<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">On 6th June, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> students came together to perform <em>Echoes of the Stage</em> at <strong>The Playhouse Theatre</strong>, an original production that incorporated a range of legendary musicals theatre numbers from existing <strong>Broadway </strong>and <strong>West End</strong> shows across different eras. &nbsp;</p><p>In this production, time had been shattered in a forgotten theatre and, in order to restore time and revive the theatre, six dreamers were summoned by the Clockmaker to journey through legendary musicals such as <strong>The Great Gatsby</strong>, <strong>Anything Goes</strong>, <strong>Mary Poppins</strong>, <strong>Cabaret</strong>, <strong>Les Misérables</strong>, and many more to piece time back together. &nbsp;</p><p>The students from Level 2 and 3 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> worked together throughout the 12 weeks of rehearsals to create this incredible show! They worked extremely hard on learning the choreography, songs and scenes, as well as developing new roles, characters and embracing this new and exciting original production.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;One of the students dressed as the &apos;Clockmaker&apos;&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cafda4ff-318a-4469-8e36-5f1085856496" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout this production, students stepped out of their comfort zones and became more adaptable in a range of roles, characters and responsibilities. They developed their confidence on stage and perfected their techniques in a professional, real-life theatre environment which was excellent practice for future industry experience. &nbsp;</p><p>The production celebrated a range of musicals throughout history, seeing the development of different songs and dances over time. This was a great way for the students to experience the progression of Musical Theatre and the impact these popular productions have had on today’s industry. </p><p>The students took on a range of production roles to give them the opportunity to develop their skills, increase their employability, and provide them with a more holistic understanding of the theatre industry and its current requirements. This provides them with a variety of transferrable skills to give them a broader knowledge base, from helping with lights and sound, to assisting with the Marketing of the production.  &nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student performing a solo dance and song&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9473e72a-4792-486e-999b-5c913d470bfe" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Not only this, <em>Echoes of the Stage</em> was also a celebration of inclusion and support, with all students getting the chance to sing, dance and act in the role that they desired. It was a fantastic way for everyone to flex their creativity and, due to the variety of musicals included, get the chance to be front and centre. They got to experience multiple quick changes and practice a range of different dances from across the decades. &nbsp;</p><p>Witnessing the teamwork, collaboration and professionalism from all the students was fantastic. They successfully learnt and executed this production in a short amount of time and seamlessly adapted to the new approach of this musical. It was very different from anything Weston College Performing Arts had done before as it was an original concept and script written by the team. &nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student dancing across the stage&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb39464e-f596-4f99-8b27-cb956c5feadd" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Joe Miller, one of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> lecturers at Weston College, expressed how proud he was of the learners, saying, “The learners were stretched and challenged throughout the 12-week process, developing their skills in dance, acting, singing, planning, problem solving and performance, to name but a few!”  &nbsp;</p><p>“The final show in The Playhouse was a huge success and we are incredibly proud of the work our learners have achieved. The feedback and reviews about the production were amazing, saying how inclusive our show was, how professional it was and, above all, how incredibly entertaining they found it! Here's to next year’s show!” &nbsp;</p><p>This original production was created by the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</u></a> lecturers, Joe Miller, Lisa Frost, and Fiona Philp, who worked hard to choreograph and direct this unique and uplifting musical. It wouldn’t have been possible without their hard work and dedication, and with the collaboration of the students, this production was a celebration of all things Musical Theatre. &nbsp;</p><p>Well done to all the students who performed and helped, your efforts didn’t go unnoticed! &nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… you are interested in applying to one of our Performance and Production courses, click here.</u></a> &nbsp;</p><p>This performance forms part of the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts and Production</a> 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. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>We spoke with David Price, Firefighter at <a href="https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/">Avon Fire and Rescue Service</a> working out of the Children and Young Persons Department, about how <a href="https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/">Avon Fire and Rescue</a> collaborate with Weston College through a range of programmes designed to help learners launch careers in the firefighting industry!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1. What is your relationship with Weston College? e.g. what services do you offer to our students?</strong></p><p>At Avon Fire and Rescue Service we support Weston College with many different areas from <strong>Education/Personal Safety</strong> to <strong>Project Ignite</strong>. Our Education Packages can be bespoke to the courses that Weston College are running i.e. <strong>Early Years Learners</strong> or more in-depth <strong>Road Safety, Water Safety, Personal </strong>and <strong>Electrical Safety </strong>for the College and University Candidates.</p><p>As part of Avon Fire and Rescue Service, we work in close partnership with Weston College to support the delivery and quality assurance of <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/protective-se… Apprenticeship programmes</strong></a>. Our relationship is built on a shared commitment to developing the next generation of firefighters through high-quality, structured learning that reflects both academic standards and the operational demands of the fire and rescue sector.</p><p>We collaborate with Weston College to ensure apprentices receive the right support at every stage, from induction to End-Point Assessment, while also contributing to the continuous improvement of the programme. Together, we’ve created an environment where learners can grow in <strong>confidence, capability,</strong> and <strong>professionalism</strong>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2. Can you tell me about the work you do with our pre-employment learners, such as Ignite?</strong></p><p><strong>Project Ignite </strong>was a venture instigated by <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pension… for Work and Pensions</a> who then reached out to Weston College. Weston College then reached out to Avon Fire and Rescue Service to see if we could support.</p><p>The general idea is that 18-25yr olds who are not achieving in general day to day life can get the help and support that they need. The main focus being that Weston College would support the academic side of the course and Avon Fire and Rescue would support the practical side with activities to enhance the candidate's<strong> self-esteem, confidence, teamwork</strong> and <strong>communication skills</strong> through activities that Fire Service Personnel do on a day-to-day basis.</p><p>The other part to this is<strong> varied locations </strong>for carrying out the training rather than being in the same place all the time. The information that the candidates gain from Project Ignite can also enrich their lives and the lives of others around them with regards to safety.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>3. What impact do these courses have on the learners, and on Avon Fire and Rescue?</strong></p><p>The apprenticeship courses delivered in partnership with Weston College have a significant and lasting impact on both the learners and Avon Fire and Rescue Service. For the learners, these programmes provide a <strong>clear</strong>, <strong>structured pathway</strong> into the fire service, equipping them with the <strong>technical knowledge, operational competence</strong>, and <strong>professional behaviours</strong> needed to succeed in a demanding and dynamic role. The blend of <strong>academic learning</strong> and <strong>on-the-job experience</strong> helps build their <strong>confidence, resilience,</strong> and <strong>decision-making skills</strong>.</p><p>For Avon Fire and Rescue, the impact is equally powerful. These courses help to develop highly capable and well-prepared firefighters who are trained to national standards and aligned with our organisational values. The apprenticeship model supports <strong>workforce planning, succession development,</strong> and a <strong>culture of continuous improvement.</strong> Ultimately, it strengthens our ability to serve our <strong>communities safely, effectively, </strong>and with <strong>professionalism.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>4. Can you tell me about the work you do with our Firefighter apprentices?</strong></p><p>Working with firefighter apprentices at Avon Fire and Rescue Service is a <strong>rewarding</strong> and<strong> vital </strong>part of our service. From the moment they join us at Training School, we support their development through a carefully structured programme that blends operational training with academic learning, in partnership with Weston College. This includes mentoring, providing formative feedback, and helping them embed the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required of a competent firefighter.</p><p>As they progress, we monitor their performance through regular reviews, support their workplace assessments, and ensure that their training aligns with both service expectations and the national apprenticeship standard. We also contribute to their preparation for the End-Point Assessment, guiding them through <strong>mock scenarios, professional discussions,</strong> and <strong>final reviews</strong> to ensure they’re confident and ready.</p><p>The goal is not just to help them pass the EPA but to help them become <strong>capable, reflective, </strong>and <strong>resilient firefighters </strong>who can make a positive difference in their careers and in the communities they serve.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>5. What types of skills do the Firefighters leave the apprenticeship with?</strong></p><p>Firefighter apprentices leave the programme with a strong blend of practical, technical, and professional skills. They’re trained in operational firefighting, community safety, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication ready to protect life, property, and the environment with confidence and professionalism.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>6. How does taking on apprentice's benefit Avon Fire and Rescue?</strong></p><p>Apprentices bring <strong>fresh energy, diversity</strong>, and a <strong>strong foundation </strong>of <strong>skills</strong> into the service. They help us grow a future-ready workforce, tailored to the demands of modern firefighting supporting succession planning, resilience, and continuous improvement across Avon Fire and Rescue.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>7. Can you tell me about any success stories of Weston College learners who can come to Avon Fire and Rescue for a pre-employment course or an apprenticeship?</strong></p><p>After the first Project Ignite we have heard that <strong>2</strong> candidates went on into employment and the rest signed up for <strong>further education.</strong> We have seen that 1 candidate from the second Project Ignite has reached out to Avon Fire and Rescue Service. Project Ignite is not a way into the Fire Service but more of an insight into the way industry works throughout the Country/World.</p><p>There have been many success stories of our apprentices - below is a snippet of a success story of an apprentice firefighter who has proved that you can switch careers at any point in your life if you feel it is right for you:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em><strong>Outstanding Achievement: Andy Dolman Earns Distinction in Firefighter Apprenticeship</strong></em></p><p><em>We are proud to celebrate the success of Andy Dolman, our latest apprentice to achieve Distinction across all areas of his End-Point Assessment. Andy’s journey began as an on-call firefighter at Chew Magna while also working as a property maintenance contractor. After successfully navigating the recruitment process, he commenced his wholetime career in April 2022, enrolling in the Firefighter Apprenticeship scheme.</em></p><p><em>Through two years of dedication, commitment, and hard work, Andy successfully completed his End-Point Assessment, earning an overall grade of Distinction. Now serving at Southmead on Blue Watch, Andy continues to uphold the highest standards in his role, consistently demonstrating the values and behaviours essential to being an effective firefighter. His achievement is a testament to his professionalism, perseverance, and passion for the fire service.</em></p><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="977fc658-5067-4685-a80c-56771db81363" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_400x400&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>8. What would you say to someone considering a career as a Firefighter?</strong></p><p>Being a Firefighter is a highly skilled job that takes on many roles. Day to day training to keep your competencies up together to keep you and your colleagues safe on an incident and to assist with any eventuality that may be put in front of you. Caring for the local community, commuters and businesses through ongoing prevention work.</p><p>Hardly ever are two days the same. If you want a career that challenges you, makes a real difference and builds skills for life, becoming a firefighter is one of the most rewarding paths you can take. You’ll grow, you’ll be part of a team, and you’ll help protect and serve your community every day.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last night, our Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub&nbsp;came together to produce a fantastic preview evening of the Summer Showcase which exhibited the work of our Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds-creat… Arts</u></a> students, giving them the chance to display their incredible work, not only to their peers and lecturers, but also to their friends, family, members of the public and potential employers. The exhibition will continue to run every weekday between 9:00am-4:30pm until 20th June at Loxton Campus so everyone can experience the creativity and achievements of our students. &nbsp;</p><p>This exhibition consists of a mixture of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… &amp; Design</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… &amp; Animation</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… Design</u></a> student work, where they display their amazing Final Projects to not only present their hard work and professional development, but also network with people and gain connections with possible employers. &nbsp;</p><p>Sandra Bull, Assistant Principal for this area commented: “The College’s Summer Showcase celebrates individualism of our students, showing different interpretations and styles in a range of mediums. It allows students to express the background behind their work, the process that accompanies it, and the messages and meanings behind them to create a holistic appreciation for the students and their artwork being presented.” &nbsp;</p><p>“I am so proud of how the student have developed both personally and professionally since September and being able to put on this showcase is just one way for us to celebrate how proud every member of staff is of our students. “&nbsp;</p><p>On arrival at the preview evening, people were greeted by students serving glasses of Elderflower fizz and canapés to welcome their guests, alongside our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music… and Performance</u></a> students playing live music in the foyer to set the tone of this fantastic celebration.</p><p>Throughout the exhibition, there are a range of pieces on display throughout the classrooms, from sculptures and fashion designs, to a gallery of photographs, graphics and artwork. The Media faculty even created their own in-house theatre with popcorn and red carpets to display the fantastic films and Final Projects that the students have been working hard on. &nbsp;</p><p>The event has been displayed extremely professionally, with each classroom acting as a gallery, with artwork and podiums lining the white walls so each student has their own designated space to exhibit their work. Last night’s preview event had a fantastic turnout, with everyone admiring and complimenting the attention to detail that had gone into each piece of work. &nbsp;</p><p>Both the staff and the students worked extremely hard to put this showcase together, giving everyone from all years, levels and disciplines the chance to present their work to the public. Many students were in disbelief at seeing how their projects came together when displayed professionally, feeling proud of their work and expressing their gratitude to have this opportunity. &nbsp;</p><p>Kyle, one of our Level 3 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… and Animation</u></a> students, shared his thoughts on the event, saying, “Having my artwork being displayed actually feels quite lifechanging and surreal because, a lot of the time, I kept my artwork to myself in fear of judgement, but to actually have it up on the wall like this and seeing it being appreciated has actually changed my perspective on my work.”  &nbsp;</p><p>This Summer Showcase forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds-creat… Arts</u></a> 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. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>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 </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. 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.</strong></p>