<p>My name is Sophie, and I am the <strong>Skills &amp; Employment Business Partner</strong> at <a href="https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/">Bristol Airport,</a> where I oversee <strong>work experience, apprenticeships, </strong>the <strong>Take Off employability programme,</strong> <strong>careers talks</strong> and <strong>careers fairs</strong>. I also build partnerships with schools, colleges and other organisations to create opportunities for people to develop their skills, gain experience and progress into employment or further education.</p><p>When I left school, I honestly wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I wasn’t particularly academic and struggled with exams and traditional classroom learning, so I decided to enrol on a traineeship at Weston College to develop practical skills, gain workplace experience and explore my options.</p><p>After completing the classroom-based element of the traineeship, I moved on to a work experience placement in business administration. This helped me realise that the skills I was developing could be applied across a wide range of careers, which led me to pursue a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/business-and-… Administration apprenticeship</a> at Weston College.</p><p>I chose Business Administration because it offered transferable skills that would be useful in lots of different roles, even if I didn’t yet know exactly what career I wanted to pursue.</p><p>My experience at Weston College was really positive because it gave me the opportunity to learn in a way that suited me. Combining classroom learning with practical experience and time in the workplace helped me discover what I was good at, rather than feeling that I needed to have my future planned out already.</p><p>Completing my apprenticeship and passing my End-Point Assessment gave me the confidence to take the next step in my career.</p><p>After completing my apprenticeship, I stayed at Weston College and applied for a Support Worker role, helping young people who were in a similar position to where I had been. Many were unsure about their next steps or were not currently in education, employment or training.</p><p>I provided one-to-one advice, guidance and support to help them move into education or employment. It was incredibly rewarding to use my own experiences to show them that not knowing what you want to do at 16 or 18 doesn't mean you can't go on to have a successful career.</p><p>Even now, I still meet people who tell me that I helped them, which is something I'm incredibly proud of.</p><p>I continued to develop my career at Weston College, working across two contracts to support both young people and adults before moving into the apprenticeship team as a Recruitment Advisor.</p><p>One of my main responsibilities was recruiting for the traineeship programme, which was particularly special because it was where my own career journey had started. Having once been a learner on the programme, I was now helping other people access the same opportunities that had helped me.</p><p>After several years at Weston College, I decided I wanted to move into management. I joined a private training company as an <strong>Operations Manager,</strong> overseeing three contracts across the <strong>South West</strong> and <strong>Sussex,</strong> as well as a team of eight staff. The role focused on supporting people into employment through short adult courses and gave me valuable experience in leadership and operational management.</p><p>After around a year and a half, I moved into my current role at <a href="https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/">Bristol Airport</a> as the <strong>Skills &amp; Employment Business Partner.</strong></p><p>Looking back, my career has developed through taking opportunities as they came along, rather than following one fixed plan. Each role has helped me build new skills and experience, opening the door to the next stage of my career.</p><p>Weston College gave me the foundations I needed for my career. My Business Administration apprenticeship was particularly valuable because it helped me develop transferable skills in organisation, communication, planning and administration, which I still use every day.</p><p>It also taught me how to work in a professional environment and gave me practical workplace experience, allowing me to apply what I had learned rather than relying solely on theory.</p><p>Most importantly, Weston College gave me confidence. When I first started, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and didn't necessarily feel that I was good at education. My experience showed me that there are different ways to learn and that you don't need to have your entire career mapped out from the beginning. That is something I continue to take with me in my work today, particularly when supporting people who are unsure about their future.</p><p>One of the biggest highlights of my career has been seeing the impact of the opportunities I've helped create for others.</p><p>At Bristol Airport, I love seeing apprentices develop throughout their programmes and watching work experience students go on to secure employment. It's particularly rewarding when someone starts with very little idea of what they want to do and discovers a career path they hadn't previously considered.</p><p>My role has also given me some amazing experiences, including the opportunity to visit the airport's control tower and see areas that most people never get to experience.</p><p>The thing I enjoy most about my current role, though, is the people. No two days are the same, and I get to work with colleagues across the airport, as well as schools, colleges, training providers and other organisations.</p><p>I really enjoy the variety, whether I'm working on apprenticeships, supporting our work experience programme or meeting with a college to discuss future opportunities. Everyone at the airport is incredibly helpful and willing to support one another. It genuinely feels like one big family, which makes it a great place to work.</p><p>Ultimately, helping people access opportunities that can change the direction of their careers is what I find most rewarding. It's something that has been a constant throughout my working life, from my time supporting young people at Weston College to the work I do at Bristol Airport today.</p><p>My biggest piece of advice is simple: <strong>don't worry if you don't know what you want to do.</strong></p><p>I didn't know what I wanted to do when I left school and, if I'm completely honest, I still don't have one specific career that I've always wanted to pursue!</p><p>Instead, I'd recommend choosing something that gives you transferable skills. That's why Business Administration worked so well for me. I didn't know where it would take me, but the skills I developed have been useful throughout my entire career.</p><p>I'd also really recommend considering an apprenticeship. You can earn while you learn, gain practical experience and develop skills in a real working environment that you might not gain through classroom learning alone.</p><p>Most importantly, don't feel like you have to have your whole future figured out. Take opportunities, learn from them and don't be afraid to change direction. Your first step doesn't have to determine where you end up.</p><p>If you ever need support or would simply like to have a chat, my door is always open!</p>

<p>Delivered in partnership with <a href="https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/">Avon Fire &amp; Rescue Service</a> and the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pension… for Work and Pensions (DWP)</a>, our Ignite Programme continues to make a positive impact, with all learners in the latest cohort successfully completing the programme and gaining the confidence to make their next steps, either in employment or further education.</p><p>The three-week programme supports unemployed young people aged 19–24 to recognise their potential, develop practical skills and explore opportunities in employment, education and further training.</p><p>With a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning, Ignite gives learners the opportunity to challenge themselves, try new experiences and build the confidence to take their next steps.</p><p>Throughout the programme, learners took part in a range of interactive activities, including:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="e59074e879478d11e2a81c29120b94cae">Fire station visits and activities with <a href="https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/">Avon Fire &amp; Rescue</a></li><li data-list-item-id="e56dab10c8e13903d79af2c4d6c705f08">Team challenges and problem-solving activities</li><li data-list-item-id="eb49a6a0cc17aa83e98c09e1c3a38491a">Confidence and resilience workshops</li><li data-list-item-id="ebad46039b19cb478d238bf3aaf4634ad">Goal setting and planning their future</li><li data-list-item-id="e6158e4a6da7f0f3b453b3fc5af7a4fdc">Communication and presentation skills</li><li data-list-item-id="e2843f409757cb1175429d1c52303b204">Health and wellbeing sessions</li><li data-list-item-id="e72ac1705a061e1ab29d395199dee3f53">CV writing, interview practice and employability workshops</li><li data-list-item-id="eb181424c1798a84e35fd86b1f61a49ac">Outdoor activities</li></ul><p>By combining community-based activities with employability and progression support, the programme helps learners identify their strengths, build positive relationships and feel better prepared to move into work, college or further training.</p><p>The progress made by the group was recognised by Ben Woolfson, Youth Intervention Lead at Avon Fire &amp; Rescue Service, who said: <em>“It is amazing to see the progress these young people have made in such a short amount of time, they should be very proud of themselves.”</em></p><p>The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Owen James, was also impressed by the learners, praising how articulate and engaged they were. He highlighted the fantastic community support provided by <a href="https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/">Avon Fire &amp; Rescue Service,</a> alongside the employability guidance and progression support delivered by Weston College tutor Paul Haycraft.</p><p>The Ignite programme demonstrates the value of partnerships between education providers, public services and employment support organisations in helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence and access new opportunities.</p><p>By creating a supportive environment where learners can develop their skills through practical experiences, Ignite helps them recognise what they are capable of and take positive steps towards their future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Major funding award will expand training opportunities for learners, apprentices and adults across Weston-super-Mare and beyond.</strong></p><p>Weston College has secured £8.8 million in government funding to support the continued development of its South West Skills Campus (SWSC) in Weston-super-Mare.</p><p>The £8.8 million investment has been awarded by the Department for Education through the Post-16 Capacity Fund and Construction Skills Capacity Fund and is one of the largest capital investments in the College's history.</p><p>The investment will create additional capacity at the South West Skills Campus, improve existing facilities and allow Weston College to support more learners, apprentices and adults looking to develop their skills.</p><p>It will also strengthen the College's ability to deliver the technical and vocational training that local and regional employers need, with a particular focus on construction and the technologies shaping the future of the industry.</p><p>The investment reflects Weston College's ambition to be a national leader in education, while remaining firmly rooted in the communities it serves. It will create more opportunities for people of all ages to access high-quality education and training, supporting learners to build their skills, confidence and careers.</p><p>As part of the development, the College will enhance its facilities for Carpentry and Joinery, Brickwork, Plumbing and Electrical Installation, alongside training in emerging areas of construction and low-carbon technology.</p><p>This will include:</p><ul><li data-list-item-id="ed0271dc1c3204636940ef951a874fc53">Digital Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM)</li><li data-list-item-id="e5a8c1f4144f41841d476802329371685">Drone Surveying</li><li data-list-item-id="e8e3cc4ee34e2a78c91a008ddb31b9e1b">Low-carbon technologies, including heat pumps, renewable energy systems and retrofit.</li></ul><p>The project will also support the ongoing decarbonisation of the South West Skills Campus, with investment in more energy-efficient infrastructure and low-carbon technologies. This reflects the College's commitment to sustainability, ensuring investment in its campuses delivers long-term value for learners, staff and the wider community.</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said:</p><p>"This £8.8 million investment is transformational for Weston College, our learners, our town and the wider region. It reflects the confidence that government has in our ability to deliver the skills that employers need, both now and in the future.</p><p>"The South West Skills Campus already plays a vital role in supporting learners, apprentices and industry partners. This funding will enable us to further expand capacity, enhance our facilities and ensure students gain experience with the technologies that are shaping the future of construction and technical industries.</p><p>"Most importantly, it will create more opportunities for local people to access outstanding education and training, helping them build successful careers while supporting economic growth across our region."</p><p>The College's approach is grounded in its values of integrity, compassion, ambition and being people-centred. These values will continue to shape how the new facilities are developed and how learners, apprentices, employers and partners experience the South West Skills Campus.</p><p>Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare, said:</p><p>"Investing in the next generation is exactly what this Labour Government is here to do, and I'm delighted that Weston College has secured £8.8 million through the Department for Education's Post-16 Capacity Fund and Construction Skills Capacity Fund.</p><p>"This is one of the largest capital investments in the College's history and a real vote of confidence in Weston. It will expand opportunities for post-16 students, apprentices and adult learners, while creating state-of-the-art facilities for construction, digital technologies, drone surveying and low-carbon skills like heat pumps and renewable energy.</p><p>"I've worked closely with Weston College since becoming an MP and have seen first-hand the incredible work they do to prepare people for the jobs of the future. This investment will help local people gain the skills employers need, create more pathways into good careers, and strengthen Weston's economy for years to come."</p><p>The investment comes at a time of growing demand for technical skills and for training that reflects the changing needs of employers.</p><p>For Weston College, the funding will mean more people can access high-quality technical education and gain practical experience with the technologies and skills increasingly required across the construction and wider technical sectors.</p><p>It will also help strengthen progression routes into employment, further and higher education, apprenticeships and skilled careers, supporting the College's wider contribution to the economy of Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset and the South West.</p><p>This project is supported through Department for Education funding awarded via the Post-16 Capacity Fund and Construction Skills Capacity Fund. Weston College acknowledges the support of the Department for Education in enabling the development of the South West Skills Campus and the expansion of high-quality technical education and training opportunities across the region.</p>