As we look towards 2050 and the UK's longer-term ambitions around reducing our carbon footprint and greenhouse emissions, Colleges in the region are stepping up to the challenge by preparing their students for the careers that will be plentiful around green energy and power supply.

The transition to green energy isn’t just a national ambition—it’s an urgent necessity. The South West stands at the forefront of this revolution, with colleges playing a vital role in shaping the workforce that will power the future. With major investments like Hinkley Point C and the rise of EV manufacturing, the region is poised to lead, but only if we equip students and businesses with the right skills.

The South West region has real potential to be a national player in the nation’s energy supply solution. We've already seen the investment in Hinkley Point C, due to go live in the early 2030s, and with the growth in electrification of transportation, the announcement of a new battery factory within the South West is also a positive position for our region. Looking ahead, the mid-2030s could bring flight powered by hydrogen, electrification, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Alongside this, offshore wind can generate substantial electricity, and the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in the North of the region adds to the energy landscape. These are known developments, and our role as college leaders is to prepare students for these future opportunities. We must take this information and prepare our students for the jobs of the future. There is every possibility that a student with the right knowledge skills and behaviours could start their career in battery manufacture then move to offshore wind and then into hydrogen infrastructure within their career lifetime.

So how do we help our students prepare for the future?

Employers are looking for employees who have an inquisitive mind and want to work in that industry. Senior leads report that the desire to be there is more important, as employees can be taught the skills they need if they want to learn them. It is therefore our responsibility to make sure that our students are ready to learn and have the necessary essential and core skills to equip them to embrace a fulfilling job path for the future. Skills such as communication, teamwork, curiosity, and determination are all needed to move through and across job roles and sectors for the future. As part of the early work of the Local Skills Improvement Plans, we trialled the development and delivery of new micro-credentials for the development of the future workforce building on the feedback from employers on the need for these essential skills. We are hopeful that the proposed changes to employer-led qualifications, and the development of Skills England will allow more of the short, focused courses to be developed.

Weston College, one of the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) education partners has implemented a sustainability strategy that includes offering programmes focused on green skills and environmental awareness. Sustainability has been integrated into various vocational courses, from construction to engineering, and offers specialised courses in renewable energy. For example, its University Centre Weston (UCW) offers free modular courses like Level 4 Quantity Surveying and Sustainability, integrating environmental considerations into construction and engineering education.

Sustainability is the imperative, not the nice-to-do

As part of the awareness of sustainability Weston College throughout the year offers different focused events such as an Innovation Sustainability Day where different groups of students are brought together to solve a problem. This helps students see the value of teamwork and communication and focuses them on a particular challenge that needs to be addressed. Weston, along with all Colleges supports the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) and staff and students are often asked to reflect on the impact of decisions on the 17 SDGs. These are particularly important to consider for the SDGs around clean energy, climate action and life below water strategies as a minimum.

Supporting Adult Learners and the Workforce Transition

It’s not just about young people—the energy sector's transformation requires the upskilling of the current workforce. This is where colleges' responsiveness to their local communities becomes crucial. Through the WEIoT partnership, colleges in the region collaborated to create an electric vehicle upskilling package for local garages. These garages, now servicing EV-powered vehicles previously under main dealer warranties, needed staff trained in safe working practices and technical skills. By shaping and sharing this knowledge across the college network, numerous SME garages have been able to update their staff and meet growing EV servicing demands. As EV demand grows, targeted technical training ensures the region remains competitive, fostering economic growth and creating sustainable jobs.

Another significant development for the region is the use of hydrogen, and there are many different companies from Cornwall to Gloucestershire all working on different solutions on how hydrogen may be produced, moved around the region and used. Whether the outcome is for transportation, heating, power solutions and other possibilities it is an area set for growth in the future. The WEIoT alongside Business West and National Composite Centre (an WEIoT Anchor Partner) invested in early research with businesses that grew into a highly successful Hydrogen South West model. Recognising this growing market both Weston and Yeovil Colleges have delivered training to local businesses, and in the case of Yeovil a significant investment in a Hydrogen test facility that opens this month. It is the collaborative working and shared knowledge of the partnership between colleges that makes investment in collaboration worthwhile and delivers a better solution for the wider region.

Shaping the Future

Still, there is more to do. The WEIoT and its wider partnerships have been fortunate to engage in these industry-led initiatives, ensuring that educational programmes evolve in alignment with cutting-edge research and manufacturing. By linking education with innovation and sustainability, the South West is positioning itself as a leader in the green industrial transition.

In a recent speech unveiling support for Clean Energy jobs, Skills Minister Jacqui Smith emphasised:

“Skills will be a vital part of our Plan for Change and transition to a clean energy future, and I have spoken to many young people who are really keen to break into this booming sector. This initiative is an example of how skills training can support our number one mission to grow the economy whilst helping to meet Britain’s energy needs and support the move towards net zero.”

The South West has all the pieces in place to become a national leader in green energy. But we must act decisively ensuring our education system keeps pace with industry needs, our businesses invest in upskilling, and our students seize these opportunities. Through collaboration, innovation, and education, we can power a greener, more resilient future.

Last month, members of the public had the opportunity to book their dogs onto a free pet photoshoot in the photography studios at Loxton Campus. These sessions were run by Year 1 and Year 2 Level 3 Photography students, offering them a valuable hands-on learning experience.

The students had the chance to photograph a wide variety of dog breeds, including Dachshunds, Huskies, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and many others. This annual event is always in high demand and sells out quickly. Not only does it provide an exciting real-world opportunity for students to enhance their photography skills, but it also allows the public to receive stunning, high-quality portraits of their beloved pets—completely free of charge.

The experience proved to be an excellent challenge for the students, helping them adapt to the needs of each dog. Not only this, capturing the perfect shot developed the students’ patience, quick thinking, and the ability to work with energetic subjects that were not always keen to sit still! These kinds of challenges are typical in professional photography due to the dynamic nature of the job, making this the perfect way for learners to gain industry experience in a controlled environment and prepare them for their future careers.

As well as gaining invaluable experience in a fast-paced, client-focused setting, the students also got to develop their personal portfolios that they can use after college.

Paul French, one of our Photography lecturers who organises the event each year, ensures it runs smoothly for the public, the students, and the dogs. "This event provides invaluable experience for our learners, giving them a glimpse into their future as photographers and insight into the industry. The students stepped up to the challenge and portrayed a fantastic level of maturity and professionalism—a great reflection of Weston College and the well-rounded students we produce", Paul added.

The annual dog photoshoot continues to be a highlight for both students and the community, encouraging skill development, creativity, and the joy of capturing unforgettable moments with your precious pups.

Check out a few of this year's amazing pet portraits:

If you’re interested in applying to one of our Photography courses in September, click here.

Last week in London, The Engineer hosted the 2025 Collaborate to Innovate Awards. Now in its ninth year, the C2I Awards were established to spotlight exemplary engineering collaborations that address complex societal challenges and advanced innovation. The C2I Awards evening consists of 9 different categories – and Weston College came on top for the highly regarded STEM Initiative Awards for Increase STEM in Apprenticeships!

In response to the noted shortage of skilled workers in STEM, we have delivered a series of collaborative projects aimed at increasing engagement in STEM amongst young people, with the goal of fostering the next generation of engineers. We sought to address the gap by partnering with a range of organisations, both local and international for maximum impact.

The collaborations for this initiative were designed not only to spark interest in STEM careers but also to provide practical, hands-on experiences that can inspire and inform career choices among young learners – many of whom have never experienced engineering. Our partners included global leaders such as Boeing and First Scandinavia, local leaders like WEAF, and impactful organisations such as the Luke Wheaton Trust – all of which enabled us to create unique, accessible experiences that demystify engineering for young people.

Some examples of projects for the Increase STEM in Apprenticeships initiative included:

The Mobile Newton Room 

One of the flagship projects for Increase STEM in Apprenticeships was the Mobile Newton Room, a collaboration between Weston College, First Scandinavia, and Boeing. This project brought an innovative flight simulator to the UK, marking the only stop in the country for this unique educational experience. The Mobile Newton Room was run by apprentices from Weston College, who guided local school children through the experience, offering many their first exposure to engineering principles. The project’s aim was to demystify engineering and make it accessible to a broader audience, particularly targeting young students who might not otherwise consider a career in this field. The collaboration exemplified how international and local expertise can be harnessed to create impactful educational opportunities.

Engagement Through Events and Initiatives 

In addition to the Mobile Newton Room, Weston College collaborated with the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) to host events that bridge the gap between employers and young people. These events serve as a platform for employers to engage directly with potential future employees, demonstrating the diverse career paths available within the STEM sectors. Such initiatives are crucial in providing young people with insights into the industry and the types of roles they could pursue, thereby helping to build a pipeline of future talent.

Sustainable Engineering and the Great Big Green Week 

Weston College also hosted the Great Big Green Week, an initiative focused on sustainability and the role engineering can play in addressing environmental challenges. This week-long event was open to learners at Weston College and UCW, offering a series of activities designed to encourage sustainable thinking. By linking engineering with sustainability, this initiative not only educates but also motivates young people to consider how they can contribute to solving global issues through their future careers.

Collaboration with the Luke Wheaton Trust 

In partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust, Weston College has hosted several events, supported by employers such as GKN, Rotamec, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), providing young people with an overview of potential career paths in STEM. The partnership also extends to offering scholarships through the Luke Wheaton Trust, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing engineering education and opportunities.

Watch our C2I Awards video to learn more about our Increase STEM in Apprenticeships Initiative!

Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships & Skills, said:

“All of these various initiatives have had a significant impact: both driving engagement from young people and fostering improved links between education and industry. The Newton Room Project has been particularly impactful in sparking interest in STEM among younger students, delivering 19 sessions to 228 learners from local primary and secondary schools and introducing many children to engineering concepts for the first time. Meanwhile, through events organised with the Luke Wheaton Trust, the college has facilitated contact with industry for over 100 new individuals.”

“The college’s efforts have also led to a notable increase in the number of engineering apprenticeships. Indeed, the growing demand has been so substantial that it’s now planning to launch a dedicated engineering campus to accommodate and further support this interest.

“What’s more, the various STEM initiatives have deepened the college’s engagement with employers across a range of industries, who are now actively working with the college to offer a wide range of apprenticeships. This increased collaboration with employers enhances its ability to provide practical, real-world training that is directly aligned with industry needs”

Thank you to all our staff and partners who helped to bring Increase STEM in Apprenticeships to life, and who made an impact on our learners and the future of young engineers!

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.