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 term, one of our Level 1 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan…; students, Jayden, participated in the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.guildofbricklayers.org.uk/"><u>Junior Guild of Bricklayers Western Regional competition</u></a>. This was a fantastic opportunity for Jayden to put his skills into practice and gain valuable learning techniques from peers and industry professionals. </p><p>The <strong>Guild of Bricklayers</strong> aims to promote and uphold the highest standards of craftsmanship in brickwork. The Guild annually organises Junior and Senior regional heats through the UK’s construction college network, with the support of industry partnerships. These competitions bring together bricklaying professionals from all over the UK to further develop their skills and confidence. </p><p>During the competition, Jayden was the only first-year Level 1 student competing against Level 2 and Level 3 learners and apprentices. Despite this challenge, he remained undeterred, demonstrating remarkable determination and resilience throughout. He worked tirelessly to produce an accurate model that showcased both his talent and dedication. </p><p>Although he did not place, Jayden gained invaluable experience following the instructions provided to create the complex brickwork. Since the competition, Jayden has been practicing the same model in the workshop to improve his techniques and develop his skills further. </p><p>This competition was an excellent networking opportunity for students, meeting likeminded individuals and industry professionals to gain valuable feedback, further developing their personal and professional growth. </p><p>Following the competition, Jayden received a certificate, a water bottle, and a tape measure for his participation. </p><p>Well done Jayden for your hard work and resilience throughout the competition, you portrayed yourself and the college with maturity and professionalism. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… you interested in applying to one of our Construction courses in September, click here.</u></a></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">In the past few weeks, our Level 1 Education and Early Years students have successfully and independently planned and delivered a free Stay-and-Play event at Ashcombe Children’s Centre - an exciting milestone in their Sentipensante project. </p><p>Held on Wednesday 18th June, the event welcomed families and carers with children aged 0–5 to participate in two sessions, from 10–11:30am and 1–2:30pm. The project’s goal was to create a community-based experience that allowed learners to bring the curriculum to life, especially through English and Maths skills, while offering a welcoming, play-based environment for young children and their families. </p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/508828576_1145361490729484_9025247533046932445_n.jpg" data-align="center" data-entity-uuid="1e7724c0-c09a-431d-ad08-1d6012487e98" data-entity-type="file" alt="early years students smiling in picture at ashcombe children's centre" width="1017" height="468"><p>“This was a brilliant opportunity for learners to put their skills into action and gain real experience working with children and families,” said Lucy Drew, Head of Education and Early Years. “The event sold out just hours after tickets went live, showing just how much the local community values these kinds of activities.” </p><p>Students took full ownership of the project from start to finish. They designed and published posters and social media posts, carefully choosing language, layout, and colour schemes to attract attention. Using their maths knowledge, they worked within a budget to buy refreshments, toys, and materials for activities. They also developed a registration process, applying critical thinking to collect attendee information while managing capacity limits. </p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/508742426_1145361517396148_2721752895109836566_n.jpg" data-align="center" data-entity-uuid="a31a4b6b-2cdf-400e-a530-56096e47a3c7" data-entity-type="file" alt="box with bubbles" width="1440" height="1088"><p>The learners divided into two groups to host both morning and afternoon sessions. Each session provided opportunities for children to play and learn alongside their parents or carers, with activities designed to encourage early development in a fun, supportive setting. </p><p>The Stay and Play event not only demonstrated the learners’ dedication and growth but also showed strong collaboration across departments, with English and Maths staff helping to embed core skills throughout the planning process. It also deepened the college’s partnership with Ashcombe Children’s Centre, setting the stage for hopeful future joint projects. </p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… to become a part of our Early Years and Education stay and play projects, as well as learn about the dynamic early years sector? Browse our courses here.</a></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><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 here. 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 data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last month, 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 took a trip to <strong>Heathrow Airport</strong> where they attended the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us/"><strong><u>Br… Airways</u></strong></a><strong> Cabin Crew</strong> training at the <strong>British Airways Global Learning Academy</strong>. </p><p>This trip was a fantastic, hands-on experience for our students to gain a better understanding of the tasks entailed when working as part of a cabin crew. They got stuck in with a range of activities and recognised the important roles that cabin crew play in the safety and running of a flight. </p><p>During this training, students looked at safety and emergency equipment, were taught the Learning Zones, and even simulated pilot incapacitation. They were taught the emergency exits from an aircraft such as the A320 Slide Descent, the slide raft practical, and the cabin evacuation and debrief. Finally, they even simulated a real-life fire, allowing the students to practice the smoke chamber exercise and the fire rig on a naked flame.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Students sat in a red life raft"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f2e7613-5c1c-4f9d-9968-0f1b421ec73d" 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>This trip offered our learners invaluable insight into the industry, allowing them to take part in intense training and lifesaving operations which is required to ensure the safety of all passengers on board. It provided them with more of an appreciation for all the work that goes on behind the scenes and gave them a better idea of the procedures and what a career in this industry would look like. </p><p>Sinead, one of our Level 3 <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 who attended the trip, said, “I enjoyed the variety of activities we completed throughout the day; I particularly enjoyed the fire safety zone where I had to put out a real fire on an electrotonic device.” </p><p>“The staff from <strong>British Airways</strong> were extremely supportive and knowledgeable, giving me an insight into the job and industry. This trip has also made me consider pursuing cabin crew as a job in the future.” </p><p>It is immersive trips like this that help the next generation of employees decide on their future careers. It gives them an opportunity to obtain real-life experience, understand the responsibilities that accompany the position, and take part in activities and training that is a common practice within the role. </p><p>Hannah Carstensen, 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> lecturer, said, “This is the second time we have run this trip for our Travel and Tourism learners and, again, it did not disappoint. Learners have been able to gain hands-on experience with emergency procedures and engage with tasks that mirror real-life emergencies which offers insight into the training intensity.” </p><p>“Ian and Elaine were able to offer learners an understanding into airline standards and how a major global airline such as British Airways maintains professionalism, safety and service excellence, which gives them a benchmark for industry expectations.” </p><p>Overall, this trip has enhanced our learners’ employability skills, as well as demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment to the sector which future employers will value. They were also taught a variety of transferrable skills that can be used across many roles in 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> sector and got the chance to network with industry professionals. </p><p>Thank you to the British Airways staff for accommodating our learners and providing such a positive and educational experience. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… you are interested in applying to one of our Travel & Tourism courses, click here.</u></a> </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> 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>
