Weston College has won the STEM Initiative Award for increasing STEM apprenticeships in the ninth Collaborate to Innovate Awards hosted by The Engineer in London.
In response to a shortage of skilled workers in STEM, Weston College delivered a series of collaborative projects aimed at increasing engagement in STEM among young people, with the goal of fostering the next generation of engineers. They partnered with a range of organisations, both local and international for maximum impact.
The collaborations for the 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 who had never experienced engineering.
The partners of the ‘increase STEM in apprenticeships’ initiative included global leaders such as Boeing and First Scandinavia, local leaders like West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) and impactful organisations such as the Luke Wheaton Trust – all of which enabled the college to create unique, accessible experiences that demystify engineering for young people. 
One of the flagship projects for increase STEM in apprenticeships was the Mobile Newton Room, a collaboration between Weston College, First Scandinavia, and Boeing. The 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.
In addition, Weston College collaborated with WEAF to host events that bridge the gap between employers and young people. These events served as a platform for employers to engage directly with potential future employees, demonstrating the diverse career paths available within the STEM sectors.
Weston College also hosted the Great Big Green Week, an initiative focused on sustainability and the role engineering can play in addressing environmental challenges. The 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.
Then in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust, Weston College hosted several events, supported by employers such as GKN, Rotamec, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), providing young people with an overview of potential career paths in STEM.
The partnership also extended to offering scholarships through the Luke Wheaton Trust, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing engineering education and opportunities.
Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships and Skills at Weston College, said: “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.”
“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.”
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