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!
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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 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{1e8b9452-d5c9-4b44-b12e-4464f0e453f0}{155}" paraid="837433930" xml:lang="EN-GB">Weston College and University Centre Weston alumni Jack Kimmins is proving his amazing talents in computing as he is selected for the finals of the WorldSkills national competition. </p>
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<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3e894158-dc2d-47b1-ad8f-696acda90106}{212}" paraid="333486024" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.worldskillsuk.org/">WorldSkills UK</a> is an independent charity that works with employers, education and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills olympics’. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{57e2f1d7-18cc-4ac5-bcc2-25d6a27d09bb}{76}" paraid="1320591153" xml:lang="EN-GB">Over 3,000 people registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021 and Jack is one of 400 who made it into the finals, which is split into 64 disciplines.</p>
<p>Jack is competing in the Web Design category which is to take place in Weston-super-Mare, hosted by Weston College.</p>
<p>Talking about the selection process, Jack commented: "To get into the finals, I first had to make it into the semi-finals, which involved creating a suitable website design that met a predefined client's brief. Then, to qualify for the national finals, I had to build a website using HTML and CSS that met specific requirements and that was based upon a website wireframe design."</p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a3f7ba3c-a6a6-4e68-b420-848930eec348}{144}" paraid="977226024" xml:lang="EN-GB">The College will host the prestigious WorldSkills UK National Web Design Competition from Wednesday 17<sup>th</sup> November – Friday 19<sup>th</sup> November, with the winners being crowned at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Steph McGovern from her Packed Lunch studio on Friday 26 November. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a918904d-3de7-4241-a373-3eb573130dcf}{186}" paraid="736473802" xml:lang="EN-GB">This exciting announcement is just one of the fantastic career enhancing opportunities available at the college, through the newly launched <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwesto…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Career Excellence Hubs.</a> </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a918904d-3de7-4241-a373-3eb573130dcf}{189}" paraid="1159169574" xml:lang="EN-GB">At the College each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, WorldSkills competing opportunities is one of these.</p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a918904d-3de7-4241-a373-3eb573130dcf}{189}" paraid="1159169574" xml:lang="EN-GB">Jack continued: "The support that I have been provided throughout my journey with WorldSkills has been excellent. I have attended every meeting and practice session available to me, which has enabled me to focus on the distinct details of the competition.</p>
<p>"I'm very proud that I have made it this far in the competition and to represent my university in the national finals.</p>
<p>"This opportunity has enabled me to expand my knowledge and practical abilities with web development. It is also given me more self-trust in my abilities, as it being a competition, the nature of it requires you to have a degree of confidence in your skills to be successful in it."</p>
<p>We wish Jack the very best of luck with the finals and continuing to succeed with his Masters degree. A <em>very</em> bright future ahead!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="www.weston.ac.uk/computing">Click here to read more about our Computing and IT department, including the Career Excellence Hubs</a></p>
<p><a href="https://weston.ac.uk/news/congratulations-our-worldskills-uk-national-f… here to read more about our other WorldSkills Finalists</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a3f7ba3c-a6a6-4e68-b420-848930eec348}{144}" paraid="977226024" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </p>
<p>Joe Martin, an Apprentice Sheet Metal Fabricator at GKN Aerospace, won the title of Engineering Apprentice of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards 2016.</p>
<p>Now in the sixth year, the awards recognise the exceptional achievements of employers and apprentices across a range of industries.</p>
<p>Joe was chosen as the engineering category winner by a panel of judges and was presented with his award on stage by keynote speaker, Sally Gunnell.</p>
<p>Joe is a natural leader within the group and has been invited to work on a go-kart which the second year apprentices are constructing. Joe has had to use his skills to manufacture parts of the titanium structure (which include the seat structure, brake mounts as well as other key components) while ensuring that they fit correctly.</p>
<p>Joe said: “While I was at school I was encouraged to stay on and complete the sixth form and then see if I could gain a place at university. All this I achieved but after a while I decided that this was not the path I wanted for my career. </p>
<p>“I looked at apprenticeships but then I thought I may be too old. A friend told me that GKN Aerospace were taking on apprentices and upon applying it made me realise that I wanted to take a hands-on approach into gaining a career and an apprenticeship seemed to be the best way to do this.</p>
<p>“I really enjoy being an apprentice. I attend Weston College four days a week and work the other day at GKN, learning new skills which will help me in my career; all this and I get paid.</p>
<p>“My future plans are to complete my Level 2 apprenticeship, then my Level 3, establish myself as a skilled fabricator, then become a team leader and finally part of the management team.”</p>
<p>His employer said: “Joe has applied himself fully to all aspects of work at GKN and has performed to a high standard throughout the first year of his apprenticeship. He is one of our highest performers and has become the natural leader amongst our first years. All our other first years gravitate towards Joe for answers to engineering problems.”</p>
<p>GKN Aerospace also won two business awards at the ceremony: Large Business Employer of the Year and the overall Employer of the Year 2016 title.</p>
<p>For more information on the Weston College Business Awards visit: <a href="http://www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards">www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards…;
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<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{1e8b9452-d5c9-4b44-b12e-4464f0e453f0}{155}" paraid="837433930" xml:lang="EN-GB">Since achieving fantastic results on her <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… 3 course, </a><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… Therapy</a> alumni Amelia Lee (18) is continuing to showcase her talent and tenacity as she was recently selected for the finals of the WorldSkills national competition. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3e894158-dc2d-47b1-ad8f-696acda90106}{212}" paraid="333486024" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.worldskillsuk.org/">WorldSkills UK</a> is an independent charity that works with employers, education and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills olympics’. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{57e2f1d7-18cc-4ac5-bcc2-25d6a27d09bb}{76}" paraid="1320591153" xml:lang="EN-GB">Over 3,000 people registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions back in March and Amelia is one of 400 who made it into the finals, which is split into 64 disciplines. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8d7ec7c8-eb6d-4075-a317-0c0d0f04182d}{226}" paraid="985025351" xml:lang="EN-GB">Amelia commented: “I first heard of WorldSkills on my Interview evening for my first year studying Beauty Therapy. I was told the passion and dedication it took to be a part of it, I knew there and then this was something I was going to aspire to achieve. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{8df938d0-2b7d-40dc-8af4-c51fc0e6b4b5}{227}" paraid="217689666" xml:lang="EN-GB">The ex-Worle school student had to go through multiple qualifiers in order to make it to the finals. For the regional round, contestants first had to submit a picture of an immaculate French manicure and red-carpet makeup look they had put together. This was followed by a five minute presentation video explaining what makes a good massage treatment, showing progression in execution since the entry pictures. Finally, a five minute video presenting all spectrums of massage techniques and pressures. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{f31ed41e-d706-4c41-8192-b651635d5759}{253}" paraid="2125251260" xml:lang="EN-GB">Amelia commented: “Once the regional round had been judged, the total entry numbers went from 60 to 8. I am lucky enough to be one of the 8! </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a3f7ba3c-a6a6-4e68-b420-848930eec348}{76}" paraid="804397536" xml:lang="EN-GB">“I feel so proud to be taking part in such a large nationwide competition, there was no other feeling better than when I received my email to say I had qualified for nationals. For me, it shows courage and determination, the sky is the limit now” </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a3f7ba3c-a6a6-4e68-b420-848930eec348}{144}" paraid="977226024" xml:lang="EN-GB">The finalists will compete for gold, silver and bronze from 9-19 November, with the winners crowned at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Steph McGovern from her Packed Lunch studio on Friday 26 November. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a918904d-3de7-4241-a373-3eb573130dcf}{186}" paraid="736473802" xml:lang="EN-GB">This exciting announcement is just one of the fantastic career enhancing opportunities available at the college, through the newly launched <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwesto…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Career Excellence Hubs.</a> </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{a918904d-3de7-4241-a373-3eb573130dcf}{189}" paraid="1159169574" xml:lang="EN-GB">At the College each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, WorldSkills competing opportunities is one of these.</p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c91bb8a1-892b-4673-9025-07b72d193cb9}{232}" paraid="1302563820" xml:lang="EN-GB">Amelia added: “Enabling a student to become ‘Job Ready’ is massively important to build students confidence and prepare them for their next adventure that awaits them.” </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{768f04fa-2b93-4d3f-8e1c-6089e3b7fe31}{184}" paraid="355154610" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Throughout doing WorldSkills, so far, I have learnt to take on constructive criticism, to be determined and to dig deep within for what you really want. Anything is possible if you believe!” </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{768f04fa-2b93-4d3f-8e1c-6089e3b7fe31}{178}" paraid="818258363" xml:lang="EN-GB">Having finished her course at Weston college, Amelia now has a job in the industry, working at Elements Boutique Spa in Bridgwater. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{197e48d3-6509-4efd-a2d3-1307b86c0b2f}{191}" paraid="341394271" xml:lang="EN-GB">She continues: “The support I have received from the College has been incredible. I was lucky enough to have the most brilliant tutor who truly believed in me and is still constantly encouraging me to strive for excellence. Without Jenna (my tutor), I would have never been able to get this far. I am now proud to be working in the industry and Jenna has made me the best therapist I can be, for that I am eternally grateful. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{197e48d3-6509-4efd-a2d3-1307b86c0b2f}{194}" paraid="1582794661" xml:lang="EN-GB">“For anyone that is thinking of studying Beauty at Weston College, I think you need skills like patience, determination and the passion for the subject.” </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{75091993-597e-4840-9614-25d9675481e1}{200}" paraid="829498254" xml:lang="EN-GB">The college is now offering technical qualifications in Beauty Therapy as well as vocational diplomas. Grades of five GCSE at grade 9-3, including English and maths at grade 4 or above, are needed for Level 3 and a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-2, with at least two at grade 4 or a qualifying Level 1 qualification, is required to study at Level 2. </p>
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<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{e2703824-9e40-4429-89b9-6eca15b1823c}{189}" paraid="1296767826" xml:lang="EN-GB">We’d like to wish Amelia the very best of luck with the national WorldSkills finals!</p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{e2703824-9e40-4429-89b9-6eca15b1823c}{189}" paraid="1296767826" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{e2703824-9e40-4429-89b9-6eca15b1823c}{189}" paraid="1296767826" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/congratulations-our-worldskills-uk-nation… here to read more about our other WorldSkills contestants</a></p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{e2703824-9e40-4429-89b9-6eca15b1823c}{189}" paraid="1296767826" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Click here to read more about the Career Excellence Hubs</a></p>
