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>Last week, our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</a> students took part in a <strong>Reverse Careers Fair</strong>, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their skills, ambitions and career aspirations to local employers.</p><p>Unlike a traditional careers fair, students became the exhibitors, creating displays that highlighted their work, CVs, personal achievements and future career goals. They also introduced themselves to employers, giving valuable insight into their interests, experiences and ambitions within the industry.</p><p>Students demonstrated a wide range of career aspirations, including mental health nursing, midwifery, care work and embalming, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within Health and Social Care.</p><p>We were delighted to welcome employers from <strong>Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP)</strong>, <strong>University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust</strong>,<strong> Access Your Care</strong>, and other industry professionals, who took the time to speak with students, offer advice and learn more about the next generation of health and care professionals.</p><p>Following the Reverse Careers Fayre, students attended a series of employer presentations and talks. These sessions provided a valuable insight into the wide variety of careers available within the sector and what it is like to work in different health and social care settings. Topics covered included nursing, mental health nursing, dementia care, support work and a range of progression opportunities within the industry.</p><p>The event gave students the chance to develop their confidence, communication and employability skills while building connections with professionals working in their chosen fields.</p><p>A huge thank you to all the employers who attended and supported the event. Their time, expertise and encouragement helped make the day a valuable and inspiring experience for our students.</p>
<p>Staff from the <strong>Construction Professions</strong> and<strong> Apprenticeships </strong>teams recently rolled up their sleeves to support the <strong>"Leaving a Legacy"</strong> community project, volunteering their time to help improve local allotments and construct a new timber shed on the Bournville Estate in Weston-super-Mare.</p><p>The project, led by <a href="https://www.octavius.co.uk/">Octavius</a> in partnership with <a href="https://www.alliancehomes.org.uk/">Alliance Homes</a>, aims to restore and enhance community allotment spaces for local residents, creating a lasting positive impact for the area.</p><p>The volunteering effort began when members of the Apprenticeships team joined the project at The Great Rhyne Gardens. Their activities included de-weeding allotments, planting vegetables, creating woodchip pathways, and sanding and painting various features around the site.</p><p>The college has a strong working relationship with Octavius, the main contractor responsible for the Winterstoke Road replacement railway bridge project in Weston-super-Mare and one of the college's valued Career Excellence Hub partners. The partnership currently supports two T Level learners who are completing their industry placements with the company, with one student based on the Winterstoke Road project and another working on the nearby A38 road improvement scheme.</p><p>Over the past year, learners and staff have benefited from site visits to Octavius projects, while representatives from the company have visited the college to deliver guest speaker sessions and share valuable industry insights.</p><p>Together, the teams helped construct a timber shed for the allotment site on the Bournville Estate, contributing practical skills and teamwork to support the wider restoration project.</p><p>The <strong>"Leaving a Legacy"</strong> project demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when education providers, industry partners and housing organisations work together to strengthen local communities. Through initiatives such as this, staff not only support worthwhile causes but also reinforce the strong partnerships that create opportunities for learners and residents alike.</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">This trip forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… Professions</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> </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/perfo… Arts</a> students took to the stage at <strong>The</strong> <strong>Blakehay Theatre</strong> for their production of <strong>Fiddler on the Roof Jr.</strong>. Performed in front of friends, family, and members of the public, the show brought this much-loved musical to life, showcasing the students’ talent, dedication, and hard work throughout months of rehearsals.</p><p>Set in the small village of Anatevka, Fiddler on the Roof Jr. follows the story of Tevye, a Jewish milkman, as he navigates changing traditions, family relationships, and community life. Through memorable songs, engaging storytelling, and vibrant ensemble performances, students captivated audiences while demonstrating their acting, singing, and performance skills.</p><p>Directed by Lisa Frost, Choreographed by Joe Miller, and Produced by Joe Miller and Lisa Frost, the production provided students with invaluable experience both on and off the stage. Throughout the rehearsal process, students developed their performance techniques, learned complex musical numbers and choreography, and worked collaboratively to bring the story and characters to life. Behind the scenes, students also gained experience in areas such as stage management, costume preparation, marketing, and event promotion, helping them develop a broader understanding of theatre production.</p><p>Recreating a traditional musical such as Fiddler on the Roof Jr. provides students with valuable personal and professional development opportunities. Through rehearsing and performing a well-known production, students develop their acting, singing, and characterisation skills while building confidence, resilience, teamwork, and professionalism. Working in a live theatre environment also gives them practical insight into the demands of the performing arts industry, helping to prepare them for future careers by strengthening their communication, adaptability, and performance skills.</p><p>The project encouraged students to explore all aspects of musical theatre, helping them gain a deeper appreciation of performance, production, and collaboration. Through rehearsals and live performances, students stepped out of their comfort zones and strengthened their confidence, stage presence, communication, and teamwork skills, all of which are essential for success within the creative industries.</p><p>Joe Miller, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</a> Lecturer at Weston College, said:</p><p>“Productions like Fiddler on the Roof Jr. give students the opportunity to experience what it is like to be part of a full-scale musical production. They develop their skills as performers, learn the importance of teamwork and professionalism, and gain confidence by performing in front of live audiences.”</p><p>“It has been fantastic to watch the students grow throughout the rehearsal process and see their hard work come together on stage. They should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”</p><p>Well done to all the students who were involved in this fantastic production!</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vgp79PYvPH0?si=2MhndpMvt-Z7z764" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p>This performance forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… Arts</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/performance-and-production-art… Arts</a>! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</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/">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> </p>
