Weston College works with hundreds of employers across a range of sectors to create training opportunities for students.

Among these is Weston Museum, which provides work experience opportunities for learners who face barriers to employment.

As well as matching roles to individual abilities and providing each learner with a mentor, the Museum offers their staff autism training to develop their understanding of the condition.

In recognition of its efforts, the Museum was named Disability Confident Employer of the Year at the College’s annual Business Awards.

Matthew Hardy, Weston Museum’s Visitor Services Manager, said it was an honour for the Museum to win the award.

“Being nominated and receiving the Disability Employer of the Year was a huge achievement for us,” he said. “We take pride in our inclusivity, so to be recognised in that way was amazing.

“We offer volunteering opportunities and work experience in customer service, the café and administration. Staff and volunteers are also encouraged to undertake autism awareness training, which is facilitated by Nina from Weston Bay (the College’s residential training centre for students on the autism spectrum).

“As well as staff support, our learners shadow existing volunteers who have been doing the role for a while. This not only helps with learning but also boosts confidence.”

Matthew believes that these steps enable learners to make a noticeable impact on the business.

He said: “The learners, like all of our volunteers, enrich Weston Museum and enable us to offer the diverse range of services that we do. Their support is invaluable.

“The learners vary so much in terms of ability, confidence and skills when we first meet them, but they all develop during their time with us – especially their confidence and social skills.

“Many are completely unrecognisable as the person they were when they started, which is fantastic.”

And Matthew insists that the relationship with the College is central to the work it does for learners who need additional support when it comes to learning and employment.

He said: “Weston Museum values its relationship with Weston College hugely. Whilst we are limited in what we can offer, what we do offer is very important to our culture and is at the heart of our inclusive ethos. We genuinely couldn’t do what we do without them.”

To find out how we can help you to create an inclusive workforce, click here. 

A Weston College lecturer has won a major accolade for his service as a Royal Marine and achievements since leaving the forces.

Dave Beresford (pictured left), who is a Public Services lecturer, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the English Veterans Awards held at Mercure Holland House in Bristol.

The awards celebrate veterans who have made the often-difficult transition from the military to civilian life. They reward those who have gone above and beyond and excelled in their relevant fields and act as role models for future service leavers.

“I didn’t even know I’d been nominated initially,” said Dave. “So, to be shortlisted, and then win the award, was a wonderful surprise and a huge honour.

“I’m proud to have served in the Marines for 14 years and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the forces.

“As many ex-service personnel find, the transition into civilian life isn’t always easy, and it presented a few challenges initially.

“But military life taught me a number of lessons and skills that have served me well in my career in education and I’ve been able to call upon them to teach young people at Weston College.”

During his 14 years in the Royal Marines, Dave was awarded the Military Cross after rescuing two colleagues who were weighed down with heavy equipment and under fire from enemy forces.

Despite struggling with some common problems associated with moving into civilian life, Dave has gone on to forge a highly successful career in education. After starting as a graduate primary school teacher, he has progressed to lecture in further and higher education at Weston College.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, led the plaudits to Dave.

“To win such a prominent award is a magnificent achievement and deserved recognition for Dave,” said Dr Paul.

“After a distinguished career in the armed forces, he’s demonstrated massive determination and aptitude to carve out a wonderful career as a lecturer and is inspirational role model for his learners.”

Weston College itself was also among the finalists at the ceremony after being shortlisted for the Employer of the Year category.

The College has a strong history of supporting local military units and the Armed Forces community and is strengthening this commitment by launching a course to help servicemen and women find employment when they leave the forces.

Shaun Canniford, College Representative for the Armed Forces Covenant, said: “As a College we have a serious commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise to provide veterans and their families, and those leaving the military seeking, training and work opportunities.

“To be given recognition at the English Veterans Awards for our support of veterans was fantastic and we look forward to continuing the work we do by launching our Veterans Pre-Employment Programme on October 30th. This new course will ensure veterans are offered the training, advice and support they need to gain qualifications and find employment on leaving the armed services.” Click here to read more about this exciting new initiative.