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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Qualification Explained
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Courses
Qualifications Explained
Not Sure What to Study?
ask a question

Find Your Future Path

A Levels

Animal Management

Automotive

Beauty Therapy

Business and Management

Computing and Digital Technologies

Construction

Construction Professions

Creative Arts

Education and Early Years

Engineering and Green Skills

Hair and Barbering

Health and Social Care

Hospitality and Catering

Law

Performing and Production Arts

Protective Services

SEND

Sport and Fitness

T Levels

Travel and Tourism

You can progress onto degrees and higher apprenticeships with UCW...

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.

Check out A-Levels Here

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..

Check out Apprenticeships Here

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.

Check out Traineeships Here

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.

Check out T-Levels Here

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

27 Mar 2025

This National Supported Internship Day, we wanted to share how impactful Supported Internships are on both businesses and learners. <a href="https://www.bakersdolphin.com/">Bakers Dolphin</a> and one of our supported interns, Harry, have shared their internship experiences in their blogs – read below to find out what they said!Bakers Dolphin -My name is Derek, and I work at <a href="https://www.bakersdolphin.com/">Bakers Dolphin</a>. My role is quite comprehensive; I am a Quality & Compliance Manager, but I also take on responsibilities within HR and recruitment. This means I am involved in various aspects of the business, from maintaining standards to ensuring we have the right team in place.My experience of working with supported interns has been very positive. I was initially unsure of what to expect, but having a supported intern on board has been a rewarding experience. I’ve gained a loyal, supportive, and committed individual who has integrated well as part of the team.Having a supported intern has provided the business with greater flexibility. Harry has added efficiency to our operations, and I know I can rely on him when things change. His adaptability has been a great asset, allowing us to adjust to different situations smoothly.One of the standout moments was seeing Harry’s confidence grow when working on the coach. At the beginning of the week, he was just getting used to the environment, but by the end, he was confidently greeting and onboarding customers. His progression throughout the internship has been remarkable.I would say the main skills supported interns gain from their work experience are:<ul><li>Confidence – They learn to interact with colleagues and customers, which builds self-assurance.</li><li>Social Skills – They improve their ability to communicate and work within a team.</li><li>Industry Knowledge – They gain valuable insights into how a business operates within their chosen field.</li></ul>Supported interns have made our business more efficient. They contribute to daily tasks and help keep operations running smoothly.I am very positive about Harry’s future within <a href="https://www.bakersdolphin.com/">Bakers Dolphin</a>. We take pride in helping him build a career and providing him with the foundation he needs to be successful. Seeing his growth and development makes us confident in his potential.We have required little support from the college overall while working with supported interns, but knowing that Weston College were there if needed was reassuring. The regular reviews of the internship were beneficial, as they allowed open discussions between me, Harry, and Weston College about his progress and journey.To anyone considering taking on a supported intern, I would say to give it a go – you may be surprised! It has been a great experience, and I would encourage other businesses to consider it.Supported Intern, Harry -My name is Harry, and I completed my supported internship at <a href="https://www.bakersdolphin.com/">Bakers Dolphin</a>.One of my favourite moments of my supported internship was after the summer holidays when I was told I had secured an internship at <a href="https://www.bakersdolphin.com/">Bakers Dolphin</a>. Another highlight was being informed in my first week that I had a driving assessment booked, which was exciting and motivating.During my internship I have learned that you can always ask for help at <a href="https://www.bakersdolphin.com/">Bakers Dolphin</a>. “Every day is a school day” – I have learned that there is always something new to pick up and improve on.I contribute to the day-to-day workload of the business by making myself available to work flexibly; I was adaptable when plans changed and ensured I could assist wherever needed.My supported internship has given me the confidence to ask for help when I need it, which has made me feel more comfortable in a work environment.Weston College played a key role in helping me secure my internship. One of the most significant moments was getting a driving role within my first week, which gave me a strong start in the role.To any businesses considering taking on a supported intern, I would say to give the student time, as they need to adjust. With the right support and patience, supported interns can grow into valuable members of the team. Amy Harding, Supported Employment and Careers Assessor, quoted:"Harry’s Internship with Bakers Dolphin is a fantastic example of what true career investment can look like for learners with SEND. In addition to offering Harry a part-time job, Bakers are committed to supporting his driver training and future career development”.

Bakers Dolphin - Building Careers Through Supported Internships

26 Mar 2025

Georgie Thomson talking about her experiences with T Level Construction students

As part of National Careers Week and Women in Construction Week, our Year 1 T Level learners in Design, Surveying, and Planning for Construction welcomed Georgia Thomson, Business Development Manager at Lancer Scott Facilities Management for a special guest lecturer. Georgia delivered an engaging and insightful presentation about her career journey in the construction industry. She shared the challenges she has faced and overcome as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, inspiring learners with her perseverance and achievements. Beyond her role at Lancer Scott, Georgia is an active committee member of the Women in Property organisation. She emphasised the importance of building a strong support network, encouraging learners to seek mentors, connect with peers, and engage with professional groups to enhance their careers. During the session, Georgia prompted discussion by asking learners what challenges women face in construction today and how more women could be encouraged to join the industry. This led to a thoughtful interaction among the students where they exchanged ideas. The session concluded with a Q&A, where learners had the opportunity to ask Georgia questions before expressing their gratitude for her time and invaluable insights into the industry. Daniel Comerford, one of our Construction Professions Lecturer, said, “Georgia’s talk was incredibly insightful and inspiring for our learners.  “She provided a real-world perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the construction industry, particularly for women.  “Her journey and advice on building a strong professional network resonated with our students, sparking meaningful discussions about inclusivity in the sector. We are grateful for her time and the valuable knowledge she shared.” <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; target="_blank">Find out more about our Construction Professions courses, by clicking here.</a>  This guest speaker forms part of the Construction Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

Georgie Thomson Inspires Women in Construction

26 Mar 2025

Student working on the fantasy hairdressing competition

Last month, Weston College proudly hosted the regional heats of the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) Competition. As one of several heats held across the UK, the event welcomed Further and Higher Education students, adult learners, and apprentices from <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Hairdressing</a> and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Makeup & Prosthetics</a> courses across Weston, Bristol, and Bath to compete for a spot in the national finals. The all-day event featured a wide range of competitions spread throughout the college, challenging students in both technical skill and creativity. From haircuts and styling to makeup and prosthetics, each category pushed learners to demonstrate their expertise while showcasing their artistic flair. <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Hairdressing</a> competitions were exclusive to Further Education students and varied in difficulty. Tasks ranged from commercial and feminine blow-dries, and cut and finish challenges, to more complex categories like freestyle work on textured hair and fantasy hairdressing. Each competition gave learners the opportunity to work independently, competing against their peers from across the South West under time pressure in a professional setting. <drupal-entity alt=""Students giving the model a skin fade"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b857d37-dab1-4404-9b9d-76b8a0475df9" 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> <drupal-entity alt=""Student giving the hair mannequin a blow out"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8373e7c3-a07f-4c09-b6c5-5ad8c1cc4491" 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> Meanwhile, the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Makeup & Prosthetics</a> categories welcomed both FE and HE students, offering unique themes and complete creative freedom. Competitions included body painting, face painting, Editorial Vogue-inspired makeup, and Moulin Rouge designs. The diverse range of tasks allowed students to experiment with different techniques and media, creating original and innovative designs beyond the typical curriculum. <drupal-entity alt=""Student completing Moulin Rouge makeup on a model"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5dd3f3f4-b578-486c-806e-70f108e98c3f" 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> <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank">Hospitality and Catering</a> students also played an important role in the event, providing a delicious buffet that was praised by visiting colleges and guests. After a day of impressive displays of talent and creativity, the results were counted, and a small awards ceremony was held. Out of 90 students competing from across the South West, 13 Weston College learners secured their place in the finals, which will be held in Blackpool this May. Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College and AHT Chair for the South West, highlighted the importance of competitions like this for students’ personal and professional development. She shared, “The AHT Competition helps to support our learners' careers, allowing them to meet like-minded people aspiring for the same career. It provides them with hands-on experience that enhances their skills and prepares them for the future.” A huge thank you goes to VTCT for sponsoring and judging the competition, Stylebook Directory for their support, and all the AHT judges and industry specialists who dedicated their time and expertise to the day. Congratulations to every student who took part in the competition, and best of luck to those heading to the finals. If you are interested in applying to one of our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Makeup & Prosthetics</a> or <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…; target="_blank">Hairdressing & Barbering</a> courses, click here.

Weston College Hosts Regional AHT Competition

Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds (old)

COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS

Discover our range of courses for school leavers aged 16-18 using the search options below...

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Select a Career:

Find Your Future Path

Qualifications Explained

A Levels

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Traineeships

CHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY

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LATEST NEWS

Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds (old)

COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS

Discover our range of courses for school leavers aged 16-18 using the search options below...

Select a Course Subject:

Search courses by keyword:

Search by Keyword:

Select a Career:

Qualifications Explained

A Levels

Apprenticeships

Professional and Technical Qualifications

Traineeships

CHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY

School Liaison Team

Events

CAREERS ADVICE

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