<p>The winners of the 2025 <a href="https://www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk/">Somerset Business Awards</a> were announced recently, at the prestigious Winter Gardens Pavillion.</p><p>With nearly 400 people from across Somerset in attendance, winners from across industries were announced, including Weston College and University Centre Weston apprentice, Jack Lewis, working at Singer Instruments - who was named as Apprentice of the Year.</p><p>Jack who is studying the<a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/engineering-degree-apprenticeships/"&gt; Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship</a>, has been impressing throughout his apprenticeship; from streamlining production to improving the design for manufacturability of needle holders.</p><p>Jack’s work has resulted in a significant cost-saving for Singer Instruments, which has allowed them to improve production efficiency and contribute to the scalability of the product.</p><p>Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeship and Skills at Weston College, said: “We are so proud of Jack, he has shown that he is an incredible apprentice with some truly impressive achievements already – we can’t wait to follow his career as he continues to progress within the engineering sector.”</p><p>Jack, added: "Winning the Somerset Business Award was a great moment, and it’s been a fantastic journey throughout my apprenticeship. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had along the way."</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… you would like to follow in Jack’s footsteps, you find out more about our engineering courses, by clicking here.</a></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">At Weston College, we pride ourselves on providing apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their careers. One of our former apprentices, Asha George, is a perfect example of how an apprenticeship can open doors to new opportunities. Asha completed a Level 2 Junior Estate Agent apprenticeship while working at Cross Keys Estates and has since built a successful career in the property industry. She shares with us her journey and insights into the benefits of apprenticeships.&nbsp;</p><p>During her apprenticeship, Asha gained a wealth of knowledge and practical skills that have helped her excel in her role. She developed expertise in identifying property age and construction types, spotting defects, preparing for negotiations, agreeing terms of sale, conducting viewings, and selling the services of her company.&nbsp;</p><p>Beyond industry-specific knowledge, Asha also improved her communication, time management, and organisational skills – crucial in her role as an estate agent.&nbsp;</p><p>Like many apprentices, Asha faced challenges during her course, particularly as someone with ADHD. However, she received excellent support from her Weston College assessor, Georgie, who ensured she had the flexibility and extra time needed to complete her work successfully.&nbsp;</p><p>"By having some flexibility, dedicating a day to my apprenticeship work, and speaking with Georgie about any concerns, I was able to overcome and manage the challenges I faced," Asha explains.&nbsp;</p><p>One of Asha’s fondest memories from her apprenticeship was spending a week shadowing her Director. This experience gave her insights into the valuation process, including preparing reports, attending valuations, and following up with clients.&nbsp;</p><p>"It was a great week of learning about a slightly different role within the business and how different valuations should be approached. I also loved learning about construction and defects – it was a fantastic module that has massively helped me in my role as an estate agent."&nbsp;</p><p>For Asha, choosing an apprenticeship was a strategic decision that allowed her to apply her learning directly to her job. She was also motivated to gain a qualification that would set her apart in the industry.&nbsp;</p><p>"Being a young woman in this industry can be challenging at times. While the world has made lots of progress, we do occasionally meet people who unfortunately haven’t. This motivated me to gain a qualification through an apprenticeship, giving me as much skill, knowledge, experience, and confidence as possible."&nbsp;</p><p>Since completing her course, Asha has taken her career to new heights. She is now a registered member of Propertymark, giving clients reassurance that she is qualified and up to date with industry regulations. She also manages her own portfolio of properties and sales, creates social media content for her company, and actively engages with clients.&nbsp;</p><p>When asked whether she would recommend an apprenticeship with Weston College, Asha had no hesitation in saying yes.&nbsp;</p><p>"Weston College is an excellent choice for anyone considering an apprenticeship. They have fantastic courses on offer, so there is something for everyone, and the support they provide goes above and beyond!"&nbsp;</p><p>Asha’s journey showcases the incredible opportunities that apprenticeships offer, blending education with real-world experience. If you're looking to start your career while gaining a valuable qualification, an apprenticeship could be the perfect choice for you!&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Interested in an apprenticeship?</strong> <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… our courses and start your career today!</u></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> and the <a href="https://www.worcester.ac.uk/">University of Worcester (UoW)</a> have formed a partnership to deliver a brand-new <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/paramedic-degree-apprenticeship/"><strong… Degree Apprenticeship</strong></a> in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.swast.nhs.uk/">South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT)</a>.</p><p>This partnership is built on shared values and a strong commitment to supporting the local community. Both institutions have a well-established reputation for academic excellence and a deep understanding of local needs and skills gaps. This development reflects the shared vision for high-quality, community-focused education.</p><p>This degree apprenticeship is accredited and approved by the <a href="https://www.hcpc-uk.org/">Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)</a> (subject to final approval from HCPC). The programme aims to train people to become Paramedics working with SWASFT, giving them the skills and behaviours to thrive in this challenging environment. When the course is complete, learners will be able to apply to register with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Registered Paramedic. To celebrate this new venture, representatives from UCW, UoW and SWASFT came together for an event to tour the facilities at UCW.</p><p>Examples of modules that will be studied through this degree apprenticeship are:</p><ul><li>Anatomy and Physiology&nbsp;</li><li>Applied Sciences for Paramedics</li><li>Person-centred Paramedic Practice Skills</li><li>Simulation and Professional Practice Leadership</li><li>Complex decision-making in Paramedic Practice</li></ul><p>The University of Worcester’s academic excellence and their student-focused approach align perfectly with UCW’s own ethos. UCW look forward to exploring further programme development opportunities with them, expanding our reach beyond the local area while maintaining our focus on student success and community impact. This collaboration marks an exciting step forward, and we’re proud to be working with a partner that shares our commitment to educational excellence and community development.</p><p>Dr Helen Scott, Head of the School of Health and Wellbeing at the UoW said <em>“We are delighted to be working with UCW and SWAST to bring this new opportunity for people in the South West to train to become a paramedic. The University of Worcester has an outstanding reputation for educating health professionals and has a deep commitment to inclusion and helping people to fulfil their potential. We hope this new partnership will deliver many more opportunities in the future.”</em></p><p>This new apprenticeship forms part of the Healthcare Careers Excellence Hub. University Centre Weston has ten sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. </p><p>To find out more about this new degree apprenticeship, <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/paramedic-degree-apprenticeship/">click here.</a></p>