With Brexit around the corner, many organisations are looking for new ways of bringing talent into their business. One approach that is often overlooked, is employing an ex-offender.

By giving an ex-offender the opportunity to get back into work, you’ll have access to this pool of work-ready talent.

Our work providing education in 19 prisons has revealed the untapped potential that’s available. There have been numerous success stories, including ‘Billy’.

‘Billy’ struggled to find a job after being released from prison. He had many skills to offer, having previously worked in retail and managerial roles, but, having been out of work for a while, lacked confidence.

‘Billy’ was knocked back for roles he was more than capable of doing, and set out to change the perception employers have of people with criminal convictions.

‘Billy’ decided that to find employment he would have to get some ‘work experience’, so he completed an extended placement with a well-known high-street store. His confidence soon grew, as he received excellent feedback from customers and his employer. He also had a hugely positive effect on the store and showed he was capable of more responsibility.

‘Billy’, whose skills had not gone unnoticed, soon outgrew his placement and landed a role as an assistant manager. He is now going from strength to strength in his new role, and his employer was thrilled to find such a high-calibre candidate. ‘Billy’ has certainly helped change the perception of those within his business of ex-offenders, and the store has definitely benefited from his expertise.

If you are interested in discovering the opportunities that ex-offenders can offer your business, get in touch today through the 600 in 6 page of our website.

Have you wondered what it’s like to be a computing student? Meet Connor, an applied computing student.

Connor joined Weston College when he enrolled on the IT Practitioners Diploma, Level 3 course. This course improves your knowledge and practical skills in a range of IT areas including, IT systems, social media in business, data modelling, information management and website development. You find out how computer systems work and learn to utilise different applications. The assignments are based on workplace situations, so you get a real insight to the careers available in IT and what it is like to work in the industry.

He then moved to UCW to study applied computing. This popular foundation degree emphasises the practical application of computing principles and on development of IT skills.

The course also provides the core knowledge in software design, systems analysis and web technologies required to either progress to further study or gain employment in an IT role. It covers:

• Computing applications
• Software design and development
• System analysis and databases
• Web technologies and platforms
• Computing project management
• Digital devices implementation and usability
• Object-orientated software design and development
• Service support tools and techniques
• Work experience.

As part of the work experience module, Connor was briefed with creating a new website for Aequus– a housing/property developer owned by the local council.

Connor said: “Working on this project was a great experience. I had monthly meetings with the client as I found this was an easier way to get the information I required than calling or waiting for something to be emailed across. Web design is also quite creative so it’s sometime difficult to explain how you are visualising something over email or the phone.

“Weston College and UCW have provided me with lots of employer contacts through projects such as this one. I have enjoyed learning about CSS language and above all they have given me the confidence in my work.” Connor is hoping to progress to the top-up year with UCW and then a Master’s at UWE. He also had this advice for future students: “Make friends, work hard, and take part in the trips, as this is where I have made life-long friends. We were lucky enough to go to Florida and tour Universal Studios where we learnt about special effects, animation, edit movies and 3D printers. I’d recommend anyone coming to Weston College and UCW, as the lecturers are fantastic and always there to help.”

Connor has since graduated from UCW with a First-Class Honours Degree, and is now specialising in Cyber Security at the University West of England.

"I have been studying Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking and Network Security. Thanks to my Extended Diploma at Weston College and my Bachelor’s Degree at UCW, I had already gained important experience with programming languages such as C++ which have been very useful in advancing in Cyber Security.

"Also, thanks to my studies of Website Development at UCW, I have a great understanding of how websites and databases work and therefore how to secure them, this included important experience with SQL and PHP. Thanks to the courses, I have a great understanding of what secure code looks like and how to implement security measures. This has been a huge advantage while progressing into the Cyber Security field.

"My next goal is to advance into the Cyber Security field further. After graduating from my Masters, I hope to progress into a career in Penetration Testing." 

See Connor’s website - https://www.aequusdevelopments.co.uk/
See all computing course, starting this September - https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/computing-and-it

We recently caught up with Level 3 Uniformed Public Services student Toby, who have us some insight into what it's like to study Public Services here at Weston College...

If someone was thinking of applying for Public Services, what would you say to them?

I am very pleased I chose this course and would have no hesitation in recommending it to other students! I browsed the college prospectus when I was in Year 11 to see what opportunities were available in further education. I then attended an open evening to find out more about the course, which sounded amazing!

What are the top 3 skills you need to study Public Services?

Leadership, team work and determination!

Were you surprised about the facilities at Knightstone?

I was surprised there was an entire floor for our department. On the 7th floor there's a gym and a large gymnasium with a climbing wall including other useful equipment which makes public service life more enjoyable and interesting. We have lots of facilities at hand which can make lessons more fun and gives us something to do with free time as we can have a game of basket ball or other activities. The library is brilliant for socialising with other students and making new friends which has helped me personally as I didn’t know many people. It’s a great place for students from all classes to come together and work alongside each other.

How would you describe the staff?

The staff encourage and aspire us to do well and get the best out of us. They give us direction in thinking about our future careers and advise us based on their own experiences and knowledge. The delivery of lessons by the staff makes the course interesting and easier to understand, also the staff are approachable if you have questions or need help. What I like is that they build a friendship with everyone individually which makes you feel you can talk to them about any problems or queries. 

What makes Weston College Public Services stand out?

The college is modern, clean and is a nice working environment which makes college life really enjoyable. Compared to other colleges I visited, Weston is well equipped and the campus is situated in a great location.
 

What do you want to do after finishing your course?

The course has given me an insight into public service life and after completing this course I will be joining the army. My qualification can give me the ability to join as an officer if I wish to.

Thanks Toby, we wish you the very best of luck!

Click here to learn more and apply now for courses in Public Services