Upskilling is not just a new qualification that can be added to your CV, but rather an opportunity to strengthen your attributes, and open doors for progression within your organisation.

There are many ways in which you can upskill, from short courses to apprenticeships. Since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in 2017, employers with an annual wage bill of over £3 million must pay into the levy, and can only claim money back through apprenticeships – meaning there is funding available to cover the cost of your training.

There are many advantages to upskilling, here are 3 reasons why we think you should:

Build on your skillset

As well as strengthening your existing skills, upskilling will also allow you to learn new information and abilities. As a result this will develop your talents further, and therefore enhance your future prospects.

Career progression

Training in new areas and developing skills increases your chances of landing promotions when they become available. Upskilling also shows your dedication for your work and career. This will not only enhance your CV, but also impress your employers. By constantly looking to improve and add new qualifications to your name, it shows that you are motivated and possess a strong work ethic.

Keep up to date with industry

Upskilling will allow you to take advantage of learning the latest industry trends and theories, which will keep you on top of your game. This can be particularly useful in industries that are evolving with the introduction of new technology.

At Weston College we can support you on your journey to improve. We offer over 50 apprenticeships, which can be tailored to suit your employer’s needs to fill skills gaps. To find out more, click here.

A ‘double first’ for Weston College Apprentices was celebrated on the town’s Grand Pier last week.

Around 70 Apprentices took part in the ‘TrailBlazer’ event, the first of its kind to be held by a UK college and the first graduation ceremony ever to be held entirely on a British pier.

The event was just one of six to be held around the UK and was funded by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and managed by the Association of Colleges (AoC) and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).

Despite inclement weather, Apprentices from many different fields gathered to receive certificates marking their achievements and to hear inspirational speeches from fellow Apprentices, employers and BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ finalist Jim Eastwood.

After a photocall, Apprentices and their families filed into the pier’s main building for the ceremony. Weston College Principal and Chief Executive Dr Paul Phillips, OBE, introduced the event.

Dr Phillips praised the efforts of all the graduates, and thanked all employers, sponsors and organisations involved in creating TrailBlazer.

Talking about the benefits of hiring apprentices, Jill Male, of Wrington-based company Freelance Surgical, said: “Every apprentice should be proud of what they have achieved and learned. It is essential in business that young people are given the opportunity to continue developing.”

Among those graduating was 20-year-old Jodie Pickles, of Weston. She took a Level Three Apprenticeship in Business Administration and is working for Broadway Lodge, a Weston-based charity providing residential treatment in the field of addiction.

She said: “I began in administration and now I work in HR and IT. I really enjoyed my Apprenticeship and Weston College has been very supportive the entire time. I wasn’t expecting a graduation ceremony but it’s a real boost for everyone here today.”

Speaking at the event, 37-year-old Nikki Durkin, who works for GE Oil and Gas in Nailsea, described how an Apprenticeship furthered her career while enabling her to maintain a work-life balance.

She said: “I would encourage anyone to go out and learn new work-based skills. An Apprenticeship is a fantastic way of gaining knowledge and developing your career.”

Keynote speaker Jim Eastwood, now the Vice President of internet voucher firm Groupon, talked about his time on ‘The Apprentice’ and praised Weston College’s efforts to raise awareness of Apprenticeships and increase the numbers of Apprentices on its books.

He said: “Apprenticeships are credible. They’re not just an alternative form of education. You gain experience and, as we’ve heard, 90 per cent of Weston College Apprentices are retained by their employers after the Apprenticeship is finished. They are a fantastic way into industry.”

Also graduating was Wendy Hatfield, a South African national now living in Burnham-on-Sea. She took a Level Three in Hospitality and Supervision and worked at the Holiday Inn, near Bristol Airport.

She said: “My experience was a very good one. The Apprenticeship taught me how to manage people and it really boosted my confidence. The Apprenticeships team at Weston College have been brilliant and very supportive. I struggled with Maths but I received a very high level of support and got through it with their help.”

Dr Phillips said: “This has been a ground-breaking ceremony, and not only because we are the first and only College in the UK to hold it but also because it is the first on a UK pier.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate all our Apprentices today, and also their employers for investing in such talent and enthusiasm. Apprenticeships are a great way of earning while you learn and I’d urge anyone interested – both employers and potential employees – to get in touch with our Apprenticeships team.”

Weston College student Chloe Edrich, 16, could be heading to Rio de Janeiro this summer after securing a place at the national time trials for the 2016 Olympics.

Chloe, who studies A Levels at the College and is a member of its Academy of Sport, posted a qualifying time in the 200m breast stroke and will attempt to make the required time in the 400m individual medley and 400m breaststroke.

Chloe said: “Studying at Weston College has enabled me to improve my swimming, but has also supported me in achieving my academic targets.”

Her mother, Kelly Edrich, said: “It was amazing to see her smash the time she needed.

“She’s done fantastically well so far and it would be brilliant if she could make it all the way.”

Paul Taylor, Sports Development and Performance Manager at the College, said: “Chloe has worked incredibly hard to get to this point.

“Combining an Elite Athletic and Academic programme is challenging and requires commitment and dedication, we are very proud of her achievements.”

The Weston College Academy of Sport offers aspiring sportsmen and women an opportunity to further develop their potential, providing them with outstanding coaching, training and support both individually and as a team.

It allows College students to combine their academic or vocational studies with participation in sporting activities at local, regional and national levels.