Posted on

What exactly is the WEIoT?

Woman in Library

We’ve been in discussion with Weston college about the IoT or rather the WEIoT(and yes we got confused too by the Acronym) so we thought it’s about time to discuss it with you all so here it is:

The West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) is industry, education and research collaborating to design and deliver flexible, higher-level technical learning to equip people with the skills to fully participate in, and contribute to, economic growth driven by digital innovation and emerging technologies.​

The WEIoT has been designed to support businesses across the region to thrive and embrace the opportunities of the digitalisation of the economy. We are one of only 12 national Institutes of Technology licenced by the Department for Education to support local employers develop higher-level skills and train employees for the jobs of tomorrow. ​

As mentioned, there are a few colleges and institutions involved and among them locally are Weston college and UWE both of whom we are closely involved as well as Bath Gloucestershire and Yeovil colleges. Therefore we will be bringing you some information of what the local members are offering in terms of courses and reskilling over this year. We’ll start with Weston College:

Weston College

Weston College is the regional Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year, for three years in a row and works with over 2,000 apprentices across the South West, offering 50+ training programs designed by industry. They are always looking for new partnerships to support their apprenticeships so if you want to get involved with them so check out the courses on offer on their tech skills webpage. There’s also some level 3 training for free (if you do not yet have a level 3 qualification and are over 19!) – there’s even a cyber course in there, check it out here.

If you want to get a degree whilst learning then check out the level 6 options here it includes options as a BSc in applied computing, Digital and technical solutions, multiple engineering degree options, games and animation, graphic design .. in fact just take a look..

UX Bristol July the 16th

UXBristol is back again in July. We are offering a day of online talks, streamed completely free on the UXBristol YouTube channel. We now have a provisional schedule.

Wanted to share the details of our Women in Security: Mind the Gap event taking place Wednesday 14th July 1-2pm with the focus of taking career risks and embracing change.

The content is relevant to anyone, irrespective of their position within security, and we most certainly welcome ‘manbassadors’ too as we understand that they have a huge role to play in lessening the gender gap that still exists. Sure you’ll agree that we have some fantastic panellists lined up too including Andy, CISO at the FCA.

So please feel free to attend yourself and share with your colleagues and within your communities; we would love to have you there. The more the merrier!

Userlab paid research opportunity

We’ve had a request in from Userlab around health which sounds pretty interesting as they are looking for quite specialised.

We’re a small user research company in the UK and we’re currently working on a discovery research study for the HRA (Health Research Authority) who are part of the NHS. We want to understand the needs of specific user groups to help the HRA make their services more accessible and user-friendly to non-clinical users, essentially.

People we’d like to speak to as part of the research are:

1. Startup founders/co-founders/SME leads in the health/med-tech space
2. Postgrad students in Computer Science/Ai/Bioinformatics who are working with/on healthcare data
3. Professionals working in digital healthcare e.g. Healthcare Technologists, Research/AI Leads, Software Engineers/Developers, Bioinformaticians

OHT Bristol Summer Social is on the 14th of July

As the summer is rolling on in full bloom, OHT Bristol is cordially inviting our local One Health Techies for an in-person social on 14th July! This is an opportunity to network and exchange ideas without constraints of a set topic and just have a little bit of fun in the centre of Bristol!

Continue reading “What exactly is the WEIoT?”
Posted on

Start-up support and free training

Free to learn

Women Tech Founders Bristol Business Support Series

Lets Gets Started

Our next event is about starting a business – it’s for anyone interested in knowing some more about setting up a business and ask questions so feel free to pop in even if you don’t feel ready to take the plunge. Details are on our WTF ~ Bristol page here.

Free and affordable training courses

We’ve been chatting to the local universities and Weston college recently and we were right – there’s lots of money coming through from the government to support re-skilling both with apprenticeships and free training. We’ll let you know more as we understand more but it sounds like they are insisting on 50% women, which is great to hear!

Below is this weeks info from Weston College – the level 3 is the equivalent of 2 A levels but there are a plethora of others up to level 7 coming which are the equivalent of masters. We’ll try and debunk them as we go but keep an eye on us while we explain them. These are of interest for Coding practices and IT skills. Check it out here.

We’ve partnered with UWE Bristol to deliver a range of FREE Level 3 qualifications at UWE Bristol’s easy-to-reach Frenchay Campus.

Weston College

To be eligible you’ll need to be aged 19+ without a Level 3 qualification. The courses start soon – so signup today to secure your place. Our unique partnership with UWE Bristol brings together Weston College’s OFSTED outstanding further education courses with UWE Bristol’s Gold standard higher education facilities on the outskirts of Bristol.

We currently have courses available covering a variety of subjects – and as full Level 3 qualifications, they’re ideal whether you’re looking to retrain, upskill or progress on to university.

Here’s what we can offer:

  • Your course and all associated examination fees, for FREE – providing you’re eligible and live in the South West of England.
  • A mixture of classroom-based lectures in Bristol and online learning.
  • Support available via your own tutor to help you succeed.
  • All the benefits of studying at Weston College and UWE Bristol – including exclusive student discounts.

CogX festival is coming up next week and here’s the free ticket link

A Global Leadership Summit and Festival of AI & Transformational Technology addressing the question “How do we get the next 10 years right?”

Creative Informatics Innovation Showcase 2021

The 2021 Creative Informatics Innovation Showcase is taking place online on the 8th and 9th of June, presenting a host of fantastic Creative Informatics projects, and featuring special guest speakers, panels, interactive performances and meet ups!

Join us to find out more about inspiring data-driven work being done by individuals and organisations in Edinburgh and South East Scotland’s creative industries, as we reveal some of the innovative products, services and experiences that have been developed with funding and support from Creative Informatics.

New FemTech in Town

We spoke to a new FemTech company during the week and they’re hiring and looking for women to join them. Check out their jobs: User Researcher, Quality Manager, Senior Embedded Electronics Engineer (needle in a haystack we believe on that one) and Project Manager.

Continue reading “Start-up support and free training”
Posted on

So you want to get into Tech?

It looks like there are some great initiatives coming into the area. We are aware that the government bodies have been starting a bigger drive towards digital skilling and lifelong learning so we’re keeping an eye out for any offerings.

DETI: Hopes and Challenges for under-represented people in digital engineering 

The DETI programme is looking to play its role in supporting/ creating digital jobs, skills, and workplaces that support and include everyone, and drive innovation and creativity in the West of England.  

Listening Workshops – June- July 2021 

You’re invited to share your Hopes and Challenges for under-represented people in engineering as part of the Digital Engineering Technology and Innovation (DETI) Programme. Full invitation with details/dates/sign up form, all online, 60 mins duration.

Manchester Digital offering Bristol apprenticeships with BJSS

  • BJSS logo

BJSS will be recruiting and training all their level 4 software developers UK wide through their apprenticeship programme. Their next cohort starts on 20th September and they have 2 places with BJSS in Bristol that they are looking to fill. They advise the salary will be between £18 and £23k plus employer benefits. BJSS will be able to provide more information on their salary and benefits during the recruitment process. 

Full information on the apprenticeship programme, and the application form can be found here.  When completing the application form it’s important candidates check Bristol within the location box. 

A few keys dates:

  • Wednesday 26th May 1pm : Online webinar & Q&A for anyone that would like to find out more about the programme, the recruitment process, and eligibility, candidates can register here. They will be recording this session, so if anyone can’t make the webinar they can share the recording afterwards.
  • Friday 18th June: Applications close for candidates so they can review and begin the recruitment process
  • Monday 20th September: The first day of the apprenticeship begins with a 4 week get ready Bootcamp, they’re aiming for this to be face to face and it would ideally be held in Manchester (travel and accommodation costs would be covered) but this is subject to government guidance nearer the time (there may also be some flexible options here for women with caring responsibilities)

Free Wellbeing Workshop resources for companies

We spotted this resource for companies where you’ll be guided through a number of slides that will help you define practical solutions to:

  • approaches you will take and behaviours you can adopt to support your mental wellbeing;
  • early warning signs of poor mental health to look out for;
  • any workplace triggers for poor mental health or stress;
  • potential impact of poor mental health on performance;
  • what support may be needed;
  • positive steps.

She Inspires awards

Not so tech-related but may be worth you taking a look and nominating some of the brilliant women in your life. We also know one of the women involved so thought it worth a shout out.

Continue reading “So you want to get into Tech?”