<p>Hi, I’m Lola, and I am a Senior Maternity Support Worker Apprentice (the senior healthcare support worker apprenticeship on the maternity pathway). This is my first professional role in the NHS, as I previously completed Innovate and UHBW Traineeship courses at Weston College which helped me develop soft skills to start in this role.</p><p>Some of my roles and responsibilities within my apprenticeship include:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>maternal and neonatal observations&nbsp;</strong></li><li><strong>catheter and cannula removal/care</strong></li><li><strong>heel pick blood sample on neonates&nbsp;</strong></li><li><strong>breastfeeding/feeding support&nbsp;</strong></li><li><strong>escorting patients to various hospitals and appointments&nbsp;</strong></li></ul><p>The list could go on and on!</p><p>I’d say my favourite part of the job is the relationships you build with the patients. When you can just give somebody that listening ear and offer that emotional support, especially postnatally at 3am when it’s needed most. It’s those little moments where you can make someone’s experience just that bit better.</p><p>Some of the main skills I have learned during my apprenticeship so far are interpersonal skills and communication skills when speaking to colleagues and patients. I have also learned technical skills within the role such as observations, taking out cannulas and catheters (very satisfying to take out), and showing empathy when working with exhausted mothers.</p><p>The traineeship I completed helped me by giving me exposure to the world of the NHS through the 6-week placement in St Michael’s Hospital, which helped me to see what was needed to be successful in this industry. I also underwent dedicated sessions to develop employability skills which helped me get the apprenticeship, as well as sessions ran by industry experts regarding health care and UHBW specifically. At the 2024 Business Awards, I won the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/business-awards-celebrate-learner-and-emp…, Sport &amp; Community Partnership Award</a> - watch my video from this below!</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0muha84HEeI?si=7xnh8ZuFoQz-ILXE&quot; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> &nbsp;</p><p>My tutor (Laura Trace) provided support every step of the way, with every concern I had, and helped me believe I was able to do it. My assessor (Jenny Gamlin) provided me with experience backed advice and guidance due to her own work history in the field and her knowledge of the apprenticeship itself in preparation for my transition into the apprenticeship.</p><p>I have 16 months left of my L3 SHCSW apprenticeship. Once completed, I want to move onto a degree midwifery apprenticeship programme with the view of becoming a fully qualified midwife.</p><p>To anyone who is interested in pursuing this career, I would say there will be rough patches that are exhausting and emotionally draining (a big struggle within healthcare), so just make sure you speak up and ask for support, and you’ll come out of the other side. I would also like to give a special thanks to Gareth Brock (who I started at Weston with in innovate) who I was too scared to talk to in the beginning, but has been extremely supportive, as well as Laura Trace (TRA tutor) for listening to all of my anxiety induced ramblings, and Jenny Gamlin (my assessor) who now listens to my healthcare/NHS struggles. In other words, I wouldn’t and couldn’t have done it without them!</p>

<p>Last week in London,<a href="https://www.theengineer.co.uk/"&gt; The Engineer</a> hosted the 2025 Collaborate to Innovate Awards. Now in its ninth year, the C2I Awards were established to spotlight exemplary engineering collaborations that address complex societal challenges and advanced innovation. The C2I Awards evening consists of 9 different categories – and Weston College came on top for the highly regarded <strong>STEM Initiative Awards for Increase STEM in Apprenticeships</strong>!</p><drupal-entity data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec301ab2-c4c2-4cd5-ba3a-ff19e40529a5" 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>&nbsp;</p><p>In response to the noted shortage of skilled workers in STEM, we have delivered a series of collaborative projects aimed at increasing engagement in STEM amongst young people, with the goal of fostering the next generation of engineers. We sought to address the gap by partnering with a range of organisations, both local and international for maximum impact.</p><p>The collaborations for this initiative were designed not only to spark interest in STEM careers but also to provide practical, hands-on experiences that can inspire and inform career choices among young learners – many of whom have never experienced engineering. Our partners included global leaders such as Boeing and First Scandinavia, local leaders like WEAF, and impactful organisations such as the Luke Wheaton Trust – all of which enabled us to create unique, accessible experiences that demystify engineering for young people.</p><p>Some examples of projects for the Increase STEM in Apprenticeships initiative included:</p><p><strong><u>The Mobile Newton Room&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>One of the flagship projects for Increase STEM in Apprenticeships was the Mobile Newton Room, a collaboration between Weston College, <a href="https://www.firstscandinavia.org/">First Scandinavia</a>, and <a href="https://www.boeing.co.uk/">Boeing</a&gt;. This project brought an innovative flight simulator to the UK, marking the only stop in the country for this unique educational experience. The Mobile Newton Room was run by apprentices from Weston College, who guided local school children through the experience, offering many their first exposure to engineering principles. The project’s aim was to demystify engineering and make it accessible to a broader audience, particularly targeting young students who might not otherwise consider a career in this field. The collaboration exemplified how international and local expertise can be harnessed to create impactful educational opportunities.</p><p><strong><u>Engagement Through Events and Initiatives&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>In addition to the Mobile Newton Room, Weston College collaborated with the <a href="https://www.weaf.co.uk/">West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF)</a> to host events that bridge the gap between employers and young people. These events serve as a platform for employers to engage directly with potential future employees, demonstrating the diverse career paths available within the STEM sectors. Such initiatives are crucial in providing young people with insights into the industry and the types of roles they could pursue, thereby helping to build a pipeline of future talent.</p><p><strong><u>Sustainable Engineering and the Great Big Green Week&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>Weston College also hosted the Great Big Green Week, an initiative focused on sustainability and the role engineering can play in addressing environmental challenges. This week-long event was open to learners at Weston College and UCW, offering a series of activities designed to encourage sustainable thinking. By linking engineering with sustainability, this initiative not only educates but also motivates young people to consider how they can contribute to solving global issues through their future careers.</p><p><strong><u>Collaboration with the Luke Wheaton Trust&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>In partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust, Weston College has hosted several events, supported by employers such as <a href="https://www.gknaerospace.com/">GKN</a&gt;, <a href="https://rotamec.com/">Rotamec</a&gt;, and the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence">Minist… of Defence (MoD)</a>, providing young people with an overview of potential career paths in STEM. The partnership also extends to offering scholarships through the Luke Wheaton Trust, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing engineering education and opportunities.</p><p><strong>Watch our C2I Awards video to learn more about our Increase STEM in Apprenticeships Initiative!</strong></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9wjnsWypKIw?si=cogeXvxjZRN3B45_&quot; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p>Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships &amp; Skills, said:</p><p><em>“All of these various initiatives have had a significant impact: both driving engagement from young people and fostering improved links between education and industry. The Newton Room Project has been particularly impactful in sparking interest in STEM among younger students, delivering 19 sessions to 228 learners from local primary and secondary schools and introducing many children to engineering concepts for the first time. Meanwhile, through events organised with the Luke Wheaton Trust, the college has facilitated contact with industry for over 100 new individuals.”</em></p><p><em>“The college’s efforts have also led to a notable increase in the number of engineering apprenticeships. Indeed, the growing demand has been so substantial that it’s now planning to launch a dedicated engineering campus to accommodate and further support this interest.</em></p><p><em>“What’s more, the various STEM initiatives have deepened the college’s engagement with employers across a range of industries, who are now actively working with the college to offer a wide range of apprenticeships. This increased collaboration with employers enhances its ability to provide practical, real-world training that is directly aligned with industry needs”</em></p><p>Thank you to all our staff and partners who helped to bring Increase STEM in Apprenticeships to life, and who made an impact on our learners and the future of young engineers!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(97, 97, 97);font-family:&quot;Hco Gotham&quot;, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">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&nbsp;</strong><a style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(16, 108, 177);font-family:&quot;Hco Gotham&quot;, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank"><strong style="background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;">here</strong></a><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(97, 97, 97);font-family:&quot;Hco Gotham&quot;, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">. 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>

<p>A common misconception about apprenticeships is that they are aimed at school-leavers making their first entrance into the world of work, typically in a technical or engineering role.</p><p>Despite the majority of apprentices being 16–18-year-olds, it is increasingly common to see people in their twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, sixties and beyond going down the apprenticeship route in pursuit of a career change, in almost every industry.</p><p>Andy Dolman, a firefighter at Avon Fire and Rescue, was previously working for himself doing property maintenance. Despite running a successful business, Andy had always harboured ambitions to join the fire and rescue service and was “trying for years” to land a full-time firefighter position.</p><p>Firefighters can sometimes serve up to 20-30 years in the service, and so full-time openings can be scarce. Undeterred, Andy applied to become an on-call firefighter and was successful in landing the part-time role at Avon Fire and Rescue.</p><p>Having got a taste of life in fire and rescue on-call, an opportunity arose in April 2022 for Andy to take on our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/protective-se… 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship</a>, putting him on course to make it his full-time career.</p><p>The 2-year apprenticeship combined on the job learning responding to incidents in Bristol with 8 hours of study per week at our Knightstone Campus.</p><p>Andy said, <em><strong>“The blend of classroom-based learning and on-the job training was ideal grounding for the rigours of the job. On the job I learnt a lot about dealing with different scenarios and how to use equipment on the fire appliance and got hands on running the station and maintaining all of our equipment,”</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>"During our basic training, we developed a strong foundation in the statutory responsibilities of a firefighter, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements.”</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>“We also honed essential interpersonal skills, such as identifying individuals in need of additional support and making appropriate referrals to partner agencies, reinforcing our role in safeguarding, community fire safety and resilience."</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>“Whilst undoubtedly a fantastic opportunity, life as an apprentice firefighter can be tough. You are put through your paces, and it is a balancing act coping with the physical demands of the role and keeping on top of your studies.”</strong></em></p><p>Despite finishing his apprenticeship year ago, Andy remains eager to develop and learn.</p><p><em><strong>“I really enjoy working for Avon Fire and Rescue Service. There is always lots to do but everyone who works here is helpful and there is always opportunity for development.”</strong></em></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/protective-se… out more about our Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship here!</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(97, 97, 97);font-family:&quot;Hco Gotham&quot;, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">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&nbsp;</strong><a style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(16, 108, 177);font-family:&quot;Hco Gotham&quot;, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank"><strong style="background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;">here</strong></a><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(97, 97, 97);font-family:&quot;Hco Gotham&quot;, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">. 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>