Sustainability is a key driver within both GKN Aerospace and the entire aerospace sector and we are looking at ways in which we can make major changes to everything that we do, in order meet our commitments to the environment and therefore operate more sustainably.

Several months ago I was contacted by Weston College and asked if I would support the Engineering and Construction Sustainability Learner and Employer Conference that they were planning, as part of their event schedule for Great Big Green Week.

I was intrigued by this initiative and with the importance of the subject matter, so duly committed my support accordingly on behalf of GKN Aerospace.

I arrived to a packed-out Winter Gardens, and it was great to see so many learners of different stages in their development in attendance, all listening and working keenly to have a positive impact. The event was well structured with keynote speakers, a panel Q&A with likeminded organisations, followed by what was the main event - the Bridge Build Challenge.

Having participated, I have to say what a brilliant event, having the next generation of Engineering and Construction engineers in one place, for the day, was extremely powerful, and the conversations that ensued were a privilege to be part of.

I would recommend any employers who are asked to attend this event next year, or a similar event at the college to do so.

Although on the face of it and with time pressures which we are all under a day out of the business might appear a considerable commitment. Productivity can be directly related to Impact, so viewing it in this light this event was hugely impactful on every level, therefore a massively productive use of my time.

Should the event take place next year and I am invited, then I will be back!

Paul Ashbee, GKN

Weston College is proud to be supporting Love our Colleges, part of Colleges Week which is running from today (Monday 17th October) to Friday 21st October.

Love Our Colleges gives us a chance to celebrate and shout about all the brilliant things that happen at Weston College, day in and day out to build our community, boost businesses, and support learners to create their brighter future. It also illustrates the need for investment in the Further Education sector.

Weston College is one of the fastest-growing Further and Higher Education colleges in the UK, offering more than 800 full and part-time academic, work-related and leisure courses. We support over 30,000 learners annually, and work with over 2,000 employers to help them build their future workforce.

We’re currently the only Ofsted ‘outstanding’ college in the region, and were named ‘College of the Year’ and ‘Overall Training Provider of the Year’ at the 2015 Times Educational Supplement Further Education Awards.

We have lots of content planned throughout the week, from employer blogs to learner success stories. Keep your eyes peeled across our channels, to see why we love our college!

Weston College is delighted to receive a special tree from The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) “Tree of Trees” which stood tall as a message of hope, regeneration and optimism to the nation and the world as part of the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations.

Weston College joins over 300 organisations from across the UK who were recently announced by the QGC as recipients of these special trees in The Queen’s name, which are gifted in a pot embossed with Her Majesty’s cypher.

In honour and loving memory of Her Majesty, the College held a ceremonial planting for the gifted tree at their South West Skills Campus, on Wednesday 12th October where it was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mrs Annie Maw.

The tree becomes part of the living legacy in honour of Her Majesty, joining over a million trees already planted across the UK as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy.

Led by its Principal and Chief Executive Sir Paul Phillips CBE, the College has been a large supporter of the QGC encouraging its students, staff and employer partners to plant trees across the region and continuing to promote the importance of sustainability. The College also worked with the Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Annie Maw to support the third leg of a 70-mile trek, the ‘Jubilee Jaunt’ from Clevedon to Exmoor, which was split into seven, ten-mile sections to celebrate the region as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, in partnership with Duke of Edinburgh leaders and students.

Sir Phillips commented: “We are thrilled to be chosen for our contribution to the North Somerset community, this tree, in The Queen’s name, will serve as inspiration for tree planting within our communities and encourage care for the trees which already exist as part of our nation’s stunning landscape. It is an absolute privilege to support the Queen’s Green Canopy, helping to create a legacy to honour Her Majesty’s extraordinary service to her country and to her people.”