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 []">Our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/art-design-gra… Foundation</u></a> and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… Diploma</u></a> learners have been putting their creativity to the test through their first project of the academic year, ‘The Power of One’.</p><p>Working to a challenging and structured brief, students were given two words as inspiration and limited to using just one material throughout the project. This encouraged them to think creatively within constraints, exploring different structures, processes and outcomes while developing their own artistic approach.</p><p>Starting with a single concept and transforming it into a finished piece gave students the opportunity to develop their confidence, communication and collaboration skills, as they worked alongside their peers, shared ideas and learned from different creative approaches. The project also encouraged experimentation and creative risk-taking, helping learners become more resilient when faced with challenges or unexpected outcomes.</p><p>By working with a limited material and repurposing found resources, students were encouraged to become more resourceful and adaptable, making independent decisions and finding creative solutions throughout the process. These are valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom, supporting learners’ personal development as well as preparing them for further study and careers within the creative industries.</p><p>The completed work is now being displayed throughout the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… Arts</u></a> corridor, giving students a valuable opportunity to celebrate and take ownership of their achievements. Seeing their work publicly showcased alongside that of their peers can help build confidence and pride, while inspiring learners to reflect on their own practice and draw inspiration from others. Presenting their work to a wider audience also gives students experience in communicating their creative ideas and developing a professional approach to showcasing their work.</p><p>Chrissandra Boxley, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d…, Graphics, and Fashion</u></a> at Weston College, said: “Within the Creative Arts department, we encourage our students to express their creativity, and developing a project from a single concept is a fantastic way to challenge them early in the term and encourage them to push beyond their comfort zones. We look forward to seeing our students’ confidence and creativity continue to flourish throughout the remainder of the year.”</p><p>This project forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… & Design</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>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/art-film-game-and-graphic-desi… Arts</u></a>! 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> </p>
<p>The new <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… Level Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction</a> learners at Weston College were recently visited by two members of staff from the <a href="https://www.mdgroup.co.uk/">MD Group</a>, one of whom was a former Quantity Surveying learner at the College.</p><p>Shayna and Chrissa delivered an informative and engaging CV workshop for the learners, sharing their knowledge and experience of what employers look for when reviewing CVs. The session provided the learners with useful ideas and suggestions around CV writing, including how to structure and present their skills and experience effectively to ensure their CV stands out to potential employers.</p><p>The importance of tailoring a CV to the job role was also discussed, helping learners to understand how they can demonstrate their suitability for different opportunities within the construction industry. Shayna and Chrissa also highlighted the importance of cover letters and how these can be used alongside a CV to showcase a learner's enthusiasm, skills and interest in a particular employer or role.</p><p>The skills and knowledge gained from the session will prove invaluable to the learners as they prepare to begin applying for their Industry Placements. This will be particularly useful as the students will be taking part in an <strong>Employer Speed Interview Event</strong> being held at Weston College on 30th September, where they will have the opportunity to meet with employers and explore potential placement opportunities.</p><p>The session also provided learners with an insight into the recruitment process from an employer's perspective, helping them to better understand what businesses are looking for when considering candidates for a role.</p><p>One of the learners commented: <em>“Knowing how employers react to CVs was a very useful and interesting fact.”</em></p><p>Construction Professions Lecturer, Daniel Comerford, would like to extend his thanks to Shayna and Chrissa from the MD Group for taking the time to prepare and deliver the session and for giving up their time to come into Weston College to support the learners as they take their first steps towards a career in the construction industry.</p><p>Sessions such as this provide our learners with valuable industry insight and practical skills, helping them to feel more confident as they prepare to enter the workplace and begin building their future careers.</p><p> </p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This week, our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> students kicked off the academic year with their annual Careers Fest, welcoming a range of local employers, from animal shelters and charities to wildlife conservation trusts and other animal-focused organisations. The event provided learners with the opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals, explore potential career pathways and gain a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them after completing their course.</p><p>The event welcomed organisations including <strong>Secret World Wildlife Rescue</strong>, <strong>Noah’s Ark Zoo</strong>, <strong>RSPCA</strong>, <strong>Tibbs and Simmons Farm Animal Veterinary Surgeons</strong>, <strong>Maddie’s Pawfect Pooches</strong>, <strong>Reptile Zone</strong>, <strong>Puxton Park</strong>, <strong>Avon & Somerset Police Mounted Section</strong>, and <strong>FPCR Design & Environmental Consultants</strong>. This diverse range of organisations demonstrated the breadth of careers available within the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> sector, while giving students the opportunity to ask questions, discover alternative pathways and make valuable industry connections.</p><p>Representatives shared insights into their own career journeys, what their roles involve and the different routes available to enter and progress within their industries. Discussions covered the qualities, attributes and qualifications employers look for, as well as the importance of gaining practical experience through work experience, placements and volunteering. Students also had the opportunity to explore potential placement and volunteering opportunities and gain valuable advice to help them take their first steps into the industry.</p><p>The event also provided a fantastic opportunity for students to hear from four former Weston College and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/animal-environment-and-biologi… Centre Weston (UCW)</u></strong></a> <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> students who are now working within the sector. Former <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… 3</u></a> student, Maddie, now runs her own successful dog training service, <strong>Maddie’s Pawfect Pooches</strong>, as a canine behavioural practitioner. Former student Andrew shared his experience of securing a full-time role at <strong>Noah’s Ark Zoo</strong> following a work experience placement, while current <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/animal-environment-and-biologi…; student Frank discussed his role at <strong>Puxton Park</strong>. Former <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/animal-environment-and-biologi…; student Hannah also returned to share her experience working within the <strong>RSPCA</strong>. Their stories provided students with first-hand insight into the variety of careers they could pursue and demonstrated how their studies can provide a valuable foundation for future employment.</p><p>Careers Fests such as this play an important role in supporting students' personal and professional development, helping them understand the skills, qualifications and experience required to succeed within the sector. They also provide valuable opportunities to network with employers and explore work experience, placement and volunteering opportunities, helping students build confidence, develop industry connections and make informed decisions about their future careers.</p><p>Employer engagement also supports the continued development of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> curriculum, ensuring that programmes reflect current industry practices, expectations and skills requirements. Following the event, employers may also work with curriculum teams to explore further opportunities for collaboration, creating additional experiences that support students' progression into employment and further study.</p><p>Laura Link, Head of <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a> at Weston College, said, “Welcoming local employers is a fantastic way for our students to engage with real-world organisations, gain valuable insight into potential career pathways, and understand the impact these roles can have on animal welfare and conservation. It encourages students to start thinking about their future careers and, where possible, consider volunteering opportunities that can help them build valuable experience and enhance their employability. It is always fantastic to see the range of employers who get involved with us and are so committed to supporting and nurturing the career progression of our students.”</p><p>A huge thank you to all the employers in attendance for taking the time to interact with our students and share their knowledge from their sector.</p><p>This event forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</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>Progress to the next level in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses-by-subject/animal-environment-and-biologi… Management</u></a>! 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> </p>
