<p>Degree Apprentice Jack Lewis has been crowned the Association of Colleges (AoC) Apprentice of the Year at the annual AoC Conference and Exhibition, an event that celebrates exceptional students from colleges across England.</p><p>The national awards recognise individuals who have excelled academically while making significant contributions to their colleges, workplaces, and communities. As always, the competition was fierce, with a high volume of outstanding applications from across the country.</p><p>Jack is currently studying at <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/#next">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a>, following in the footsteps of UCW alumnus Kam Stevens, who previously won the Higher Education Student of the Year award at the AoC Awards in 2023.</p><p>A Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering degree apprentice working at Singer Instruments, Jack distinguished himself through the substantial real-world impact he has had on the organisation.</p><p>He introduced advanced 3D-printing technologies that transformed manufacturing processes, reduced environmental impact, and significantly cut production costs. His redesign of microscope components not only removed the need for hazardous chloroform but also reduced the unit cost from £24 to just 17 pence, dramatically improving both safety and efficiency.</p><p>Jack, said: "I’m incredibly proud to have been named Apprentice of the Year. It’s an amazing feeling to see the work I’m so passionate about recognised at a national level. I want to say a huge thank-you to the engineering and apprenticeship teams at Weston College and UCW for their support and belief in me throughout my journey. I’m also grateful to everyone at Singer Instruments for giving me the opportunity to learn, innovate, and make a real impact."</p><p>Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, added:</p><p>“We are delighted for Jack – his outstanding work truly deserves this recognition. Jack has set a new benchmark for what apprenticeships can achieve. Starting as a BTEC placement student, he returned as Singer Instruments’ first Level 6 engineering apprentice and has since driven transformative innovation.</p><p>“Congratulations, Jack. We look forward to seeing your career continue to thrive.”</p><p>If you would like to follow in Jack’s footsteps, you can <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… our apprenticeships here</a>.</p>

<p>Learners across all Weston College campuses recently took part in a series of impactful workshops delivered by <a href="https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&a… Giles Trust</a> in partnership with the local authority <strong>Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP)</strong> as part of the <strong>Home Office delivery plan</strong>. Focusing on the <strong>realities of county lines,</strong> <strong>knife crime</strong>, and <strong>youth exploitation</strong>, the sessions aimed to equip students with the <strong>knowledge, confidence,</strong> and <strong>practical strategies</strong> needed to make safe and informed decisions about their futures.</p><p>Weston College work closely with the <strong>VRP</strong>, who delivered this session both to educate learners and to gather their feedback on what is needed to improve violence reduction in North Somerset. <a href="https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&a… Giles Trust</a> led the initial talk, which was followed by a workshop by VRP who gave helpful tips and guidance including the ability for people to report concerns about violence and knife crime anonymously on the “<a href="https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless">Fearless</a&gt;” website.</p><p>Drawing from real-life experiences, St Giles opened the talk with an honest dialogue about the dangers young people may face, and the tactics used by organised crime groups. By sharing personal stories and frontline insights, they helped learners understand how individuals can be groomed into criminal activity, often without recognising the warning signs until it is too late.</p><p>A key part of the workshop broke down the four stages of the grooming process:</p><ol><li><strong>Targeting </strong>- identifying vulnerable young people or those perceived as easy to influence.</li><li><strong>Friendship Forming</strong> - building trust through attention, gifts, or offers of support.</li><li><strong>Loving Relationship</strong> - creating a sense of loyalty, obligation, or emotional dependence.</li><li><strong>Abusive Relationship</strong> - introducing threats, coercion, and control to force involvement in illegal activity.</li></ol><p>Through this structure, learners gained a clear understanding of how gangs manipulate and exploit young people, often blurring the lines between friendship, favour, and criminal expectation.</p><p>The sessions also demystified what county lines means, highlighting how drugs are transported and sold across regions, the hierarchy of involvement, and the perspective of those involved in dealing. Emphasis was placed on the harsh realities and long-term consequences of participation, countering the myth that county lines activity offers quick or easy money. St Giles Trust stressed the concept of<strong> “short-term gain, long-term pain”,</strong> showing how short-lived rewards are far outweighed by the physical, legal, and emotional risks.</p><p>Learners were guided through practical strategies for conflict resolution, helping them recognise safer ways to navigate difficult situations without resorting to violence or carrying a weapon. The St Giles team reinforced that there are always alternatives to retaliation, and that seeking support from college staff, trusted adults, or specialist services can be a proactive step towards staying safe.</p><p>Each session concluded with practical advice and guidance, empowering students to identify exploitation, protect themselves and their peers, and access help if they are worried about themselves or someone else.</p><p>The workshops were well received across the college, contributing to Weston College’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding, awareness, and student wellbeing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">On September 30th, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… Apprentices</u></a> attended a Sustainability Conference in the Winter Gardens Ballroom where they received guest lectures from a range of employers and industry professionals regarding their approach to sustainability in the workplace and how they are incorporating it into their systems. &nbsp;</p><p>The day was kickstarted with guest speaker, Olivia Whittle, a Project Officer at <strong>Celtic Sea Power</strong>. She discussed the company’s work to develop a strong and sustainable workforce for the Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) sector in the Celtic Sea. This helps to deliver offshore renewable energy at scale, and support upgrades to ports, grid and infrastructure. This gave our learners a deeper understanding into sustainable, offshore renewable energy and the impacts this has on the environment. &nbsp;</p><p>This was followed by guest speaker, Clare Hennessey, the Planning and Sustainability Director at <strong>Bristol Airport</strong>. During her lecture, she discussed the sustainability progression of Bristol Airport in upcoming years, with the new refurbishment and plan for the future, making Bristol Airport one of the leading sustainable airports in the UK. Clare also discussed how Bristol Airport has completed the first successful UK airport trial for the ground-breaking airside hydrogen refuelling trial, led by <a href="http://www.easyjet.com/en/holidays">easyJet</a&gt;. This is a plan to create zero emission aviation and eventually introduce hydrogen-powered aircraft. &nbsp;</p><p>Following this was guest speaker, Matt Whale, the Framework Manager at <strong>Octavius Infrastructure Ltd</strong>, to discuss the leading transport solutions provider and how they enforce sustainability goals within their work. Their organisation ensures efficient transport networks by keeping trains running smoothly and traffic moving on the roads. They discussed their plans to make transport more sustainable by aiming for net zero carbon emissions, more efficient use of resources, as well as their goals for biodiversity net gain. &nbsp;</p><p>After lunch, learners were given a hands-on task to create a bridge with the other students on their tables. They were given a project brief and specifications to follow which they were later marked on. They were asked to create a powered bridge which opened to allow for goods and services to pass through, with other criteria to follow to ensure it was practical for the location. They also had to create a comprehensive and annotated diagram of their designs, show clear calculations based on the figures provided in the specification, and provide a project plan which identified the team roles and responsibilities. &nbsp;</p><p>Students had a range of materials to choose from to create their design, and once they had decided on a design, they collaboratively worked to execute their ideas. Their work was marked on how well they followed the project brief, if their drawings of their designs were detailed, labelled with materials, and explained how they would be manufactured. They were also marked on their calculations to ensure their designs were feasible, as well as how sustainable their products would be by providing innovative solutions. There were 80 points available in total for each team to achieve. &nbsp;</p><p>All groups created innovative designs which closely reflected the brief using the materials available. They all came up with strong sustainability ideas and themes within their designs by considering the impactful solutions that the employers had discussed in their guest talks earlier in the event.&nbsp;</p><p>This project was an excellent way for a range of different apprentices to work together to create a design that followed strict criteria, an excellent reflection of what many of them will be required to do when working with clients and employers. It gave them great experience to think practically and come up with innovative ideas as well as consider alternative solutions for the same conclusion. It is projects like this that prepare our students for the industry and allow them to meet like-minded individuals who will have different ideas and broaden each other's problem-solving skills. &nbsp;</p><p>This event was an excellent opportunity for students to hear about the different sustainable approaches that large organisations are taking to ensure a greener future and improved systems. As the future generation of engineers, it is important for them to learn ways to adapt and develop new structures and approaches to keep moving forward. They also learnt more about the possible career pathways available depending on their interests, so they have a better understanding of their options after their apprenticeships.  &nbsp;</p><p>Thank you to Celtic Sea Power, Bristol Airport, and Octavius for taking the time to visit our students and discuss the sustainable approaches you are taking to improve your organisations. &nbsp;</p><p>This event forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… &amp; Green Skills</u></a> 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>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/engineering-and-construction/"…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/engineering-and-construction/"… here!</u></a>&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>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>