C2I 2024 STEM initiative winner: Weston College

Category: STEM Initiative
Project: Increase STEM in Apprenticeships
Partners: Weston College with Boeing, WEAF, Luke Wheaton Trust, Airbus

In response to the noted shortage of skilled workers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), Weston college - a further and higher education college in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset – has delivered  a series of collaborative projects aimed at inspiring students and young people to consider a career in engineering .

One of the flagship projects amongst this suite of carefully targeted initiatives is the so-called Mobile Newton Room, a collaboration with Norwegian STEM provider First Scandinavia and aerospace giant Boeing which saw the installation of a mobile classroom equipped with three table-top flight simulators.

The project’s aim was to bring aerospace engineering experiences directly to students who may otherwise have limited access to such resources, particularly targeting young students who might not otherwise consider a career in this field.  By leveraging a hands-on, immersive learning environment, the project has helped demystify complex engineering concepts, making them accessible and engaging for younger audiences.

The facility was run by apprentices from Weston College, who guided local school children through the experience, offering many their first exposure to engineering principles. According to the Weston college team this peer-led model of education helped to create a relatable and inspiring environment for school children, who see slightly older peers actively pursuing careers in engineering, and also provided valuable teaching and leadership experience for the apprentices.

Separate initiatives launched by the college include a collaboration with the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) to host events that enable young people to engage directly potential future employees and a project known as the Great Big Green Week, an initiative focused on sustainability and the role engineering can play in addressing environmental challenges.

Open to learners at Weston College and the University Centre Weston (UCW) this week-long event offers a series of activities designed to encourage sustainable thinking and to emphasise the intersection of engineering and environmental responsibility. According to the organizer, 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.

Finally, working in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust – a trust set up in memory of Bristol teenager Lule Wheaton to help under privileged young people, the college has also hosted a number of careers events with employers including  GKN, Rotamec, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The partnership with the trust also extends to offering scholarships. Indeed, so far scholarships have been awarded to two learners.

According to Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal, Apprenticeships and Skills at Weston College, 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, she said, 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.

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.

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. 

“Through partnerships with global leaders like Boeing and First Scandinavia, local industry forums like WEAF, and impactful organisations like the Luke Wheaton Trust, we’ve created unique, accessible experiences that demystify engineering for young people,” said Leahy. “This initiative not only addresses the STEM skills gap but also fosters a sustainable, inclusive pipeline of future talent. The tangible impact on students’ career aspirations and industry engagement sets a new standard for STEM education in the UK.”