On Thursday, 19th June, Weston-super-Mare's prestigious Winter Gardens venue played host to the highly anticipated Weston College Business Awards! 

On Thursday, 19th June, Weston-super-Mare's prestigious Winter Gardens venue played host to the highly anticipated Weston College Business Awards! 

The event celebrated the strong partnerships between Weston College and local businesses, recognising both learners and employers who have collaborated to provide meaningful work-based opportunities. Awards were presented across a range of categories, highlighting excellence in apprenticeships, adult training, industry placements, and community projects. 

Gareth Ireland, Hospitality Focussed General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House, said: "Being nominated was great recognition for the efforts of many of the team across the hotel, club and spa who drive these relationships with the college. It was an honour to collect the winners plaque on behalf of all our colleagues who help bring what we do to life."

This year’s winners exemplified innovation, dedication, and shared success, with each award spotlighting both the learner and their employer: 

Apprenticeship Partnership Award Winner – George Evans and The Bristol Port Company 

University Centre Weston Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Partnership Award Winner – Immanuel Oyetunde and Airbus 

Pathways for Young People Partnership Award Winner – Nikita Heeley and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust 

Career Excellence Hub Partnership Award Winner – DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol South – Cadbury House 

Adult Training Partnership Award Winner – Geerthana Anantharajah and ICTS UK 

Industry Placement Partnership Award Winner – Will McKillop-Duffy and William Haley Engineering 

Into Work Partnership Award Winner – Harry Bessant and Bakers Dolphin 

Community Project Award Winner – Media Charity Showcase Project 

Principal and CEO, Pat Jones said: “The Weston College Business Awards was a truly memorable evening – a celebration of the talent, dedication, and ambition that make our community so special. 

It was an honour to recognise the hard work of our incredible learners, whose determination continues to inspire us. We were also delighted to share the evening with our valued employer partners – your ongoing support and collaboration play such a vital role in our learners' success. 

The number of nominations we received this year speaks volumes about the high standards and commitment shown across the board. Every finalist and nominee should feel incredibly proud – your passion and drive shone through. 

A heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and finalists – your achievements are nothing short of inspiring.” 

A huge thank you to our sponsors Mendip Activity Centre, Mindful Education, Image Sign and Pace Agency. 

Last month, our Travel and Tourism students took a trip to Heathrow Airport where they attended the British Airways Cabin Crew training at the British Airways Global Learning Academy. 

This trip was a fantastic, hands-on experience for our students to gain a better understanding of the tasks entailed when working as part of a cabin crew. They got stuck in with a range of activities and recognised the important roles that cabin crew play in the safety and running of a flight. 

During this training, students looked at safety and emergency equipment, were taught the Learning Zones, and even simulated pilot incapacitation. They were taught the emergency exits from an aircraft such as the A320 Slide Descent, the slide raft practical, and the cabin evacuation and debrief. Finally, they even simulated a real-life fire, allowing the students to practice the smoke chamber exercise and the fire rig on a naked flame.

This trip offered our learners invaluable insight into the industry, allowing them to take part in intense training and lifesaving operations which is required to ensure the safety of all passengers on board. It provided them with more of an appreciation for all the work that goes on behind the scenes and gave them a better idea of the procedures and what a career in this industry would look like. 

Sinead, one of our Level 3 Travel and Tourism students who attended the trip, said, “I enjoyed the variety of activities we completed throughout the day; I particularly enjoyed the fire safety zone where I had to put out a real fire on an electrotonic device.” 

“The staff from British Airways were extremely supportive and knowledgeable, giving me an insight into the job and industry. This trip has also made me consider pursuing cabin crew as a job in the future.” 

It is immersive trips like this that help the next generation of employees decide on their future careers. It gives them an opportunity to obtain real-life experience, understand the responsibilities that accompany the position, and take part in activities and training that is a common practice within the role.  

Hannah Carstensen, our Travel and Tourism lecturer, said, “This is the second time we have run this trip for our Travel and Tourism learners and, again, it did not disappoint. Learners have been able to gain hands-on experience with emergency procedures and engage with tasks that mirror real-life emergencies which offers insight into the training intensity.” 

“Ian and Elaine were able to offer learners an understanding into airline standards and how a major global airline such as British Airways maintains professionalism, safety and service excellence, which gives them a benchmark for industry expectations.” 

Overall, this trip has enhanced our learners’ employability skills, as well as demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment to the sector which future employers will value. They were also taught a variety of transferrable skills that can be used across many roles in the Travel and Tourism sector and got the chance to network with industry professionals. 

Thank you to the British Airways staff for accommodating our learners and providing such a positive and educational experience. 

If you are interested in applying to one of our Travel & Tourism courses, click here. 

This curriculum trip forms part of the Travel & Tourism 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. 

Weston College is proud to announce that Abbi Richards has been awarded the prestigious Centre of Excellence status by the Pearson National Teaching Awards judges, following her nomination for the Pearson Awards, in the SEND and Inclusive Practice category.

This national recognition celebrates Abbi’s outstanding commitment to inclusive education and her transformative work with learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Abbi has played a vital role in designing a creative, empowering curriculum that supports learners to develop communication, independence, and essential life skills.

Her work has had a profound impact not only on students, but on colleagues, families, and the wider sector.

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO at the Weston College Group, said: “We are incredibly proud of Abbi.

Her unwavering passion, creativity, and commitment to holistic, student-centred learning truly reflect the values we champion at Weston College.

The impact of Abbi’s work is clear in the heartfelt feedback we regularly receive. Parents often speak of her ‘infectious energy’ and her ability to genuinely understand each student, crediting her with helping even the most complex learners build confidence and independence.

Well done, Abbi!”

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.