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>Weston College was excited to welcome back professional chef <strong>Andy Chan</strong> for a special evening takeover where he led a hands-on masterclass with our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… and Catering </a>students.</p><p>Andy, who appeared on <strong>MasterChef</strong>, is now a Development Chef at <strong>Compass Foodbuy Culinary Solutions</strong> and was previously Head Chef at <strong>Thornbury Castle</strong>. With years of industry experience, he gave students a valuable opportunity to learn directly from a top-level chef in a real restaurant setting.</p><p>Students helped prepare and serve a seasonal fine dining menu that included dishes such as Butternut Squash Hummus with Roasted Balsamic Shallots, and a choice of Grilled Mackerel Fillet or King Oyster Mushroom Scallops for starters.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Butternut squash hummus with roasted balsamic shallots nicely presented on a plate"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ac19527-cfa5-4aca-bda9-1b1b6a2eb78d" 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> </p><p>For the main course, guests could enjoy either Pan Roasted Duck Breast with Pomme Dauphine or a vegan-friendly Marinated Cauliflower dish with cumin spiced vegetables and vegan cheese. The evening ended with a Dark Chocolate Fondant served with Raspberry Sorbet and Chocolate Crumb.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Cauliflower dish presented nicely"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ada9885-bbac-4d5c-aae4-b0655ea6c1c8" 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> </p><p>Our students have been lucky enough to receive multiple masterclasses from Andy, allowing him to see the progression of skills and technique throughout the year. Andy said:</p><p><em>“I was looking forward to cooking with Pete and the students, it’s brilliant to see what they have achieved so far and challenge them on some current techniques that are used in the industry today.</em></p><p><em>The menu was designed to show the students what they can do with certain ingredients and how to get as much out of the ingredients, whilst still looking at the seasonality and availability of local produce.”</em></p><p>The event was a great experience for everyone involved and highlighted Weston College’s ongoing commitment to giving students the chance to learn from industry professionals and prepare for successful careers in hospitality. </p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… you are interested in applying to one of our Hospitality and Catering courses, click here.</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 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>Three <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… </a>students from Weston College recently competed in the Somerset Schools' Golf Championship, held at Weston Golf Club on March 19th. The event brought together over 100 talented students from across Somerset, all competing for a place in the prestigious South West Championships. </p><drupal-entity alt=""Students getting ready for their turn on the golf course"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16a22c6f-c4b0-48fc-968a-4ad0feaacb5f" 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> </p><p>Weston College students Oliver, Troy and Isaac delivered outstanding performances, with Troy and Ollie securing places in the top six and advancing to the next round at Enmore Park Golf Club on May 27th. Ollie impressed with an amazing second-place finish, posting a gross score of 71, while Troy claimed fifth place with a strong gross score of 72. Isaac also achieved a very respectable net score of 72. </p><p>The championship offered the students a valuable opportunity to test their skills in a competitive environment and to connect with other young golfers who share their passion for the sport. Their achievements mark a proud moment for Weston College, highlighting the hard work, dedication, and talent of its students. The Somerset Schools' Golf Championship plays an important role in promoting golf among young people, ensuring equal opportunities for students to experience and excel in the game. </p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… you are interested in applying to one our Sport & Fitness courses, click here. </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>We recently welcomed students from <strong>Electrical, Plastering, Carpentry</strong>, and <strong>Creative Arts</strong> to our <strong>Creative Construction Skills Summit </strong>at the Winter Gardens - each subject area bringing energy, creativity, and a real sense of purpose. </p><drupal-entity data-align="right" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb167e4-04c7-4ec1-9ea1-e5a0955b7c8e" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_285x285","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p>The student’s challenge was to design a piece of public art that also generates sustainable energy, which encouraged conversation about the links between the Creative and Construction industries – which many students may not have previously considered! From floating solar designs to kinetic sculptures, their ideas were not only imaginative but genuinely inspiring.</p><p>A huge thank you to <a href="https://www.slx.co.uk/">SLX Events</a> and the brilliant Casey Howells, who shared an impactful message about the value of core skills, kindness, and seeing the world through different lenses - an approach that opens doors across all industries.</p><p>Special thanks to the incredible <strong>Adz Khan</strong>, whose talk on<strong> responsibility</strong>, <strong>action, networking, </strong>and <strong>self-belief</strong> lit up the room. His message was clear: work experience isn’t just a tick-box, it’s a powerful opportunity to grow and shape your future.</p><p>We’re also grateful to our amazing staff, especially the Weston College support teams, School Liaison, and Personal Development teams - your dedication made this event a success.</p><p>Richard Hanney, Head of Construction, said: <em><strong>"We look forward to continuing our work with Adz and others who help inspire our students. If we can share even a bit of that insight and energy, we’re moving in the right direction. Here’s to more spaces where creativity meets community, skills meet opportunity, and kindness drives innovation!"</strong></em></p><p> </p><p><strong>To find out more about our construction courses,</strong><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; click here. </strong></a></p><p><strong>To find out more about our creative courses,</strong><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds-creat…; click here.</strong></a></p>
