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...
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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 week, our Year 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/node/73142"><u>Level 3 Travel and Tourism</u></a> learners had the fantastic opportunity to visit <strong>Bristol Airport</strong> for an immersive experience focused on careers in aviation. </p><p>The trip began with a guided tour of the main terminal, where students explored the passenger journey from check-in to boarding. This gave them a real insight into the operational side of the airport and the variety of roles involved in ensuring smooth travel for thousands of passengers every day. </p><p>Students then got the opportunity to access the staff-only Aviation House, a behind-the-scenes area that most travellers never see. Here, learners discovered the coordination required between different departments, from security to ground handling, and learned about the skills and qualifications required for these roles. </p><p>Following this, the group attended a lesson in <strong>Lulsgate House</strong>, where airport staff delivered an engaging session on career pathways, progression opportunities, and the importance of customer service in the aviation industry. </p><p>One of the highlights of the day was visiting the roof deck, where students watched planes take off and land. This experience brought classroom learning to life, allowing them to see the scale and complexity of airport operations in action.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Students exploring the Jet2 information desk at the airport"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cc6b26b7-935a-476a-b198-e142e1b53c75" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p>The focus of this visit was on career opportunities, showcasing roles such as airside operations, terminal management, customer service, and specialist positions within aviation security and logistics. This allowed learners to gain a deeper understanding of the different employment pathways available after college and the general expectations and requirements needed to pursue careers in the aviation industry. </p><p>Students networked with staff, gained invaluable insight from industry professionals, and came away with a clearer understanding of the diverse employment options available within the travel and tourism sector. </p><p>A big thank you to Harry Ellis at Bristol Airport for another fantastic visit and taking the time to engage with our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> students. </p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></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><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>Beauty Therapy student, Maddie, proudly secured a bronze medal at this year’s WorldSkills UK national finals.</p><p>Competing against over 400 entrants from across the country, Maddie impressed judges with her professionalism, technical skill and ability to perform under pressure - ultimately earning a remarkable third-place finish.</p><p>Maddie currently works at Cadbury House Spa, one of Weston College’s valued Career Excellence Hub employers, where she continues to develop her industry experience alongside her studies.</p><p>This year, WorldSkills UK raised the bar by keeping competitors on their toes. Participants were given no prior knowledge of the tasks they would be assessed on, and even found that their models were changed on the day. </p><p>The aim was to test higher-order professional competencies such as resilience, adaptability and confidence when handling the unexpected - qualities essential within the industry. Despite these challenges, Maddie excelled across all three mystery tasks.</p><p>Head of Service Sectors, Jenna Ratcliffe, said: “We are so proud of Maddie. Her calm approach and impressive technical ability shone through each challenge, earning her a place on the national podium and highlighting the high standards of training delivered at Weston College. Maddie has been a pleasure to train, and her commitment, professionalism and determination have been evident throughout her journey.</p><p>“As we look ahead to the next competition cycle, we are now beginning to form our new competition squad. Any learners who are interested in getting involved should speak to their tutors about taking part.”</p><p>Find out more about our Beauty Therapy courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…;
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Earlier this month, Weston College’s Year 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></strong></a> students visited <strong>Mendip Activity Centre</strong> to gain valuable insight into the local tourism industry and the operations behind a successful business. </p><p>Mendip Activity Centre is a tourist destination near Weston-super-Mare, known for its wide range of outdoor activities and for being a popular school residential location. </p><p>The trip linked directly to multiple course units for the students, including Managing Accommodation, as well as topics in Business, Marketing, and Operations.</p><p>Students began the day with an informative session on the centre’s business model, marketing strategies, and operational processes which provided invaluable insight into how independent businesses manage resources, adapt to market trends, and deliver high-quality customer experiences. Students can then apply these skills directly to their future careers in the travel and tourism industry. This was followed by a guided tour of the site, including its campsite facilities, offering a real-world example of accommodation management in action. </p><p>To round off the visit, learners enjoyed a game of frisbee golf which perfectly timed to coincide with Wellbeing Week at the college, combining practical learning with outdoor wellbeing activities. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Students holding together a range of coloured frisbees"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e46f89b-b3b5-4ccf-86e0-1592861bfcdc" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p>Experiences like this play a crucial role in both the personal and professional development of our learners. By engaging directly with industry professionals and observing real-world operations, students build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and gain practical knowledge that goes beyond the classroom. These opportunities not only enhance their understanding of the tourism sector but also prepare them for future employment by demonstrating the standards and expectations of the industry. </p><p>Hannah Forrest, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> lecturer at Weston College, said, “Curriculum trips like these are great for students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world operations, teaching them the importance of the tourism industry on local businesses. Being exposed to the workings of a popular tourist destination like this gives them the confidence and insight required to succeed within their future careers.” </p><p>A big thank you to George Coombe and the team at Mendip Activity Centre for taking the time to engage with our students and share their valuable insight into the industry. </p><p>This curriculum trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… & Tourism</u></a> and <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>
