<p>We recently caught up with Caitlin, our wonderful Health and Social Care assessor, who told us about her experience in completing her Level 3 qualification, and how it resulted in a full time job here at Weston College. Here's what she told us!</p>

<p>My role at Weston College is as a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> assessor for 16–19-year-olds and adult learners studying Health and Social Care qualifications. I observe and assess learners either on work placement or in their work setting.</p>

<p>I recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care while continuing my previous employment as a senior care worker at a local care village, and predominantly supporting those living with dementia.</p>

<p>I found out about the course through Facebook and had been keen to gain the qualification for a while. I was also promoted to apply as the course was free for me as I did not already hold a Level 3 qualification.</p>

<p>While on the course, we had lessons on the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/state-art-nursing-simulators-arrive-healt… room</a>, learning how to catheterise patients and a lesson in the lab dissecting pig lungs to learn about the respiratory system. The SIM room and lab are both fantastic spaces for learning and developing practical skills which are invaluable to 16–19-year-olds who are preparing for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/work-experience?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_m… placement</a>.</p>

<p>Without this qualification, I would not have been able to apply for my role at Weston College. The course also helped me prepare for interviewing. Not all criteria were met though assignments, some were assessed on professional discussions which helped me develop my communication skills on a professional level. The course also helped me with my digital skills, which was fortunate as I had to create a PowerPoint presentation for interview.</p>

<p>I would really recommend and encourage others to study as an adult. I found I was more focussed and committed to the workload and qualification. I initially studied to further my career in the industry and to progress in my previous employment. I never thought that my knowledge and skills could support those in further education. I feel privileged to be able to support those in further education to become fantastic health care workers.</p>

<p>Alongside the Level 3 qualification, I was also able to compete a Level 2 in <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/health-and-soc… </a>which was a bonus as I managed to gain another qualification while studying one. Since joining Weston college as an employee, I am being enrolled in a certificate in Vocational Assessing to further my knowledge in supporting through assessing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This would never have been possible if it wasn't for the completion of my Level 3 qualification and the support of Weston College - I'm so grateful to everyone who was involved in my journey!</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults?utm_source=mai… out more about Courses for Adults, here!</a></p>

<p>The West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) has announced plans to expand its course offering to learners and employers across the region, through the opening of the Bristol Training Institute in central Bristol from September.</p>

<p>The WEIoT, a Weston College-led collaboration of regional education providers and employers, has a commitment to driving an increase in higher level technical skills in the region through high-quality training provision, working closely with industry to meet the evolving skills needs of employers.</p>

<p>With Bristol being one of the largest hubs for digital and professional services industries outside of London, the new centre, named as the Bristol Training Institute, will offer courses tailored to the specific needs of employers in the city region. The Bristol Training Institute will be based in the heart of the city at 12, Colston Avenue, the former office of the Bristol Law Society.</p>

<p>Courses available from September will include a brand new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) in Computing (Software Engineering), Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons), Computing Access to HE programme for those wishing to study at university, but currently do not have the qualifications to do so, and innovative Digital Skills Bootcamps for Coding (Python), Data (Azure) skills. In addition, recognising the need to upskill managers to drive digital change in organisations as they evolve, the centre will offer ILM Team Leading qualifications.</p>

<p>Accessibility is a focus of the WEIoT, which brings education providers together to deliver the skills required by employers. The development of the Bristol Training Institute, offering training based in central Bristol, will enable both learners and employers from across the city to access the unique industry-specific training, which will complement existing training provision in the city.</p>

<p>This new central Bristol location will witness a refurbishment to develop a state-of-the-art digital training hub across two floors, with three training rooms including a boardroom, and two conference training rooms all including smartboard facilities and laptop stations. The Institute will have a secure data connection, utilising high-quality digital technology resources to enable access to learning.</p>

<p>Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and CEO of the Weston College Group, who are also the lead College for the West of England Institute of Technology commented:</p>

<p>“The Bristol Training Institute marks another exciting development for the West of England Institute of Technology which is supporting a drive to increase the number of people engaged in higher level technical skills training, supporting learners in the region to secure and progress in high-quality jobs. Bristol has a strong demand for digital skills training, and we have worked with employers, key stakeholders and communities in the region to truly understand how the IoT can offer a training solution that complements existing provision in the city.</p>

<p>“The courses offered are based on what the economy and local communities need and our mission is that our students on completion of their programmes will have the best possible career prospects, whilst employers can benefit from a new talent pool, plus use the Institute as a way to develop and upskill their existing workforce.</p>

<p>“The Bristol Training Institute will be a destination to study in the heart of the city, and we wanted to ensure our logo emulated this, so we took a brand mark of the River Avon, alongside key Bristol landmarks and gave it a contemporary and professional look.”</p>

<p><img alt="Bristol Training Institute logo explained" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="52144df1-318a-4754-bf81-ee7fddfd4e85" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/BTI%20Logo%20Explainer.png" /></p>

<p>To find out more about what’s on offer please visit: <a href="http://www.bristol-training.co.uk">www.bristol-training.co.uk</a></p&gt;

<p>Today members of local council, ESFA, ETF, schools and nurseries, all joined Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College and the Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Councillor James Clayton, who together, officially opened the new Education and Early Years facilities at Weston College.</p>

<p>This new hub will meet the growing demand from employers both locally and regionally to train staff of the future, preparing them ready to join a growing industry.</p>

<p>The Education and Early Years facilities have been developed in conjunction with the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Career Excellence Hub</a> employers: Busy Buddies, Little Bears, DaisyChain, Mendip Green, YMCA and Storal Learning, who ensure not only that the course content includes insights of industry leaders, but also that the new facilities will be industry standard to give them real-life experience.</p>

<p>The grand opening included a tour of the brand new £600k Education and Early Years hub that includes:</p>

<ul>
<li>Community Room – to allow us to host stay and play and other community sessions.</li>
<li>Child and Healthcare Room – a multi-functional space for food prep and mid-session naps.</li>
<li>Primary School Room – an engaging environment full of multi-curricular activities.</li>
<li>Creative and Exploratory Atelier – a non-traditional learning environment to host messy-play, science activities and more.</li>
<li>Observation room – includes one-way mirrors so learners do not influence a child’s play.</li>
</ul>

<p>Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty said: “The new hub is really impressive, I’m so pleased it’s come to fruition. It’s really important for us that all learners get real-life experience to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to get ahead in the modern jobs market.”</p>

<p>These new facilities are matched with an exciting portfolio of study programmes. For school leavers there will be full-time college-based courses, apprenticeships plus the new flagship T Level – the gold-standard in qualifications where learners can follow a college-based programme and gain sector experience through an industry placement. Plus, a range of options for adults for those who would like to upskill or re-train as an early years practitioner or teaching assistant.</p>

<p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive, Weston College added: “It was a privilege to officially open the new facilities today. This is just one element of a College-wide initiative to ensure we are making aspirational careers a reality for all our learners regardless of their starting point in life.”</p>

<p>The build is co-funded by T Level Capital funding, awarded by the Department for Education.</p>

<p>Find out more</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… for school leavers starting in September</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/course-finder?… for adults starting in January</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events">Next open event</a></li>
</ul>