Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds (old)
COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
With hundreds of unique, exciting and inspiring programmes to choose from, everything you need to create your brighter future is waiting for you at Weston College.
From the minute you walk through the door, the experience and the environment that we create is all about maximising your potential. It’s about preparing and motivating you for a fresh and focused career pathway.
Every Weston College student becomes part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs. This means you will take part in a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of help you to go further, giving you the opportunity to become career ready with the skills, knowledge and expertise you need to be successful in your next step and reach your ultimate goal - whatever that may be!
Whether you are looking for the next step after school or the next step in your career, we're bound to have a programme for you. Take a look below at the different types of qualifications available for school leavers and young people between 16 and 18 years old.
Did you know we also run English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)?
Start your brighter future by selecting a subject you're interested in below, and don't forget - you can apply online and it only takes 5 minutes!
Discover our range of courses for school leavers aged 16-18 using the search options below...
Select a Course Subject:
Search courses by keyword:
Search by Keyword:
Select a Career:
Scroll down to view our courses
or select a section to jump to:
Scroll down to view our courses
or select a section to jump to:
Find Your Future Path
Qualifications Explained
At Weston College we know that everyone learns differently. That’s why we deliver a variety of different qualification types - to give you the chance to learn in the way that suits you the most.
A Levels
A Levels develop the knowledge, skills and study habits to excel at university, as well as the attributes recognised by employers. Your academic studies will be complemented with enrichment opportunities such as trips, mentoring and work experience, providing the perfect springboard for your future career. A Levels are assessed through exams at the end of two years of study. Most learners study three subjects - some choose four.
Apprenticeships
With an apprenticeship you’ll go straight into the workplace and be shown clear routes to progress straight into employment within a specific occupation. You can achieve nationally recognised qualifications, earn a wage, and gain skills that will see you get ahead. On average you will spend 20% of your learning time in the college and 80% within the workplace..
Professional and Technical Qualifications
Professional and technical qualifications are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to gain employment within specific industries or occupations. They provide a balance between theory and practical skills development. They are suited to those who want to get hands-on experience within a particular vocational area. These programmes include work placements. Assessment is more varied and will include exams, coursework and practical work.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a great way for 16 to 24-year-olds who haven’t yet gained the skills and experiences necessary to apply for jobs and apprenticeships. They are taught mostly in the workplace and include a mixture of personal and social development, and employability skills. The aim of a traineeship is to train you within a company so that you are more likely to be offered an apprenticeship or a job.
T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need, including a minimum of 45 days on an industry placement – this means you will spend 80% of your learning time in College and 20% within the workplace.
CHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY
We are all about CAREERS NOT COURSES and pride ourselves on being able to offer a huge range of programmes to ensure you develop the skills and knowledge employers and universities are looking for. As the only education provider in North Somerset that enables you to work your way up from an entrylevel programme to a degree, we’re here to help you choose the right programme for you.
We can help you choose your study programme or apprenticeship by accessing the following support:
School Liaison Team
Working with local schools we help you find out about college life and programmes of study, and we provide you with advice and guidance about what programmes will best suit you. We will either visit your school, attend careers fairs and parents’ evenings or coordinate campus and virtual events such as our taster days, holiday workshops and tours.
Events
We put on a number of events over the year, which will be a mixture of face-to-face and virtual events. These provide you and your family with the opportunity to explore our facilities, speak to our lecturers, find out about the support on offer and choose the right programme for you. Our events also give you the opportunity to engage with a number of employers to find out about careers in their industry and why they value the calibre of candidates that come from Weston College.
CAREERS ADVICE
- On our website you can access a wealth of career guidance, such as:
- All the programmes you can study.
- What our alumni have gone on to achieve.
- Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) that will help explain what relevant careers and jobs are available, including salaries.
- NEW – Subject careers roadmaps, so you can map your journey with us and ensure it will get you into your chosen career. Also, check out Career Coach - this provides you with the opportunity to:
- Take an assessment that matches you with careers.
- Explore broad career pathways that match your strengths and interests.
- Compare careers within a pathway - including salaries, required education and more.
- Explore our programmes that will set you on the path to your desired career.
- Take a career assessment - and receive an in-depth report that can help you identify the best programme and career path for you!
We’re here and happy to help – if you would like more advice and guidance, contact our school liaison team by emailing schoolteam@weston.ac.uk. - they you can arrange a one-to-one careers appointment with our specialist staff.
LATEST NEWS
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, Weston College welcomed Lauren Carr, Technical Project Manager at <strong>SharkNinja</strong> UK, for an engaging and 'Outrageously Extraordinary' session with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… 3 Business</u></a> students. Lauren shared her expertise in managing complex projects for a global brand operating across the UK, US, and China, offering students a unique insight into the processes behind bringing innovative products to market. </p><p>During the interactive sessions, Lauren explained how her team takes projects from initial concept through to manufacturing, covering essential tools such as Gantt charts, risk management strategies, and the Red-Amber-Green system for tracking progress with the engineers. Students learned about the importance of market research, prototype development, and the rigorous quality standards SharkNinja applies to every product. </p><p>To bring theory to life, Lauren set students a hands-on challenge. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… 1 Business</u></a> students, currently studying marketing, worked in groups to design and label a new product concept. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… 2 Business</u></a> students then took these ideas forward, applying project management principles to overcome simulated risks and navigate manufacturing setbacks. This practical exercise allowed students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, developing problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making skills. </p><p>Lauren also shared candid insights into the challenges of her role, including managing expert teams under tight deadlines and ensuring projects meet aggressive targets. Her advice gave students a realistic understanding of the responsibilities and pressures faced in project management careers. </p><p>The sessions provided an invaluable networking opportunity and helped students strengthen both their personal and professional development. By connecting with an industry leader, students gained a deeper appreciation of how their studies translate into the workplace and the skills required to succeed in a global business environment. </p><p>Emma Hussey, Curriculum Co-ordinater and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; lecturer, said, “Having Lauren join us and provide such an in-depth break down of the Project Management process from concept through to manufacturing was great insight for our students to gain a better understanding of what to expect. Project Management is a fantastic career route, therefore, gaining this invaluable insight from an industry professional will help students make an informed decision about which pathway they want to take following college.” </p><p>A huge thank you to Lauren for sharing her knowledge and experiences with our students! </p><p>This guest lecture forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. </p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/business-accounting-and-operat…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a> </p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong> </p>
<p>Today, <a href="https://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/">Somerset Chamber of Commerce</a> hosted their Business Brunch at The Grove, located at Weston College’s Knightstone Campus.</p><p>The event provided a valuable opportunity for employers from across the region to network, learn more about the College, and connect directly with Weston College learners during a dedicated student networking session.</p><p>The morning opened with an introduction from Dave Crew, Director at Somerset Chamber, who outlined the agenda and set the tone for the event. This was followed by an insightful presentation from Antonia Travers, Director of Student Experience and Personal Development, who highlighted Weston College’s new STEPS framework and the Career Excellence Hub.</p><p>Guests were then treated to a delicious brunch, expertly prepared and served by our talented Level 1 Hospitality and Catering learners.</p><p>To round off the morning, employers made their way to the Conference Centre for a mock interview and networking session with 60 of Weston College’s Level 3 Business and Management learners. In small groups of three to four, learners spent ten minutes with each employer, asking questions about their organisation, the opportunities available, and insights into their sector. Employers, in turn, asked the learners both conversational and interview-style questions, giving them a taste of real-world recruitment scenarios.</p><p>Learners who particularly impressed employers were awarded a ‘Networking Champion’ token, which they could later reflect upon to understand what they did well and why they stood out.</p><p>Employers shared fantastic feedback, praising the learners’ enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and even their confident handshakes! Opportunities like this are invaluable in helping our learners become industry-ready and understand what employers are looking for in future talent.</p><p>Find out how Weston College can support your business, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/employers?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=…;
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">As part of last month’s ‘Focus on Finance’ initiative, Year 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… 3 Business</u></a> students welcomed guest speakers Katie Robinson and Alana Goodwin from <strong>Ernst & Young (EY)</strong> Bristol Office, one of the world’s ‘Big Four’ accountancy firms. </p><p>The Big Four refers to the four largest international accounting and professional services firms: <strong>Deloitte</strong>, <strong>PwC</strong>, <strong>KPMG</strong>, and <strong>EY</strong>. These firms dominate the global market, providing audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services to major corporations and organisations worldwide. EY’s structured career pathways make it a leading choice for aspiring finance professionals such as our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; students. </p><p>The session offered students a unique insight into EY’s operations and career pathways within the finance sector. Katie and Alana, both working in Audit, explained the firm’s services and highlighted the skills required for success in the industry, including analytical thinking and attention to detail. They discussed their roles, their career progression, and the benefits of pursuing a career in finance at EY. This was largely beneficial for our students unsure of what to do following their course, especially for those considering an Apprenticeship or Accounting in the future. </p><p>Katie shared her journey from studying History at Cardiff University to joining EY’s graduate scheme. This career path reinforced to students that they can complete a university course that is not relevant to accounting and still secure a place on the graduate scheme. She is now a Senior Assurance Associate and part-qualified <strong>Chartered Accountant</strong> with <strong>ICAS</strong>, Katie outlined the three-year programme, which combines practical experience with exams. </p><p>Alana also discussed her route into EY as a <strong>Level 7 Assurance Apprentice</strong> after completing her A Levels last year. Currently working towards her <strong>ACA qualification</strong> with <strong>ICAEW</strong>, Alana emphasised the value of early work experience and the structured progression available through apprenticeships. This was an excellent example for our current students to get a better understanding of the apprenticeship routes available, how to secure an apprenticeship, and what to expect from them. </p><p>By Katie and Alana delivering an in-depth explanation into their graduate scheme and apprenticeship pathways, it allowed our students to consider the different routes they can take to achieve the same outcome which is especially beneficial for students unsure whether to pursue the university or apprenticeship route. </p><p>Emma Hussey, Curriculum Co-ordinator and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; lecturer at Weston College, added, “Guest lecturers such as this provide valuable insight into a career in finance, giving our students a better idea of what to expect and the potential career routes available to them. We now have several students considering pursuing a career in Audit and Assurance which they had not previously considered, showing the impact that professional discussions can have on broadening future career paths.” </p><p>Students remained engaged throughout the lecture, gaining valuable knowledge about alternative career routes in finance and the opportunities offered by global firms like <strong>EY</strong>. The event provided an excellent networking opportunity and broadened career paths for those considering pursuing accountancy and audit. </p><p>A big thank you to Katie and Alana for taking the time to visit our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; students and share your knowledge with them! </p><p>This guest lecture forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… & Tourism</u></strong></a> Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. </p><p>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/business-accounting-and-operat…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a> our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>Click here!</u></a> </p><p><strong>If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College </strong><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…;. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.</strong> </p>
