Students at Weston College will be among the first in the country to study the new T Level qualification.

The College is one of just 54 providers selected to launch the new technical equivalent to A Levels.

T Levels will be available in 15 industry-related subjects, known as ‘pathways’. Weston College will deliver the Digital (software applications design and development) programme from September 2020 – two years before the full roll-out.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “T Levels have been described as the biggest overhaul in post-school education for 70 years.

“For Weston College to be at the forefront of this revolution is an honour and an exciting challenge. We’ve built a national reputation for the quality of our sixth form and helping to launch this pioneering programme only enhances that standing.

“It also represents a tremendous opportunity for school leavers in Weston-super-Mare and beyond.

“T levels are shaped by employers and benefit from the unique insights of industry leaders. This means learners will be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to get ahead in the modern jobs market.”

Delivered over a two-year period, T Levels provide an alternative to A Levels and are aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds who would rather study work-related courses than traditional academic subjects. They have been launched to counter the long-held assumption that only A Levels and a degree can lead to a fulfilling job. Though, T Level students will still be able to progress to university or higher-level technical qualifications.

T Levels have been created by expert panels of employers, are also designed to deliver the necessary skills required to strengthen and grow the UK economy. They will provide a mix of industry-specific technical knowledge and practical skills; relevant maths, English and digital skills; and a work placement of at least 45 days.

A Weston College student overcame a number of professional artists to finish second in a prestigious live painting competition.

Cameron Gelder, 19, won his ‘heat’ and only narrowly missed out on winning the final of Art Battle Bristol at the city’s Marble Factory.

Cameron and fellow Weston College student Lewis Bateman, 17, were among 12 artists, including professionals, to compete in the event.

Each competitor was given 20 minutes to produce a work of art in front of an audience of 250. Spectators then vote on their favourite painting, with each work auctioned off at the end of the event.

Cameron and Lewis, who both study the Level 3 Art and Design course, made a big impression on the audience, which included their classmates and tutor, Nicola Stent.

“Cameron and Lewis did themselves and the College proud,” said Nicola.

“They engaged with the crowd and produced some excellent pieces of work under real pressure.

“Cameron really showed his ability to improvise, using his bank card to create an effect on his first painting!

“After finishing first in his heat, he was within five votes of winning the final.

“All three of the students’ pieces sold at the auction, with one of Cameron’s fetching £80.

“Their classmates got involved as well, and gave Cameron and Lewis lots of support.

“The event also provided the students with some great opportunities to network with professional painters, graffiti artists and architects.”

Cameron was pipped to first place by Jody Thomas, a Bristol-based professional graffiti artist who began painting with Banksy.

Over 1,200 students attended Weston College’s annual Brighter Futures Fair at the Winter Gardens.

The fair provides College students with the opportunity to meet a range of employers and education providers, and make a more informed decision about their next steps.

Universities and businesses were among 50 exhibitors at the event, including EDF Energy, Osborne Clarke, The Honeytree Day Nursery, University of Bristol and First Group.

Emma Cox, Training Co-Ordinator at exhibitor Thatchers Cider, said: “We strongly believe in offering local young people career opportunities, so it was exciting to be involved in the Brighter Futures Fair and meet so many Weston College learners.

“We have a wide variety of career opportunities within Thatchers and working closely with Weston College has enabled us to source local talent.”

Ben Cocks, Assistant Director – School Engagement and Learner Growth – at Weston College, said: “We were delighted to host another successful careers fair – one that provided our learners with an opportunity to talk to a real range of exhibitors.

“We feel it is critical to provide our learners with the platform to engage with both employers and universities, as this will help them make an informed decision on their next steps.”

There was also the opportunity for the learners to win some exciting prizes, including an Amazon Echo, Lasseter's restaurant vouchers and a Swansea monopoly set. There 14 prize winners were:

• Chloe Peacock

• Chloe Pritchard

• Skylar Beacham

• Kraig Taylor-Bryant

• Josh Mitchell

• Mark Tapley

• Jaida White

• Kieran Perry

• Charlotte Bailey

• Tasin Ahmed

• Alistair Cameron-Kettle

• Blake Goodare

• Lottie Gwer

• Ewan Barnfather