Last week, our Performing Arts and Hospitality and Catering students delivered an immersive 1920s-themed murder mystery dinner, combining a three-course meal with live performances throughout the evening. The event was a fantastic cross-college collaboration: our Level 3 Hair and Makeup students styled the Performing Arts students, while BA (Hons) Graphic Design students from University Centre Weston (UCW) designed promotional materials to support the event. 

This initiative brought together multiple curriculum areas from Weston College and UCW, creating a high-quality public event that showcased the wide variety of student talent across a range of disciplines. It was a great example of how collaborative working can elevate both the learning experience and the final production. 

Our Hospitality and Catering students designed and prepared an elaborate three-course menu, offering both meat and vegetarian options to accommodate a variety of dietary requirements. While students regularly host weekly dinner services to gain invaluable hands-on experience with real customers, this event presented a new challenge by delivering a fully immersive themed evening in partnership with other departments. This required adaptability, teamwork, and resilience, enabling students to develop their problem-solving skills and confidence in a dynamic, live-event setting. 

For our Performing Arts students, the evening offered the opportunity to work beyond the traditional stage environment and perform within an interactive dining space. They engaged directly with guests, performing between tables and creating an authentic 1920s atmosphere while remaining mindful of the operational flow of the dinner service. This experience broadened their understanding of performance in non-traditional settings and provided valuable insight into alternative career pathways within the industry. 

Collaborating across departments strengthened students’ communication and teamwork skills, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and build connections with peers from other subject areas. Through this process, they gained a deeper appreciation of the integral role that each discipline plays in delivering a successful live event. 

The evening was met with outstanding feedback from attendees, who praised both the professionalism of the performances and the exceptional quality of the food. Most importantly, the event connected our students with the local community, providing meaningful real-world experience and reinforcing the standards expected within industry settings. 

Experiences such as this encourage creativity, adaptability, and resilience which are essential qualities for future careers. By participating in ambitious, collaborative projects, our students continue to build the practical skills, confidence, and professional awareness needed to succeed in their chosen industries. 

A huge well done to all the students who took part in this collaborative project, it was a fantastic display of professionalism and talent. 

This collaborative project formed part of the Performing Arts, Hospitality and Catering, Hair and Makeup, and Graphic Design 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.

What began four years ago as a bold idea at Weston College has now spread across the county: the Jobcentre Takeover Day, part of AoC National Colleges Week and National Careers Week 2026, is giving hundreds of unemployed adults the chance to explore new careers, gain vital skills, and connect directly with potential employers.

Originally developed by Weston College, the initiative partners colleges with Jobcentre Plus to deliver practical advice, workshops, and one-to-one support to adults looking to return to work. This year, the initiative has grown into a national collaboration, with colleges including Weston College, Bath College, New City College London, Northampton College, Northern College for Adults and Middlesborough College, welcoming participants to their local Jobcentre Plus.

At Weston College, 400 local adults were invited to take part in a day of skills workshops, employability sessions, and face-to-face careers guidance. Participants also heard directly from employers about what they are looking for in today’s workforce.

Mike Hudson, Director of Student Recruitment and Customer Operations at Weston College, said: "Our Jobcentre Takeover Day started as a simple idea: to bring the support and guidance people need directly to them. Seeing it grow into a national movement is incredible. This day isn’t just about advice – it’s about giving people the confidence and tools to take the next step in their careers."

For many participants, Jobcentre Takeover Day is life changing. Last year, attendees left inspired, equipped with new skills, and connected to real employment opportunities. This year, the colleges was delighted to reach even more people, providing a clear pathway from support to employment.

The initiative demonstrates Weston College’s continued commitment to its local community, proving that with the right support, opportunity, and guidance, everyone can take meaningful steps toward their career goals.

Weston College was proud to contribute to the latest Bristol & Bath Cluster Meeting hosted by the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF), held at the Airbus AIRTeC Centre in Filton.

The event brought together industry leaders, education providers and regional stakeholders to explore how the South West can collectively strengthen the aerospace and advanced engineering skills pipeline.

The meeting focused on workforce pressures facing the sector, the impact of emerging technologies, and the importance of closer collaboration to ensure businesses of all sizes can access the talent they need.

A central focus of the meeting was the proposed Aerospace Skills Academy in Filton, introduced by Weston College and due to launch in September 2026.

The Academy is being developed in partnership with employers to help address workforce shortages across the regional aerospace cluster. Designed to align closely with real business needs, the initiative will strengthen links between employers and training providers, supporting long-term regional growth.

Throughout the session, delegates emphasised the importance of employer involvement in shaping curriculum and delivery, ensuring provision works not only for prime manufacturers but also for SMEs across the supply chain. Weston College is already working closely with employers to co-design its Aerospace Skills Academy programmes and is particularly keen to expand collaboration with SMEs, recognising their critical role in the regional aerospace ecosystem. By engaging smaller businesses more directly in curriculum development, placements and skills planning, the College aims to ensure training provision is accessible, responsive and aligned to the real-world needs of the entire supply chain.

The Bristol & Bath Cluster Meeting demonstrated the strength of engagement across the South West and the shared commitment to developing the future workforce.

Weston College extends its thanks to WEAF for organising such a productive and forward-looking event, to Airbus for hosting, and to the members and partners whose insight and collaboration continue to drive progress across the region.

Weston College is currently recruiting staff ahead of the Aerospace Skills Academy’s planned September 2026 opening. Individuals interested in supporting the next generation of aerospace talent are encouraged to get in touch:

• View current vacancies WORKING FOR THE COLLEGE | Weston College

• Register interest for flexible opportunities Expression of Interest

• Contact our Recruitment Team for an informal conversation – grouprecruitment@weston.ac.uk   or call 01934 411411