<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Weston College’s Year 1 Protective Services students enjoyed an exhilarating day of outdoor adventure at the stunning Wimbleball Lake, where they took part in an action-packed program designed to challenge both their physical and mental abilities.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Protective services learners at wimbleball lake&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71894e44-3138-4ce9-8f8e-111ed555cd8f" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_650x650&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>Set against the picturesque backdrop of the lake, students had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities that pushed them to test their skills and build camaraderie with their peers. The day included thrilling canoeing sessions, high ropes challenges, and hands-on navigation training. These activities, specifically designed to enhance their team building, problem-solving, and resilience skills, are crucial for their development in protective services training.&nbsp;</p><p>After a day of adventure and learning, the group gathered for a much-needed barbecue to refuel, relax, and celebrate their achievements.&nbsp;</p><p>"We’re incredibly proud of our Year 1 students for embracing the challenges and showing great determination throughout the day," said David, Head of Public Services. "This experience is not only about building essential skills for their future careers in protective services but also about creating unforgettable memories and strong bonds within the group."&nbsp;</p><p>Interested in protective services? Find out more information and apply for our courses<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; here.</a></p>

<p>Becoming a Police Officer can be a highly rewarding career choice if you’re interested in serving the community and upholding the law. It is a demanding and challenging job that requires dedication, skill, and a deep sense of commitment.</p><p>In this article, we will discuss why you would want to join the Police Force and how we can help you achieve it!</p><p>There are many reasons why someone may choose to become a Police Officer. For some, it is a lifelong dream that they have had since childhood. Others may be drawn to the job because of a desire to make a positive impact in their community or to help those in need. Whatever the reason, becoming a Police Officer is a noble profession that requires a high level of integrity, compassion, and bravery.&nbsp;<p.police a="" critical="" in="" officers="" play="" role="" society="">They also work closely with the community, building relationships with residents and businesses to help prevent crime and maintain a safe environment.</p.police></p><p>There are lots of job opportunities in the UK, with 45 different geographical forces.</p><p>You might now be wondering how to become a Police Officer, and how can Weston College help… we offer several courses, which can act as the starting point of your journey, or your next steps.</p><p>Our courses are part of our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs?utm_source=main-menu&am… Excellence Hubs</a>, which gives you unrivalled access to employers, whether that be for industry insight talks, work experience or trips.</p><p>Here are some of the courses we would recommend:</p><p><strong>Public Services Courses</strong></p><p>We offer several Public Services courses, across different levels, which will build your skills and knowledge, ready for a career in the Police Force.</p><p>Each course is slightly different, but they are all taught by people with industry experience and include regular talks from local Police Officers. <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/publi… courses are a great way to start your journey into the Police Force, click here to see our Public Services courses.</a></p><p><strong>A Levels</strong></p><p>A Levels are another route that you can take to join the Police Force, as once completed you can progress onto a degree. Courses such as Criminology, Law and Sociology are recommended, as they will give you a understanding of what the law is and also give you insight into the thoughts and behaviour of society.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… here to see our A Level offer.</a></p><p><strong>Degrees</strong></p><p>University Centre Weston (UCW) offers a Level 6 in Uniformed and Public Services, which will give you specialised knowledge and skills in areas including organisational leadership, causes of crime and social conflict, partnership working and emergency planning, and prepare to progress to a range of roles within the uniformed and public services.</p><p><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/uniformed-and-public-services-ba-hons/">C… here to find out more about the course</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If you'd like to find out more about a career in the Police, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events?utm_source=main-menu&am… along to one of our open evenings</a> and chat to the team, they will be more than happy to help!</p>

<p>In partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue (AF&amp;RS), Weston College has launched the Operational Fire Fighter apprenticeship.</p><p>The new programme launched in January, with 24 people training to become fire fighters, at Severn Park in Avonmouth.</p><p>As part of the apprenticeship, the new recruits will work on everything from fitness, fire safety and practical skills such as breathing apparatus procedures, ladder training, hose management and road traffic collision operations.</p><p>Simon Shilton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Avon Fire and Rescue said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome 24 new recruits to AF&amp;RS to begin what I hope will be a prosperous fire service career.</p><p>“These new recruits have already undergone a rigorous selection process, and their next stage of training will see them put through their paces and prepared for life as a fire fighter.</p><p>“Modern firefighting is about so much more than fires, encompassing elements such as complex rescues, prevention work and community engagement. AF&amp;RS truly works to prevent and protect before all else, working to keep the community safe in all that we do.</p><p>“As they move through this process, I give the new recruits my best wishes and can assure them that is truly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers.”</p><p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, added: “We are delighted to be working with Avon Fire and Rescue on this brilliant initiative, and providing opportunities to people that want to become fire fighters.</p><p>“If you think this will be a good career for you, join us at our Apprenticeship Open Evening on 10th February, at South West Skills Campus, 4pm-7pm where we can tell you about the next intake of Fire Fighting apprentices and how you can apply – <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/apprenticeship-open-evening-0">register here</a>.”</p><p>You can contact Weston College’s apprenticeship team on 01934 411 594, or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk</p>