Last month, Weston College welcomed Lauren Carr, Technical Project Manager at SharkNinja UK, for an engaging and 'Outrageously Extraordinary' session with Level 3 Business students. Lauren shared her expertise in managing complex projects for a global brand operating across the UK, US, and China, offering students a unique insight into the processes behind bringing innovative products to market. 

During the interactive sessions, Lauren explained how her team takes projects from initial concept through to manufacturing, covering essential tools such as Gantt charts, risk management strategies, and the Red-Amber-Green system for tracking progress with the engineers. Students learned about the importance of market research, prototype development, and the rigorous quality standards SharkNinja applies to every product. 

To bring theory to life, Lauren set students a hands-on challenge. Year 1 Business students, currently studying marketing, worked in groups to design and label a new product concept. Year 2 Business students then took these ideas forward, applying project management principles to overcome simulated risks and navigate manufacturing setbacks. This practical exercise allowed students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, developing problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making skills. 

Lauren also shared candid insights into the challenges of her role, including managing expert teams under tight deadlines and ensuring projects meet aggressive targets. Her advice gave students a realistic understanding of the responsibilities and pressures faced in project management careers. 

The sessions provided an invaluable networking opportunity and helped students strengthen both their personal and professional development. By connecting with an industry leader, students gained a deeper appreciation of how their studies translate into the workplace and the skills required to succeed in a global business environment. 

Emma Hussey, Curriculum Co-ordinater and Business lecturer, said, “Having Lauren join us and provide such an in-depth break down of the Project Management process from concept through to manufacturing was great insight for our students to gain a better understanding of what to expect. Project Management is a fantastic career route, therefore, gaining this invaluable insight from an industry professional will help students make an informed decision about which pathway they want to take following college.” 

A huge thank you to Lauren for sharing her knowledge and experiences with our students! 

This guest lecture forms part of the Business 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.  

Progress to the next level in Business! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here! 

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. 

Today, Somerset Chamber of Commerce hosted their Business Brunch at The Grove, located at Weston College’s Knightstone Campus.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for employers from across the region to network, learn more about the College, and connect directly with Weston College learners during a dedicated student networking session.

The morning opened with an introduction from Dave Crew, Director at Somerset Chamber, who outlined the agenda and set the tone for the event. This was followed by an insightful presentation from Antonia Travers, Director of Student Experience and Personal Development, who highlighted Weston College’s new STEPS framework and the Career Excellence Hub.

Guests were then treated to a delicious brunch, expertly prepared and served by our talented Level 1 Hospitality and Catering learners.

To round off the morning, employers made their way to the Conference Centre for a mock interview and networking session with 60 of Weston College’s Level 3 Business and Management learners. In small groups of three to four, learners spent ten minutes with each employer, asking questions about their organisation, the opportunities available, and insights into their sector. Employers, in turn, asked the learners both conversational and interview-style questions, giving them a taste of real-world recruitment scenarios.

Learners who particularly impressed employers were awarded a ‘Networking Champion’ token, which they could later reflect upon to understand what they did well and why they stood out.

Employers shared fantastic feedback, praising the learners’ enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and even their confident handshakes! Opportunities like this are invaluable in helping our learners become industry-ready and understand what employers are looking for in future talent.

Find out how Weston College can support your business, here.

As part of last month’s ‘Focus on Finance’ initiative, Year 2 Level 3 Business students welcomed guest speakers Katie Robinson and Alana Goodwin from Ernst & Young (EY) Bristol Office, one of the world’s ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms. 

The Big Four refers to the four largest international accounting and professional services firms: Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and EY. These firms dominate the global market, providing audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services to major corporations and organisations worldwide. EY’s structured career pathways make it a leading choice for aspiring finance professionals such as our Business students. 

The session offered students a unique insight into EY’s operations and career pathways within the finance sector. Katie and Alana, both working in Audit, explained the firm’s services and highlighted the skills required for success in the industry, including analytical thinking and attention to detail. They discussed their roles, their career progression, and the benefits of pursuing a career in finance at EY. This was largely beneficial for our students unsure of what to do following their course, especially for those considering an Apprenticeship or Accounting in the future. 

Katie shared her journey from studying History at Cardiff University to joining EY’s graduate scheme. This career path reinforced to students that they can complete a university course that is not relevant to accounting and still secure a place on the graduate scheme. She is now a Senior Assurance Associate and part-qualified Chartered Accountant with ICAS, Katie outlined the three-year programme, which combines practical experience with exams. 

Alana also discussed her route into EY as a Level 7 Assurance Apprentice after completing her A Levels last year. Currently working towards her ACA qualification with ICAEW, Alana emphasised the value of early work experience and the structured progression available through apprenticeships. This was an excellent example for our current students to get a better understanding of the apprenticeship routes available, how to secure an apprenticeship, and what to expect from them. 

By Katie and Alana delivering an in-depth explanation into their graduate scheme and apprenticeship pathways, it allowed our students to consider the different routes they can take to achieve the same outcome which is especially beneficial for students unsure whether to pursue the university or apprenticeship route.  

Emma Hussey, Curriculum Co-ordinator and Business lecturer at Weston College, added, “Guest lecturers such as this provide valuable insight into a career in finance, giving our students a better idea of what to expect and the potential career routes available to them. We now have several students considering pursuing a career in Audit and Assurance which they had not previously considered, showing the impact that professional discussions can have on broadening future career paths.” 

Students remained engaged throughout the lecture, gaining valuable knowledge about alternative career routes in finance and the opportunities offered by global firms like EY. The event provided an excellent networking opportunity and broadened career paths for those considering pursuing accountancy and audit. 

A big thank you to Katie and Alana for taking the time to visit our Business students and share your knowledge with them! 

This guest lecture forms part of the Business and Travel & Tourism 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.  

Progress to the next level in Business! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here! 

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.