In a world where the demand for skilled healthcare and social care professionals continues to grow, fostering strong partnerships between educational institutions and employers is not just beneficial but essential. Weston College recently showcased this by celebrating the connections already in place with employers, and looking at how they can be developed, plus looking at how new connections can be made. The College hosted a Health & Social Care Employer Forum with a gathering of employer partners, including Sirona Care & Health, University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Trust, Worcester Lodge, and Access your Care, all coming together to explore opportunities for collaboration and engagement.

The day began with a tour of the state-of-the-art Health and Active Living Skills Centre. Employers were given the opportunity to explore the cutting-edge facilities, equipped with the latest technology and resources designed to simulate real-world healthcare scenarios. This immersive experience allowed employers to gain insight into the quality of education and training students receive at Weston College.

The event also featured engaging talks by the college's staff, alongside focus group discussions to discuss the various educational pathways for learners to access careers in the sector and how the College can support employers to access funding to train their workforce. Discussions centred around apprenticeships, T Levels, and other ways employers could actively participate in shaping the future workforce of the sector.

The day concluded with certificates of appreciation being awarded to the attending employers, recognising their support of learners who attended an industry work placement alongside their course in the previous academic year. 

The Health & Social Care forum at Weston College was undoubtedly a resounding success. It not only provided a platform for employers to understand the college's commitment to producing highly skilled professionals but also encouraged them to actively engage in the learner journey.

Catrin Evans, Head of Class-based Learning for Health & Sport said “This event served as a catalyst for developing employer partnerships that have impact, which is an essential part of our Health & Social Care Careers Excellence Hub. Our aim is to create ‘real world ready’ learners, providing opportunities to engage with employers during their course, and understanding of the breadth of careers available in the sector, and giving learners opportunities to progress to these careers. We really enjoyed the conversations with employers as their input to curriculum design and content is key to the College providing future professionals for the sector.”

Dave Crew, Head of Business Growth & Employer Partnerships said “In addition to discussing opportunities for employers to engage with college learners, the forum provided an opportunity for employers to shape the training offered by the College for their workforce. We see our Health & Active Living Skills Centre as being a key hub for employer training, and look forward to working with the sector offer high-quality training delivered by our staff who are professionals from industry.”

The Health & Social Care forum at Weston College was a resounding success that showcased the college's commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry. By inviting employers to explore their cutting-edge facilities, engage in insightful discussions, and recognize their contributions, Weston College has set the stage for meaningful collaborations that will benefit students and the healthcare and social care sectors for years to come.

To attend future forums and discover the opportunities available to access funding to train your workforce, email employers@weston.ac.uk.

Last week twelve first year T Level learners, studying Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, went on a site visit to the Ashcombe Primary School Construction project, which is being built by John Perkins Construction Limited.

Before entering the site, learners were issued with all the correct Personal Protective Equipment and given a Health and Safety Site Induction by Richard Mann, the Site Manager for John Perkins Construction.

Once ready to enter the site, learners were then treated to a comprehensive site tour from Richard, which included visiting the new classrooms, reception area, school hall and other back-up facilities.

Throughout the tour Richard explained what materials were used and methods of construction. It was a fantastic interactive session, where learners asked multiple questions, allowing them to delve deeper into the techniques used, in more detail.

At the end of the tour, Richard kindly offered to host the T Level learners on site again in Spring next year, to see the progress on the build and experience the internal fit-out works of the project.

Daniel Comerford, Lecturer in Construction Professions at Weston College, said: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone that made our recent possible – our learners found the site visit extremely beneficial.

“On the back of the visit, learners are writing up a technical report, which includes items such as health and safety, timber frames and foundation details.

“We look forward to working closely with John Perkins Construction Limited over the coming academic year.”

This employer project forms part of the subject Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands.

In a thrilling event that combined innovation, education, and hands-on learning, ESOL learners at Weston College had the unique opportunity to welcome representatives from Dyson for an enriching guest lecture. The event, which took place recently, provided ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners with insights into Dyson's cutting-edge inventions, their competitive edge in the market, and the intricate journey of developing and testing new products. Furthermore, Dyson introduced their exciting degree apprenticeship opportunity, emphasizing its value to the ESOL learners, who found the entire experience both enlightening and inspiring.

Dyson's reputation for innovation precedes itself, and this lecture provided an invaluable opportunity for students to witness firsthand the mind behind some of the world's most groundbreaking inventions.

Innovations Beyond the Competition

During the visit, the representatives delved into the ways Dyson stays ahead of its competitors. They highlighted the company's relentless pursuit of innovation and the importance of thinking differently. Dyson products are known for pushing the boundaries of technology, from bladeless fans to cordless vacuum cleaners, and the development of efficient and hygienic hand dryers.

The Development Stages of Creating and Testing New Products

Dyson offered a behind-the-scenes look at the development stages of their products. From initial concept to rigorous testing, Dyson engineers follow a meticulous process that ensures quality and reliability. Students gained valuable insights into the importance of problem-solving and attention to detail when it comes to product development. It was a lesson in perseverance and the drive to make things better.

The Value of Dyson's Degree Apprenticeship Opportunity

One of the highlights of the lecture was Dyson's introduction to their degree apprenticeship program. This program offers students the chance to earn while they learn, gaining hands-on experience and a university degree simultaneously. The guest lecturers emphasized how this unique opportunity could be especially valuable for ESOL learners, who bring diverse perspectives and a wealth of talent to the table.

Hands-On Experience with Dyson Robots

The lecture wasn't just about theory; it was about practical learning too. After the informative session, students were given the chance to interact with Dyson robots. They had the opportunity to control and code the robots to follow routes on a map. This hands-on experience allowed students to apply what they had learned, further cementing their understanding of technology and innovation.

Inspiring Progression Opportunities

The entire experience was invaluable for the ESOL learners at Weston College. It not only exposed them to the world of innovation but also showed them potential progression opportunities after they finish their studies. Many students were inspired to consider a career in technology and engineering, seeing a clear path through Dyson's apprenticeship program.

Moreover, the event served as an excellent team-building exercise for the class. Working together to code and control the robots fostered collaboration and problem-solving skills, while also making learning fun and engaging.

In conclusion, Dyson's visit to Weston College's ESOL learners was a remarkable occasion that left a lasting impact. It opened doors to a world of innovation, encouraged students to think creatively, and provided them with a tangible path towards a promising career. It was a lesson in seizing opportunities, embracing diversity, and striving for excellence—an experience that will undoubtedly shape the future endeavours of these aspiring learners.