Last week we were extremely pleased to welcome Iain ‘Robbo’ Robertson to our Loxton Campus for an exciting guest lecture. Iain has years of experience in the music industry, allowing him to give students a direct insight into the music industry and how it works.  

Iain worked as a Tour Manager, a key role in the music industry which means looking after all of the musicians and crew while on the road. This role includes communicating with concert producers and venues to coordinate sound check and set times. On top of this, a Tour Manager will often look after the band's hospitality needs and ensure that the artist's rider requests are met.  

Some of the artists that Iain has managed tours for include Gary Moore, BB King, Spandau Ballet, Sisters of Mercy and even Oasis! He is now Managing our very own alumni Alex Lipinski who a rising star on the Music scene! Iain was able to give learners knowledge, insights and tell riveting stories about tour management. This helped our learners to learn the realities of an ever changing, fascinating and wonderful industry. 

Oz Cahill, one of the music instructors at Weston College organised the guest lecture and had this to say: “One of the most important and valuable opportunities for our learners is to connect with genuine industry professionals. It was a real privilege to have Iain Robertson, an Industry Legend, give us his time in the Music Department of Weston College.” 

This guest speaker forms part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub. At Weston College our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It's not just about getting a job; it's about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches. 

A huge thanks to Iain for coming in and supporting our students!  

To find out more about music at Weston College, 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.

Learners studying Level 2 and 3 courses part of our Career Excellence Hub in Hair and Beauty, embarked on a thrilling trip last week to Beauty Rooms Medi Spa, where they had the opportunity to see a health spa in action.

Guided by Amanda from Beauty Rooms Medi Spa, our learners were treated to a tour of the spa, and were also able to gain hands-on experience with Caci and Guinot machines, as well as discovering all about franchising opportunities.

Jenna Ratcliffe, Divisional Lead for Service Sectors at Weston College, said: “It was fantastic for our learners to be able to visit Beauty Rooms Medi Spa.

“The feedback from learners has been overwhelmingly positive, with several expressing how they feel more motivated since visiting the spa.

“At Weston College we are all about careers, and not courses, and this is the perfect example of our Career Excellence Hub in action. A big thank you to Amanda for the tour, we look forward to working closely with you over the coming months.”

Find out more about our Beauty courses, by clicking here.

Last year Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) launched a new scholarship, for Engineering learners, in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust, which honours the memory of former learner Luke Wheaton, one of Weston College’s most inspiring apprentices working with Wessex Water. 

The scholarship, which is available for one student, per year, is open to any apprentice studying on a Level 2, 3, 4 or 6 Engineering apprenticeship at Weston College. 

Each scholarship is worth £4,000, with students receiving £1,000 per year for up to four years. The scholarship is renewable annually, subject to progress being made as agreed in partnership between the College and the apprentice’s employer. 

This year, Weston College and UCW announced that Heather, an apprentice with the Ministry of Defence, would be the recipient of the scholarship. 

Heather’s achievement marks not only her commitment to academic excellence but also her passion for expanding her horizons within the field. 

We caught up with Heather, to hear her thoughts on the scholarship, her experiences at UCW, and her aspirations for the future. 

When asked about the benefits she hopes to gain from the scholarship, Heather expressed her excitement about exploring various activities related to marine engineering. She plans to undertake a diving course and weld coding, recognising their significance in marine maintenance, investigation, and salvage operations. 

Heather credits UCW for fostering her growth both academically and personally. The university provided a supportive environment for her to acclimate to student life away from home and encouraged collaborative learning among apprentices. Utilising tools like Blackboard to organise her coursework, Heather found the practical labs and workshops to be particularly engaging, allowing her to expand her theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills. 

Regarding the support from lecturers, Heather highlighted the invaluable assistance she received from workshop technicians in her first year. As she progresses into her second year, Heather has found her lecturers to be supportive and helpful, further enhancing her learning experience at UCW. 

Heather commended UCW’s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, which have greatly facilitated her studies. From well-resourced workshop facilities for machining, welding, and CNC to comprehensive laboratory setups, UCW’s resources have enriched Heather’s understanding of theoretical concepts and practical applications. 

Looking ahead, Heather expressed her anticipation for future modules, particularly highlighting her enjoyment of thermodynamics thus far. She looks forward to delving deeper into her studies and completing performance packs for her NVQ4, which validate the practical aspects of her apprenticeship, including problem-solving and quality assurance. 

As for her ambitions, Heather remains steadfast in her goal to pursue a career in marine engineering, acknowledging its diverse nature and the myriad opportunities it presents. While the specifics of her future role are yet to be determined, Heather’s unwavering dedication and enthusiasm ensure a promising journey ahead. 

Heather’s journey exemplifies the spirit of excellence and determination fostered at UCW, and her receipt of the scholarship serves as a testament to her dedication to the field of marine engineering. As she continues to embark on her academic and professional endeavours, Heather stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring engineers everywhere. 

Well done Heather! 

You can find out about engineering at Weston College by clicking here, and find out about apprenticeships by clicking 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.