<p>Weston College Group is entering an exciting new chapter for technical education following its recognition as one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) for Advanced Manufacturing in England.</p><p>As it prepares to open its flagship technical training facility at Airbus Filton this September, the College has unveiled its new identity: AMTEC – the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College.</p><p>Previously announced as the Aerospace Skills Academy (ASA), the new name reflects both the College's new Technical Excellence College status and feedback from employers, who said the facility's curriculum, partnerships and opportunities extend far beyond aerospace into the wider advanced manufacturing sector.</p><p>The announcement follows Weston College being named one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) for Advanced Manufacturing in England; a government designation recognising excellence in delivering the higher technical skills needed by one of the UK's fastest-growing industries. The status will help strengthen the region's skills pipeline while supporting economic growth and meeting employers' future workforce needs.</p><p>Based at Airbus in Filton, AMTEC will continue to work closely with employers across aerospace, engineering, composites, defence and wider advanced manufacturing, delivering apprenticeships and technical education from Level 2 through to degree level.</p><p>The decision to launch the new facility as AMTEC followed extensive discussions with employer partners, who highlighted that while aerospace remains central to its identity, its facilities, expertise and curriculum will support businesses across the wider advanced manufacturing sector.</p><p>The College is also excited to announce newly appointed Vice Principal Andy Smith to the AMTEC team, who brings more than 36 years' experience across aerospace and advanced manufacturing. He joins Weston College Group from GKN Aerospace, where he served as Programme Director for the Airbus single-aisle programme, having also held senior roles with Airbus and BAE Systems.</p><p>Having begun his own career as an apprentice with British Aerospace, Andy understands the transformative power of technical education and apprenticeships.</p><p>Andy Smith said:</p><p>“I am delighted to be joining Weston College Group at such an exciting time. AMTEC gives us an opportunity to build on the College Group's strong reputation in aerospace while creating a centre of excellence that supports the wider advanced manufacturing sector.</p><p>"Having started my own career as an apprentice, I understand first-hand the importance of creating opportunities for people to develop, grow in confidence and succeed. I am looking forward to working with outstanding staff and employer partners to help develop AMTEC into a nationally recognised destination for technical education."</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said:</p><p>"Becoming a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing was a defining moment for Weston College Group, and launching the new facility as AMTEC reflects that ambition.</p><p>"The name better reflects the breadth of industries we will support. Aerospace remains a core strength, but our employer partners made it clear the opportunities extend across the wider advanced manufacturing sector.</p><p>"We are creating something truly distinctive for learners, employers and the wider region. Together, our Technical Excellence College status, world-class facilities and employer partnerships position us to become one of the UK's leading centres for advanced manufacturing skills."</p><p>When it opens this September at Airbus Filton, AMTEC will provide industry-standard learning environments designed alongside employers, helping more learners access high-quality technical education while supporting the workforce needs of businesses across the South West and beyond.</p><p>Opening this September, AMTEC will provide industry-standard training facilities designed with employers, helping develop the skilled workforce needed by advanced manufacturing businesses across the South West and beyond.</p>

<p>Staff from the <strong>Construction Professions</strong> and<strong> Apprenticeships </strong>teams recently rolled up their sleeves to support the <strong>"Leaving a Legacy"</strong> community project, volunteering their time to help improve local allotments and construct a new timber shed on the Bournville Estate in Weston-super-Mare.</p><p>The project, led by <a href="https://www.octavius.co.uk/">Octavius</a&gt; in partnership with <a href="https://www.alliancehomes.org.uk/">Alliance Homes</a>, aims to restore and enhance community allotment spaces for local residents, creating a lasting positive impact for the area.</p><p>The volunteering effort began when members of the Apprenticeships team joined the project at The Great Rhyne Gardens. Their activities included de-weeding allotments, planting vegetables, creating woodchip pathways, and sanding and painting various features around the site.</p><p>The college has a strong working relationship with Octavius, the main contractor responsible for the Winterstoke Road replacement railway bridge project in Weston-super-Mare and one of the college's valued Career Excellence Hub partners. The partnership currently supports two T Level learners who are completing their industry placements with the company, with one student based on the Winterstoke Road project and another working on the nearby A38 road improvement scheme.</p><p>Over the past year, learners and staff have benefited from site visits to Octavius projects, while representatives from the company have visited the college to deliver guest speaker sessions and share valuable industry insights.</p><p>Together, the teams helped construct a timber shed for the allotment site on the Bournville Estate, contributing practical skills and teamwork to support the wider restoration project.</p><p>The <strong>"Leaving a Legacy"</strong> project demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when education providers, industry partners and housing organisations work together to strengthen local communities. Through initiatives such as this, staff not only support worthwhile causes but also reinforce the strong partnerships that create opportunities for learners and residents alike.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Earlier this month, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/electrical-co… Installation Apprentice</a>, Gracie Donaghy, was named joint winner of the <strong>Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026</strong> Award alongside another apprentice Petra O’Flaherty. Competing against more than 3,000 apprentices from across the UK and Ireland, Gracie successfully progressed through several challenging stages before being crowned one of just two winners.</p><p>The <strong>Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026</strong> Award is an annual competition celebrating the most promising new talent within the trade industry across the UK and Ireland. The competition encourages apprentices to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, showcase their skills, and stand out among some of the industry’s brightest emerging professionals.</p><p>Throughout the application process, Gracie completed a series of written submissions, interviews, and practical workshops with major brands including DeWalt, Google, and Lego. She then advanced to the final stage, where she faced an interview panel made up of six industry specialists. Impressing the judges with her extensive knowledge, professionalism, and hands-on experience within the trade, Gracie secured the title of Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2026. Alongside this prestigious achievement, she received a prize package worth £10,000, including tools, training, and technology, as well as £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for Weston College.</p><p>This latest success adds to an already impressive list of achievements for Gracie, who was also named <strong>SPARKS Female Skills Winner 2025</strong>. These accomplishments are a reflection of her dedication, precision, and strong work ethic. Taking part in competitions has also enabled her to network with employers, receive valuable feedback, and further develop her practical skills and industry knowledge. Competing alongside other talented apprentices has broadened her perspective and introduced her to new approaches within the trade, helping her continue to grow both personally and professionally.</p><p>Gracie Donaghy said:</p><p>“Winning this prestigious award is such a huge honour, and I am incredibly grateful to the team at Screwfix for giving me this opportunity. Earning the title of Screwfix Trade Apprentice, alongside the fantastic prizes, will massively benefit my career going forward, not only throughout the remainder of my apprenticeship, but also in my future career. It has also shown me that all my hard work is paying off.”</p><p>“I have always felt supported and encouraged throughout my time at Weston College to produce my best work. My lecturers have consistently motivated me to enter competitions to help build my confidence and allow me to recognise both my strengths and the areas where I can continue to improve. Without their ongoing support and encouragement, I would never have realised what I was capable of achieving.”</p><p>“I would encourage any apprentice considering entering a competition to go for it. You never truly know what you’re capable of until you put yourself out there. Competitions open up incredible opportunities, help you grow in confidence, and are hugely beneficial both personally and professionally.”</p><p>Richard Hanney, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; at Weston College, added:</p><p>“Gracie continues to amaze us with everything she has achieved throughout her time at Weston College. The work she produces is consistently of an exceptionally high standard, and she is always a pleasure to work with. We are incredibly proud of how far she has come and excited to see what she achieves next.</p><p>We always encourage our learners to step outside of their comfort zones and take part in competitions to build confidence and showcase their talents. Seeing how much they gain from these experiences, both personally and professionally, is fantastic.”</p><p>Thank you to the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… Trades</a> Team at Weston College for their ongoing support and dedication to push their learners beyond the classroom, these achievements wouldn’t be possible without your care and encouragement.</p><p>Finally, a huge congratulations to Gracie on this outstanding achievement, and a massive thank you for securing £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers for Weston College, helping to support future talent and invest in high-quality equipment for our learners.</p><p>This competition forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong></p>