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 []">The Level 2 <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 recently took an informative day trip to <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/"><strong><u>Bristol Airport</u></strong></a>, gaining valuable first-hand insight into the inner workings of a major UK airport. </p><p>The group travelled from Weston-super-Mare to <strong>Bristol Airport</strong> via the Airport Flyer, an experience designed to give them a full understanding of the passenger journey from start to finish. Upon arrival, the students began their visit with a comprehensive tour of the airport’s main terminal, including an overview of the four main airlines operating out of Bristol: Jet2, TUI, EasyJet, and Ryanair. </p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">One of the Bristol Airport team, Harry Ellis, led the tour and provided a detailed discussion around the check-in process, the customer journey, and the importance of special assistance services. The group then explored the security area, where they learned about the new C4 scanners and the airport’s collaboration with a wide range of business partners.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Bristol Airport staff presenting information to students"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5ea1742-2a77-4dbd-bdd9-23d665ab31db" 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>The visit continued behind the scenes at the exclusive staff-only areas of Aviation House and Lulsgate House. Harry delivered an engaging presentation covering the airport’s expansion plans, marketing strategies, and his own career progression, from valet parking to his current role as Corporate Affairs & Community Engagement Officer. Georgia from the HR team also spoke to the learners about career opportunities, apprenticeships, and routes into the aviation and travel industry. </p><p>Students were also treated to a rare visit to the airport’s roof deck, where they watched various aircrafts take off and land. The experience was finished off with a close-up look at the airport’s fire station, hangars, helicopter unit, and private planes.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Ryanair flight taking off"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d922509b-67fe-4176-85c9-d7eed316f74c" 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 unique experience gave learners a better understanding of the diverse roles and operations within a busy airport environment and the possible career paths available to them after their course. </p><p>A huge thank you to the Bristol Airport team for their time, hospitality, and for inspiring our future <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</u></a> professionals. </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>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Recently, our Esports and Computing students were treated to a hands-on learning experience, courtesy of a special visit from global hardware leader MSI (Micro-Star International). As part of our ongoing collaboration with the tech giant, representatives Manny and Gokhan led an exciting day filled with technical insights, real-world career inspiration, and high-performance hardware demonstrations. </p><p>The highlight of the session was a live PC hardware build, where students worked alongside the MSI team using cutting-edge components to assemble a high-spec gaming system. Through this practical activity, students gained understanding about the inner workings of modern computer systems — from the CPU and GPU to RAM and storage — and how different technical specifications impact overall performance, especially in demanding gaming environments. </p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/image00035.jpeg" data-align="center" data-entity-uuid="2d9d1d29-4f08-4768-a5e5-53ec01326a5e" data-entity-type="file" alt="MSI PC" width="477" height="358"><p>Adding to the excitement, MSI showcased a 34” curved 240Hz OLED gaming monitor, giving students a first-hand look at the stunning visuals and responsiveness of top-tier gaming technology. The visual clarity and colour depth left a lasting impression and sparked discussions about the future of display tech in competitive gaming. </p><p>Beyond the technical skills, the session also offered an opportunity for students to engage directly with industry professionals. Manny and Gokhan shared insights into their day-to-day roles at MSI, with particular focus on digital marketing and public relations, sparking interest among students in these rapidly growing career paths within the tech and gaming sectors. </p><p>Interested in our computing and digital courses? <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… all that we have to offer here.</u></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 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>
