Weston College is delighted to celebrate the achievements of the pilot cohort of University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) staff who have successfully completed the Higher Development Award. This milestone highlights the dedication, growth, and professional development of the Trust’s administrative and clerical colleagues.

The Higher Development Award is designed to empower a vital staff group, equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to thrive in their careers.

Feedback from the cohort has been overwhelmingly positive:

“The programme gave me the confidence to speak up in meetings and recognise that my voice matters – I’m not ‘just’ an administrator.”

“I now feel empowered to volunteer for new initiatives, like A3 Thinking, and contribute beyond my usual role.”

“I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the difference between equality and equity – and why both matter in the workplace.”

“This experience helped me realise that I play a vital and relevant role in the NHS – I’m more than just an administrator.”

This inspiring programme was brought to life by a range of guest speakers from across UHBW who showcased the breadth of their professions.

Recognising and uplifting the voices of those who work behind the scenes is a core focus of the programme. Weston College and UHBW are proud to celebrate the achievements of this pilot cohort and are already looking forward to welcoming Cohort 2 soon.

Level 1 courses are a great way to build a foundation of knowledge around a subject, introducing you at a more flexible and slower pace whilst building your skills and preparing you to progress onto Level 2.   

There are many benefits to a Level 1 course. They create a foundation of knowledge for learners, building a solid base of information and skills which make them ideal for beginners. Not only this, they also build confidence in unfamiliar areas and act as a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications. They are also more accessible and flexible to a wider range of students. 

Our Level 1 courses vary in entry requirements, with most courses requiring 5 GCSEs grade 3-1 with at least two grade 3 results. On some courses, it is also required to gain at least a grade 2 in GCSE Maths and English. This makes our Level 1 courses accessible to give you the knowledge and skills to succeed and progress to the Level 2 courses.  

With this level of qualification, you could move onto a Level 2 study programme or an apprenticeship at Level 2, this includes technical qualifications such as diplomas, certificates and NVQs at level 2, transitioning to T Level Programme, or intermediate apprenticeships.

At Weston College, we have many Level 1 courses available, including Animal Management, Art and Design, Computing, Construction, Early Years, Hairdressing, Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, Music and Production, Protective Services, and Sport. 

If you are unsure of what course level is best for you, check out our Levels Explained page to gain a more in-depth understanding. 

If you are still unsure, email enquiries@weston.ac.uk or visit one of our campuses and speak to the team for help.

Weston College is pleased to announce a new Careers Excellence Hub (CEH) partnership with a creative agency, Noor Creatives. This exciting collaboration will offer students the opportunity to apply their creativity in real-world settings, developing content for live clients, gaining valuable insight into the creative sector, and building skills that align with current digital industries. 

Through this partnership, students will be mentored by professionals from Noor Creatives and take part in practical workshops and collaborative campaigns that emphasise branding, digital storytelling, and inclusive communication. 

Noor Creatives, founded by Mir Sadat, is a values-led creative agency specialising in branding, digital solutions, and content creation. Working with charities, community projects, public-sector organisations, and purpose-driven businesses, Noor Creatives help clients craft compelling brands that connect and inspire. 

Founder and CEO of Noor Creatives, Mir Sadat, added, “At Noor Creatives, we are passionate about helping the next generation shine through creativity, innovation, and empowerment. My journey — from early challenges in Afghanistan, to rebuilding my life and business in the UK — has taught me that with the right support, every individual has the potential to excel. Partnering with Weston College gives us the chance to share our knowledge and experience, and to help students, particularly those facing language barriers or cultural challenges, to believe in their potential and build their own bright futures.” 

Mir’s own journey is central to the mission of Noor Creatives. ‘Noor’ means light and it embodies the belief that creativity and communication can inspire change, build confidence, and empower communities. 

This partnership also contributes to the creative economy by nurturing local talent and ensuring students gain experience within their own communities. With a shared commitment to inclusion, innovation, and opportunity, Weston College and Noor Creatives are working together to shape a more accessible and dynamic future for creative industries in North Somerset and beyond. 

Lynsey McKinstry, Strategic Business Partnership Manager at Weston College, says, “We are so excited about this new partnership, giving a range of students the chance to flex their creativity and apply their knowledge outside the classroom. The opportunities and pathways that partnerships like this provide to the students are invaluable for their growth, allowing them to contribute to a professional environment and assist with real-world projects. We look forward to working closely with Noor Creatives in the future and seeing how they help our students grow.” 

This opportunity will help develop our students’ personal and professional growth, giving them the chance to work closely with industry professionals and build transferrable skills that they can apply to future careers. They will gain responsibilities and build relationships with clients, ensuring our students leave college career-ready, confident, and prepared for the competitive job market.