<p>A group of adult students recently hosted a fashion fundraiser in Weston-super-Mare, bringing together the local community for an evening of style, entertainment, and charitable giving.</p><p>The event, organised by a focus group consisting of Lauren, Seonagh, Julie, and Tash as part of their pre-employment course, successfully raised funds for <a href="https://westonhospicecare.org.uk/"><strong>Weston Hospicecare</strong></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.mndassociation.org/"><strong>Motor Neurone Disease Association</strong></a><strong>, </strong>and <a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/"><strong>Alzheimer’s Society</strong></a><strong>.</strong> It showcased how education, creativity, and community spirit can come together to make a meaningful impact.</p><p>The focus group have worked on this project since last December, and the project has encouraged them to develop their skills for the workplace. The group also recently won the ‘Making a Difference’ award at our Student Conference, showing the impact they have had on their own personal development as well as the community.</p><p>The North Somerset Scrapstore played a key role in supporting a successful steampunk-themed fundraising fashion show, providing many of the materials used to create the outfits. The fashion show raised money for three charities: the Alzheimer's Society, Weston Hospicecare, and the MND Association. Funds were generated through online ticket sales, tickets sold on the door, a raffle and auction, the sale of donated clothing, and photography sales from the event. Initial estimates suggest that approximately £750 was raised for each charity, with final figures to be confirmed.</p><p>Many of the outfits featured in the show were donated, altered, or created by the team themselves using reclaimed materials. Hair and makeup were provided free of charge by a volunteer, helping to keep costs low and maximise fundraising efforts.</p><p>The event was held at the Borough Arms and featured entertainment from two local singers, Angela and Annie. Models were recruited from across Weston-super-Mare through local Facebook groups, resulting in a diverse range of participants of different ages and body types. Promotion was supported by local media, with the Weston Mercury helping to publicise the event to a wider audience. Photography was provided by an external photographer who volunteered through a connection with one of the students.</p><p>Organising the event presented several challenges, including marketing, securing support from local businesses, arranging a venue, and coordinating a group with differing schedules. Despite these obstacles, the team successfully delivered the event and reflected on lessons learned, discussing how they might improve future events.</p><p>The fundraiser formed part of the students’ coursework, offering valuable real-world experience in event management and community engagement – key components of their current studies. Thanks to strong attendance and generous donations, the event made a meaningful contribution to all three charities.</p><p>Juliette Weaver, Lecturer in Pre-Employment, said:<em> <span data-teams="true">"When people work together with passion and purpose, amazing things happen. This group proved that by creating a charity fashion show that brought their community together and made a positive impact."</span></em></p><p>Take a look at our pre-employment courses <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/employment-support">here.</a>…;

<div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"><div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:46ca0691-0da7-4c6e-9770-d7816d1eda63-3" data-is-intersecting="true"><section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:46ca0691-0da7-4c6e-9770-d7816d1eda63-3" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:46ca0691-0da7-4c6e-9770-d7816d1eda63-3" data-testid="conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"><div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"><div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn"><div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"><div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="0c844813-6533-42bd-8367-6c98909c8a1f" dir="auto" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true" tabindex="0"><div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"><div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"><p data-start="0" data-end="278" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">We spoke with David Brown, CEO of <a href="https://www.bristolport.co.uk/">The Bristol Port Company</a>, and Nick Venn, Training Manager at <a href="https://www.bristolport.co.uk/">The Bristol Port Company</a>, to discuss how Bristol Port works in partnership with Weston College to upskill employees, develop future talent, and build a future-ready workforce.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How has Bristol Port worked with Weston College to support staff development and upskilling across the business?</strong></p><p>Weston College has worked closely with Bristol Port Company across a wide range of learning and development initiatives to support staff development and upskilling throughout the business. This has included apprenticeships in Engineering, Marine, IT, HR and Stevedoring, helping employees build practical skills and long-term careers within the Port.</p><p>The partnership has also delivered leadership apprenticeship training through ILM Level 3 and Level 5 programmes for more than 60 employees, supporting the growth of leadership capability across the organisation. In addition, Weston College has supported the development and delivery of new Port induction programmes, as well as crane contractor inductions.</p><p>Weston College has also designed and delivered a number of bespoke training courses tailored to the Port’s operational needs, including Train-a-Trainer programmes, Dignity training and ILM Level 2 qualifications.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What types of training programmes have been most beneficial for your workforce?</strong></p><p>ILM training has been particularly beneficial in supporting Bristol Port’s leadership teams, enabling employees to unlock their potential through a deeper understanding of both the business and its leadership requirements. These programmes have helped strengthen management capability and develop confidence across teams.</p><p>Weston College has also worked with Bristol Port to deliver high-quality apprenticeship programmes, providing employees with the broadest possible foundation for long-term careers at the Port. These apprenticeships combine practical experience with recognised qualifications, helping to build a skilled and adaptable workforce for the future.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VcxpW15KMmk?si=Xg0k3-Z8Rix2YhPN&quot; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Bristol Port has completed ILM Level 2, Level 3 and Level 5 apprenticeships with Weston College. What impact have these leadership and management qualifications had on staff and the wider business?</strong></p><p>Bristol Port’s ILM Level 2, 3 and 5 apprenticeships with Weston College have had a significant positive impact across the business by strengthening leadership and management skills at all levels.</p><p>Employees who have completed the apprenticeships have gained greater confidence, improved communication skills and stronger team management abilities. The qualifications have also provided staff with recognised professional development opportunities and clearer pathways for career progression, helping to create a more capable and motivated workforce.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How have apprenticeships supported workforce development at Bristol Port?</strong></p><p>Apprenticeships have played a critical role in workforce development at Bristol Port by enabling employees to gain practical skills, industry knowledge and recognised qualifications while working. They are helping to develop the Port’s future managers and leaders by building capability from within the organisation.</p><p>For employees, apprenticeships provide valuable hands-on experience, structured training and the opportunity to earn while they learn, supporting long-term career development. For the business, apprenticeships help attract new talent, support succession planning and ensure the workforce has the skills needed to meet future operational demands.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Bristol Port is now undertaking a second round of “Train the Trainer” programmes with Weston College. What has made this training successful enough to continue expanding it?</strong></p><p>Training and development have been a priority for Bristol Port from the very beginning, with a dedicated training department established in the company’s first year of business to ensure high standards are maintained across operations. Instructors play a vital role within the Port by delivering the practical skills required to support trade and operational activity.</p><p>As the business has grown and trade commodities have evolved, there has been an increasing demand for new skills to meet customer requirements. The success of the initial Train the Trainer programme has therefore led to a second round of training, helping the Port continue expanding internal expertise and capability.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Can you talk about the process of identifying staff training needs and how Weston College helps provide the right solution for those requirements?</strong></p><p>Bristol Port identifies staff training needs through regular discussions with trade managers, performance reviews and ongoing assessments of operational and future business requirements. Skills gaps, succession planning and changes within the industry all help shape the company’s training priorities.</p><p>Weston College supports this process by providing flexible, industry-relevant training solutions tailored to the Port’s specific needs. By working closely with staff and maintaining a strong partnership approach, the College is able to respond effectively to changing requirements and deliver training that has a direct impact on the business.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>How does partnering with a local college help Bristol Port stay competitive and future-focused as an employer?</strong></p><p>Partnering with a local training provider such as Weston College allows Bristol Port to respond quickly to changing workforce demands and develop training programmes that are tailored to specific operational needs.</p><p>This investment in people helps the business remain future-focused by improving staff retention, strengthening workforce capability and building a strong pipeline of talent for the future. The partnership also ensures employees have access to high-quality development opportunities close to home, supporting both individual career growth and long-term business success.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Is there anything you would like to add?</strong></p><p>The relationship with Weston College is one of true partnership in every sense of the word. The college cares deeply about our employees and no challenge has been too difficult.</p><p>Benjamin Franklin said <em>“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”</em>. This quote could not be more true in our case.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/node/88092"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Power%20Up%20-%20WEB%20BANNER_6.jpg" data-entity-uuid="d4262116-845d-4add-acfb-7fbe0bd301aa" data-entity-type="file" alt="https://www.weston.ac.uk/node/88092&quot; width="5522" height="1355"></a>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">From returning to education later in life to building a successful self-employed career, Florence’s journey shows how determination and the right support can shape a fulfilling future. Now working at Blond Salon, she has turned her passion into a flexible and rewarding career.&nbsp;</p><p>Florence first studied Level 2 Hairdressing at 14, before returning at 27 to complete her Level 3 qualification. Experiencing college as both a teenager and an adult gave her a new perspective. “I’m a firm believer that you get out what you put in,” she says. “This time, I made sure I took every opportunity and really focused on my work.”&nbsp;</p><p>A key part of her learning came from working with real clients in salon sessions. “Being able to practise on actual clients was the best way for me to learn and build confidence,” she explains. Florence also credits her tutor, Nicola Smith, for creating a supportive environment and encouraging her to push herself further. “She never made us feel silly if we didn’t know something, and she’s the reason I entered competitions when I didn’t believe in myself.”&nbsp;</p><p>Those competitions became an unexpected highlight. “I never thought I’d do something like that, but it really helped me grow in confidence, and winning was a huge boost.”&nbsp;</p><p>With a clear goal to become self-employed, Florence approached her studies with purpose. After completing her course, she left her retail job to work in a salon while building her own client base. Today, she enjoys a career that fits around her life. “I genuinely enjoy going to work. I get to spend my days with amazing clients and still have that balance with my family.”&nbsp;</p><p>Florence believes the industry is full of opportunities and encourages others to stay open-minded. “Say yes to opportunities, even if they don’t seem relevant at the time. The people you meet and the experience you gain will always help you in the future.”&nbsp;</p><p>Her advice to aspiring stylists is to think about their goals and find the right environment to grow. “Find a salon that matches your values and will help you learn. If it’s not helping you grow, don’t be afraid to move on.”&nbsp;</p><p>Reflecting on her journey, she adds, “I’d tell my younger self to take more risks and not worry about other people. College is such a short time, so make the most of it.”&nbsp;</p><p>For anyone considering the course, Florence sees it as the perfect starting point. “College gives you the foundation - but in this industry, you should never stop learning.”&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If you're interested in finding out more about our Hair and Barbering courses, click <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;