A group of adult students recently hosted a fashion fundraiser in Weston-super-Mare, bringing together the local community for an evening of style, entertainment, and charitable giving.

The event, organised by a focus group consisting of Lauren, Seonagh, Julie, and Tash as part of their pre-employment course, successfully raised funds for Weston Hospicecare, Motor Neurone Disease Association, and Alzheimer’s Society. It showcased how education, creativity, and community spirit can come together to make a meaningful impact.

The focus group have worked on this project since last December, and the project has encouraged them to develop their skills for the workplace. The group also recently won the ‘Making a Difference’ award at our Student Conference, showing the impact they have had on their own personal development as well as the community.

The North Somerset Scrapstore played a key role in supporting a successful steampunk-themed fundraising fashion show, providing many of the materials used to create the outfits. The fashion show raised money for three charities: the Alzheimer's Society, Weston Hospicecare, and the MND Association. Funds were generated through online ticket sales, tickets sold on the door, a raffle and auction, the sale of donated clothing, and photography sales from the event. Initial estimates suggest that approximately £750 was raised for each charity, with final figures to be confirmed.

Many of the outfits featured in the show were donated, altered, or created by the team themselves using reclaimed materials. Hair and makeup were provided free of charge by a volunteer, helping to keep costs low and maximise fundraising efforts.

The event was held at the Borough Arms and featured entertainment from two local singers, Angela and Annie. Models were recruited from across Weston-super-Mare through local Facebook groups, resulting in a diverse range of participants of different ages and body types. Promotion was supported by local media, with the Weston Mercury helping to publicise the event to a wider audience. Photography was provided by an external photographer who volunteered through a connection with one of the students.

Organising the event presented several challenges, including marketing, securing support from local businesses, arranging a venue, and coordinating a group with differing schedules. Despite these obstacles, the team successfully delivered the event and reflected on lessons learned, discussing how they might improve future events.

The fundraiser formed part of the students’ coursework, offering valuable real-world experience in event management and community engagement – key components of their current studies. Thanks to strong attendance and generous donations, the event made a meaningful contribution to all three charities.

Juliette Weaver, Lecturer in Pre-Employment, said: "When people work together with passion and purpose, amazing things happen. This group proved that by creating a charity fashion show that brought their community together and made a positive impact."

Take a look at our pre-employment courses here.

Just before half term, our ESOL learners aged 16–18 set off on an exciting residential trip to Mendip Activity Centre - a memorable experience that combined adventure, friendship, and learning beyond the classroom.

Throughout the trip, students took part in a range of exciting activities, including team-building challenges, archery, and disc golf.

While each activity brought its own fun and excitement, they also encouraged learners to communicate in English in real-life situations.

Whether they were giving instructions, encouraging teammates, or celebrating successes together, every challenge became an opportunity to develop their language skills in a natural and meaningful way.

The residential was about much more than adventure. For many students, it was a chance to step outside their comfort zones, become more independent, and discover strengths they didn't know they had.

Working together to solve problems and support one another helped build confidence, resilience, and trust, while creating stronger friendships across the group.

Bringing together learners from different backgrounds also created valuable opportunities for cultural exchange.

By the end of the trip, there was a real feeling of community that extended far beyond the activities themselves.

Weston College Group is entering an exciting new chapter for technical education following its recognition as one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) for Advanced Manufacturing in England.

As it prepares to open its flagship technical training facility at Airbus Filton this September, the College has unveiled its new identity: AMTEC – the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College.

Previously announced as the Aerospace Skills Academy (ASA), the new name reflects both the College's new Technical Excellence College status and feedback from employers, who said the facility's curriculum, partnerships and opportunities extend far beyond aerospace into the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

The announcement follows Weston College being named one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) for Advanced Manufacturing in England; a government designation recognising excellence in delivering the higher technical skills needed by one of the UK's fastest-growing industries. The status will help strengthen the region's skills pipeline while supporting economic growth and meeting employers' future workforce needs.

Based at Airbus in Filton, AMTEC will continue to work closely with employers across aerospace, engineering, composites, defence and wider advanced manufacturing, delivering apprenticeships and technical education from Level 2 through to degree level.

The decision to launch the new facility as AMTEC followed extensive discussions with employer partners, who highlighted that while aerospace remains central to its identity, its facilities, expertise and curriculum will support businesses across the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

The College is also excited to announce newly appointed Vice Principal Andy Smith to the AMTEC team, who brings more than 36 years' experience across aerospace and advanced manufacturing. He joins Weston College Group from GKN Aerospace, where he served as Programme Director for the Airbus single-aisle programme, having also held senior roles with Airbus and BAE Systems.

Having begun his own career as an apprentice with British Aerospace, Andy understands the transformative power of technical education and apprenticeships.

Andy Smith said:

“I am delighted to be joining Weston College Group at such an exciting time. AMTEC gives us an opportunity to build on the College Group's strong reputation in aerospace while creating a centre of excellence that supports the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

"Having started my own career as an apprentice, I understand first-hand the importance of creating opportunities for people to develop, grow in confidence and succeed. I am looking forward to working with outstanding staff and employer partners to help develop AMTEC into a nationally recognised destination for technical education."

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said:

"Becoming a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing was a defining moment for Weston College Group, and launching the new facility as AMTEC reflects that ambition.

"The name better reflects the breadth of industries we will support. Aerospace remains a core strength, but our employer partners made it clear the opportunities extend across the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

"We are creating something truly distinctive for learners, employers and the wider region. Together, our Technical Excellence College status, world-class facilities and employer partnerships position us to become one of the UK's leading centres for advanced manufacturing skills."

When it opens this September at Airbus Filton, AMTEC will provide industry-standard learning environments designed alongside employers, helping more learners access high-quality technical education while supporting the workforce needs of businesses across the South West and beyond.

Opening this September, AMTEC will provide industry-standard training facilities designed with employers, helping develop the skilled workforce needed by advanced manufacturing businesses across the South West and beyond.