Last month, our Protective Services students were visited by the Avon Fire and Rescue service where they shared valuable insight into a career as a firefighter and the expectations and qualities required for a career in the fire service.

The Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) course gives students a comprehensive insight into careers within the Protective Services, including the Emergency Services and the Armed Forces. By developing a clear understanding of these roles, students are better prepared for future application processes, the realities of day-to-day duties, and the key qualities needed to succeed in high-pressure environments.

During the visit, members of the Avon Fire and Rescue team detailed their journey into the service, outlining their progression to the students and giving them insight into the eligibility and application process to become a firefighter, and the different roles people can pursue within the fire service. This was an excellent opportunity for students to understand the lengthy recruitment procedure and ask questions to industry professionals.

Students also received details of the daily routine as a firefighter, outlining their key roles and responsibilities, shift patterns, involvement within the community, and the benefits and challenges of the profession. This provided learners with a realistic understanding of emergency service careers and the importance of teamwork, resilience, and quick decision-making under pressure.

Not only this, students learnt how to respond effectively to fires, how to call for help, and the correct protocols to follow in an emergency. This was great first-hand exposure for students to learn from industry professionals and gain a basic understanding of how to contain a fire, no matter their future career goal. Students then got to see a fire engine up-close, receiving a tour of the vehicle and seeing how they use the kit and equipment to put out a fire.

This session highlighted the key attributes needed to succeed in any Protective Services career, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication, leadership, and critical thinking. These essential skills are developed throughout the UPS course via a range of practical, team-building activities, ensuring students are well prepared to handle the demands and pressures of real-world situations.

David Beresford, Head of Protective Services at Weston College, added, “This was a valuable opportunity for our students to explore the career pathways available to them after completing their course. Working alongside employers like this provides real-world insight into careers within the emergency services, while also giving students the chance to network with industry professionals and ask meaningful questions to support their future ambitions.”

A huge thank you to the Avon Fire and Rescue team for taking the time to share the valuable insight with our students.

This employer visit forms part of the Protective Services 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.

This June, we’re looking forward to celebrating the fantastic achievements of our apprentices, trainees, and learners who have completed industry placements, as well as recognising the invaluable support of our incredible business partners, at our annual Business Awards. 

The winners will be revealed during a special evening on 11 June at the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Weston-super-Mare. 

Over the past two months, our team have been out filming all shortlisted nominees, ahead of the judging panel choosing their winners. We’ll also be announcing our judging panel over the coming weeks - so keep an eye out! 

In the meantime, take a look at our shortlisted learners and employer partners below: 

Work Experience Partnership Award 

This award recognises learners who have developed valuable skills through employer-led work experience, and the partner organisations whose support has enabled successful transitions into apprenticeships and employment. 

• Mya Maloney and Wallace Stuart Lady Funeral Directors 
• Tobias Olson and Victoria Park Community Centre 
• Brodie Fitzpatrick and Weston-super-Mare Foodbank 

Adult Training Partnership Award 

This award celebrates adult learners who completed an Adult Training course, and the partners who supported their development throughout. 

• Amanda Edmonson and West of England Combined Authority 
• Rebecca Jones and Citizens Advice North Somerset 
• Mark Taiani and Bakers Dolphin 

Industry Placement Partnership Award 

This award honours learners who excelled in their Industry Placements and the businesses that provided exceptional guidance and support. 

• Magdelena Bienias and Noah's Ark Zoo Farm 
• Beth Prosser and Beard Construction 
• Rosie Palmer and Funny Bunnies Pre-School 

Career Excellence Hub Partnership Award 

This award highlights outstanding collaboration between learners and our Career Excellence Hub Partners, integrating real-world experience with career-focused study. 

• Twisted  
• Access your Care 
• Jet2 

Into Work Partnership Award 

The Into Work Partnership Award recognises learners in supported internships for those with SEND, and the employers whose dedication helps them move into employment. 

• Jacob Dumolo and Andy Hall Cars 
• Emily Plumley & Haywood Village Academy 
• Emily Clemence and Beach Lawns Residential and Nursing Home 

Apprenticeship Partnership Award 

This award celebrates apprenticeship graduates for their achievements and the partner organisations that supported their learning and success. 

• Kayleigh Bain & Smart Systems 
• Hannah Taylor & Airbus 
• Gabe Goodman & Bristol Airport 

University Centre Weston Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Partnership Award 

This award showcases degree apprentices for their impact and growth, alongside the partners providing daily support and opportunities to thrive. 

• Charlie Eldergill and Ministry of Defence 
• Bradley Waterhouse and Shared Apprenticeships / Bowmer + Kirkland 
• Abraham Matthews & GKN Aerospace 

Congratulations to all those shortlisted, and best of luck to each nominee!

Take a look at our Business Awards 2026 page for more information about the event.

Today Weston College has been named as one of the country’s new Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs), securing a pivotal role in delivering high-quality training for the next generation of workers in advanced manufacturing, which is one of Britain’s fastest growing and most critical sectors.

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO at Weston College Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing. It reflects the quality and scale of our provision, the strength of our employer partnerships, and our commitment to delivering the higher technical skills which industry needs.

“We created an original partnership group with stakeholders, committed to delivering future skills and economic growth, collectively providing valuable input and support to this work. I would like to personally thank our partners, Airbus, Rolls‑Royce, GKN Aerospace, NCC, West of England Combined Authority and Business West. It is through your continued partnership that we can develop training that is truly industry‑led, with cutting-edge facilities and prepare our learners for high‑value careers in advanced manufacturing.”

This recognition also builds on Weston College’s ambitious plans for expansion, including the £2.6 million Aerospace Skills Academy on Airbus’s Filton site, opening this September. This facility will significantly increase the College’s training capacity and give learners access to advanced manufacturing environments, that directly support the needs of leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing employers.

The 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges across the UK, backed by £175 million of government investment, will provide around 65,000 learners with access to training for high-demand roles across advanced manufacturing, clean energy, defence, and digital technologies. This comes at a crucial time, with an estimated 600,000 additional workers needed in these sectors by 2030.

For Weston College and the wider West of England region, this recognition represents a significant step forward in aligning education with industry demand and supporting economic growth while creating clear, high-quality pathways into skilled employment.

Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “People across the West will, like me, be delighted that Weston College will become a Technical Excellence College for advanced manufacturing. The case was strong: over the last decade, our regional economy has created over 100,000 new jobs - including the most job growth in key industries of any region. This shows that when we work together, the West Country is being heard by government.

“Advanced manufacturing is part of the West's history, as the region that gave flight to Concorde; part of our present, with the sector employing over 18,000 people locally and generating billions of pounds for the national economy; and part of our future, through the investment that will come with hosting one of just four Technical Excellence Colleges of its kind. Further innovation will ensure that the sector stays competitive for years to come.

“The £2.6 million Aerospace Skills Academy set to open in Filton this September will be a key part of Weston College Group's expanded offer, adding to the industry-leading innovation being pioneered at places like Airbus, BAE, GKN, NCC, and Rolls-Royce. It will mean that 40% more people get the opportunity to develop their skills in world-class facilities, equipped for some of the new jobs being created here in the country's fastest growing regional economy.”

Cllr Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, families, skills and lifelong learning, said: “We are delighted that Weston College has been selected as a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing – one of only four nationally in this sector. This recognition highlights the College’s strong industry partnerships and its commitment to investing in high‑quality, future‑focused skills provision. Initiatives such as the £2.6 million Aerospace Skills Academy at Airbus Filton will give young people and students in North Somerset direct access to world‑class training, hands‑on experience and a clear pathway into high‑value careers. This designation will support social mobility and ensure local talent can build rewarding futures within our area, while also strengthening our economy and advanced manufacturing sector.

“Ultimately, this is about raising aspirations and showing every young person in our community that they don’t have to look elsewhere to succeed - they can build a rewarding, fulfilling career right here at home.”

Strategically located to meet regional demand, Weston College’s TEC status will help drive productivity, innovation and opportunity across the South West. It also supports the government’s ambition for two-thirds of young people to be engaged in higher-level learning by the age of 25, while reinforcing the importance of high-quality technical education as an equal and valuable route alongside university.

This latest announcement builds on the first wave of Technical Excellence Colleges launched in August 2025, which saw £100 million invested in improving facilities, teaching and employer collaboration nationwide. Together, these investments signal a long-term commitment to developing the skilled workforce Britain needs to compete globally.

As a Technical Excellence College, Weston College will continue to lead the way in delivering industry-aligned education, empowering learners, supporting employers, and strengthening the future of advanced manufacturing both regionally and nationally.