from the T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning in Construction course recently received an inspiring and informative guest lecture by Architect Irene de Miguel Lopez from AWW Architects, a leading architectural practice based in Bristol.

AWW Architects operate from studios in Bristol, London, and Plymouth and are known for their collaborative, design-led approach that places people at the heart of every project. The practice prides itself on creating sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful architecture that improves how people live, work, and interact with their surroundings.

Irene delivered a talk titled “A Day in the Life of an Architect,” giving students a first-hand insight into the varied and dynamic nature of architectural work. She discussed her day-to-day responsibilities, which range from creating design drawings and attending client meetings, to visiting construction sites to monitor project progress.

To make the session more interactive, Irene brought along a selection of material samples that AWW Architects use when designing buildings. Students were able to handle these samples and explore how different materials influence the look, feel, and performance of a building.

Irene also explained that an architect’s role is incredibly diverse, involving the design of a wide range of environments including homes, workplaces, schools, sports facilities, and performance spaces. She highlighted that while the path to become a fully qualified architect can take up to seven years, the profession offers a rewarding and creative career for those passionate about designing and building future communities.

The talk made a clear impact, with many students expressing renewed enthusiasm for pursuing careers in architecture.

Daniel Comerford, Weston College Construction Professions lecturer, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Irene for taking the time to visit our learners and share her experiences. Her talk offered invaluable insight into the profession and has clearly inspired the next generation of architects and designers in the construction industry.”

Guest lectures like this provide our students with a deeper understanding of alternative career paths that students can pursue following their T Level. It allowed them to ask questions to industry professionals, gave them clarity on the journey required to become an architect, and the benefits of pursuing this career. It allowed them to network with a professional, increased their confidence by reducing future ambiguity, and provided them with real-world insight as well as discussions of industry standards and values.

A big thank you to Irene for taking the time to visit our students and engage with them to ensure they were fully informed regarding their future opportunities.

This guest lecture forms part of the Construction 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 Construction! 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.

Weston College’s A-Level Politics students recently had the opportunity to take part in an engaging question-and-answer session with local MP Dan Aldridge, who visited the college to discuss his experiences and views on a range of current political issues.

During the session, Dan Aldridge spoke about several key topics, including votes for 16- and 17-year-olds, the future of Weston’s high street, recognition of Palestine, investment in artificial intelligence, and reflections on his first year as a Member of Parliament. His insights offered students a valuable, real-world perspective on how national and local politics intersect from an influential, political professional.

Students came prepared with thoughtful and challenging questions, prompting lively discussion on the same themes. The Q&A provided a rare opportunity for them to engage directly with a sitting MP and explore how policy ideas translate into practical decision-making.

The visit also gave students a clearer understanding of what an MP does and how someone can enter a career in politics. Dan Aldridge encouraged those interested in political careers to get involved, stressing the importance of youth participation in shaping the future and the impact that young people can have on public life.

Dan Aldridge shared his experience, saying: “It was brilliant to spend time with Weston’s next generation – even if their questions were tougher and better thought out than some I hear across the benches in Parliament! That curiosity and challenge is exactly what makes me so excited about our town’s future.”

“Weston College really is a powerhouse – from apprenticeships to degree-level study, it’s giving local people the skills they need to thrive and showing that Weston can punch well above its weight nationally. Huge thanks to the staff and students for the warm welcome – I left inspired (and sharpened from the grilling!).”

Reflecting on the event, the Politics department said they were delighted with how engaged the students were and expressed hopes to welcome more visiting speakers from the world of politics as the academic year continues.

A big thank you to Dan Aldridge for taking the time to visit and engage with our A Level Politics students, sharing your valuable insights and enduring the challenging questions curated by our students.

This guest lecture forms part of the Sixth Form 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.