News and events

A Weston College lecturer has won a major accolade for his service as a Royal Marine and achievements since leaving the forces.

Dave Beresford (pictured left), who is a Public Services lecturer, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the English Veterans Awards held at Mercure Holland House in Bristol.

The awards celebrate veterans who have made the often-difficult transition from the military to civilian life. They reward those who have gone above and beyond and excelled in their relevant fields and act as role models for future service leavers.

“I didn’t even know I’d been nominated initially,” said Dave. “So, to be shortlisted, and then win the award, was a wonderful surprise and a huge honour.

“I’m proud to have served in the Marines for 14 years and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the forces.

“As many ex-service personnel find, the transition into civilian life isn’t always easy, and it presented a few challenges initially.

“But military life taught me a number of lessons and skills that have served me well in my career in education and I’ve been able to call upon them to teach young people at Weston College.”

During his 14 years in the Royal Marines, Dave was awarded the Military Cross after rescuing two colleagues who were weighed down with heavy equipment and under fire from enemy forces.

Despite struggling with some common problems associated with moving into civilian life, Dave has gone on to forge a highly successful career in education. After starting as a graduate primary school teacher, he has progressed to lecture in further and higher education at Weston College.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, led the plaudits to Dave.

“To win such a prominent award is a magnificent achievement and deserved recognition for Dave,” said Dr Paul.

“After a distinguished career in the armed forces, he’s demonstrated massive determination and aptitude to carve out a wonderful career as a lecturer and is inspirational role model for his learners.”

Weston College itself was also among the finalists at the ceremony after being shortlisted for the Employer of the Year category.

The College has a strong history of supporting local military units and the Armed Forces community and is strengthening this commitment by launching a course to help servicemen and women find employment when they leave the forces.

Shaun Canniford, College Representative for the Armed Forces Covenant, said: “As a College we have a serious commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise to provide veterans and their families, and those leaving the military seeking, training and work opportunities.

“To be given recognition at the English Veterans Awards for our support of veterans was fantastic and we look forward to continuing the work we do by launching our Veterans Pre-Employment Programme on October 30th. This new course will ensure veterans are offered the training, advice and support they need to gain qualifications and find employment on leaving the armed services.” Click here to read more about this exciting new initiative.

T Levels are a brand new, 2 year qualification which is being launched in September 2020 and at Weston College we are offering the Digital T Level.

So if you’re leaving school in May, here are 4 reasons why we think you should consider a T Level:

Get a head start on your career

T Levels give you the opportunity to gain work experience (a minimum of 45 days) with a local employer, so you can work on real life projects and gain new skills. When you’ve completed your studies, you will stand out from the crowd having industry experience.

Gain a recognised qualification

Just like A Levels and apprenticeships, T Levels will give you the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

Once you have completed your qualification you can then choose to study further at university, with a higher level apprenticeship or go straight into employment.

Gain a qualification created with employers

Unlike the traditional A Level route, T Levels have been designed with businesses across industries, to prepare you for working life.

Some of the businesses that have worked on T Levels include Fujitsu, Bank of England and the British Army.

Learn your way

T Levels will take place in the workplace and classroom, which will allow you to learn your way.

You can find out more about our T Level offering by clicking here.

Weston College learner, James Morris, has been named the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) South West Apprentice of the Year.

James, who started his Level 3 Civil Engineering apprenticeship with Alun Griffiths in September 2018, picked up his award at CECA’s Annual Members’ South West Lunch in Torquay.

He was one of only four winners at the awards presentation, which celebrates rising stars in the civil engineering industry.

James was recognised for his attitude and dedication to the job, gaining particular praise for his willingness to learn and take on new challenges.

As well as his apprenticeship duties, James stands out for being an active member of Community Engagement Initiatives and at CECA and Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) events.

South West Operations Director at Alun Griffiths, Simon Dunn, said: “We are really proud of James, and he thoroughly deserves this recognition.

“His passion is clear to see and, since joining Alun Griffiths, he has impressed all of his colleagues with his hard work, and how quickly he picks new skills up.

“He is also committed to encouraging others into the industry, often doing this in his own time, which is very commendable.

“At only 18, his approach, manners and respect for others are beyond his age. We know that we can always rely on James, and he is the perfect apprenticeship role model.”

James was delighted with his award, and said: “To be recognised for all of my hard work feels very rewarding.

“My apprenticeship has allowed me to develop new skills, and start my career in an industry that I am passionate about, with a fantastic employer – Alun Griffiths.

“I have honestly loved every moment of my apprenticeship so far, and can’t wait to continue my studies this year.”

If you would like to follow in James’ footsteps and become an apprentice, click here.