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!
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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>This <strong>National T Level Week, </strong>we want to share how industry placements not only benefit learners, but also hugely benefit businesses by allowing them to <strong>seamlessly integrate fresh, dynamic talent</strong> into their workforce.</p><p>We spoke to <a href="https://www.beardconstruction.co.uk/">Beard Construction</a> and <a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/">UHBW</a> to find out about their experiences of taking on industry placement learners.</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.beardconstruction.co.uk/"><strong>BEARD CONSTRUCTION:</strong></a></p><p> </p><p><em>1. What is your name and your role at Beard Construction?</em></p><p>My name is Bev Parfitt, and I am the Social Value Co-ordinator at Beard Construction based in Bristol. Having been in education for 30 years I am happy to be the student lead at Beard ensuring that all students have a great experience whilst with us.</p><p> </p><p><em>2. For how long has Beard Construction been taking on industry placements for T Levels?</em></p><p>This is our second year of taking on T Level students and we are pleased to be working and supported by Weston College.</p><p> </p><p><em>3. What types of roles can our learners take on when they do their industry placement with Beard Construction?</em></p><p>Whilst with Beard the students will cover and shadow various trades and job roles. They will learn how to do a Health & Safety check around the site with our H & S team. They will learn about the job from the ground up and be involved in looking at drawings and having the extra value of working alongside the design team, the quantity surveyors and site managers.</p><p> </p><p><em>4. How does the industry placement prepare students for the working world?</em></p><p>Whilst being on site the students learn the importance of working as a team and understanding how different people work within the group. Time keeping and being able to communicate with their peers is key in the workplace and as the students grow in confidence you can see a real difference when they leave from when they arrived.</p><p> </p><p><em>5. How do industry placements benefit Beard Construction?</em></p><p>Industry placements are a low-risk, high return way for Beard Construction to attract future talent, strengthen its reputation, and infuse projects with fresh energy and ideas – all while contributing to the wider construction skills pipeline.</p><p> </p><p><em>6. Can you name any standout moments from our industry placement learners?</em></p><p>I love to see the students taking on board what they have learnt on site and then having the confidence to give a presentation to their class back at college. Listening to them use the right terminology and have full understanding of a particular area of study.</p><p> </p><p><em>7. Is there opportunity for our learners to progress onto apprenticeships or any other paid employment following the completion of their industry placement?</em></p><p>Yes, Beard Construction offers apprenticeships and is always looking for the students that stand out and impress them throughout their T Level and work experience time.</p><p> </p><p><em>8. What would you say to employers who are considering taking on industry placement students?</em></p><p>Do it – Taking a T Level student isn’t just about helping the next generation – it’s a smart business move that supports growth, innovation and the construction industry’s future</p><p> </p><p><em>9. Is there anything else you would like to add?</em></p><p>Having a T Level student on site enhances leadership coaching skills and demonstrates commitment to industry sustainability.</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/"><strong>University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust:</strong></a></p><p> </p><p><em>What is your name and your role at UHBW?</em></p><p>Our names are Emma White and Denise Knight and we are part of the Practice Based Learning team. We support learners on various nursing programmes whilst they are on placement within the trust, along with supporting the clinical placement areas to provide positive placement experiences.</p><p> </p><p><em>For how long has UHBW been taking on industry placements for T Levels?</em></p><p>UHBW has been taking industry placements for T levels for 2 years.</p><p> </p><p><em>What types of roles can our learners take on when they do their industry placement with UHBW?</em></p><p>The learners take on a clinical health care support worker role where they work directly with Senior Health Care Support Workers to enhance their knowledge and practice their care certificate skills that they complete in college.</p><p> </p><p><em>How does the industry placement prepare students for the working world?</em></p><p>At UHBW we run a week long induction prior to the learners starting their placements. This involves talks from different professionals within different teams, such as the audiology, resuscitation and leadership teams. They have the opportunity to practice clinical skills within our simulation suite and reflect on the expectations and professional values required for an industry placement.</p><p>During the placement, learners are exposed to the organisation of the trust, a day-to-day running of a ward/clinical area and can meet and talk with patients and professionals about their healthcare experiences. Through this, they practice their communication, teamwork and professional skills which will help them prepare for the working world.</p><p> </p><p><em>How do industry placements benefit UHBW?</em></p><p>Industry placements are a great way for UHBW to showcase all the different roles within healthcare that young people can get involved in and give learners the opportunity to experience these. They bring a new set of skills and enthusiasm to UHBW and often go on to apply for our apprenticeship programmes.</p><p> </p><p><em>Can you name any standout moments from our industry placement learners?</em></p><p>Last year UHBW was nominated for an Industry Placement Partnership Award by one of our learners. It was an honour to be nominated and observe how much the learner had thrived in their industry placement and how much they recommended UHBW for an industry placement.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YcWeaa24dFo?si=fxzzEKMYBoU7PPFC" 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> </p><p><em>Is there opportunity for our learners to progress onto apprenticeships or any other paid employment following the completion of their industry placement?</em></p><p>Yes there are options to apply for clinical apprenticeships such as our Student Nurse Associate programme or Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship that if a learner has enjoyed their placement and is interested in healthcare or paid employment.</p><p> </p><p><em>What would you say to employers who are considering taking on industry placement students?</em></p><p>I would say that it’s been a pleasure to play a role in helping the T level learners experience industry placements and witness them thrive within these placements and build valuable skills and relationships with staff.</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/industry-placements?utm_source=main-menu&u… find out more about taking on an industry placement learner, click here.</a></p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Last week, former T Level Construction student, Ben, visited our current Year 1 and Year 2 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level</u></a> students to discuss his journey from Weston College into his current position as a Structural Technician Apprentice at <strong>Stantec</strong>. </p><p>The <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level</u></a> is a very hands-on qualification, giving students the opportunity to work with employers and develop their skills and knowledge in a practical setting. They work 315 hours with an employer, gaining invaluable feedback and assistance from industry professionals, as well as responsibilities within their roles which will build their abilities and confidence. </p><p>Ben completed the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level</u></a> in 2023 where he excelled within his industry placement at Hydrock. He impressed them with his knowledge and maturity and offered him a full-time Apprenticeship role with them upon the successful completion of his T Level. </p><p>The college also recognised Ben’s dedication and hard work inside and outside the college by awarding him the Construction Profession Trades Student of the Year Award during Weston College’s Celebration of Success in 2024. </p><p>After he completed his T Level with a Distinction, Ben accepted the role at <strong>Hydrock</strong> and worked alongside completing his <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/civil-engineering-hnc/"><u>Level 4 Civil Engineering HNC</u></a> course at <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></a>. This was a great opportunity for him to deepen his knowledge and gain a higher qualification in the field. After completing the Level 4 course, Ben plans to progress to the Level 6 Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. This will make him a highly qualified engineer with an in-depth technical understanding of the field. </p><p>During his guest lecture, Ben discussed his current role at <strong>Stantec</strong>, previously known as Hydrock, as a Structural Engineering Apprentice and the responsibilities it entails, including the designs and models he creates, the coordination required with different teams, and the processes he must go through to create a finalised design. </p><p>Within his role, Ben has gained a vast amount of experience, giving him the chance to work closely with clients and work on large projects in the community. This not only builds his confidence and his skills, but it also builds his portfolio due to the number of building designs sent off with his name on. </p><p>However, the more challenging aspects of the job include trying to find a compromise between different teams who may prioritise different aspects of a design. For example, working with contractors, engineers, and architects can be difficult as each area specialises in different things and often want contradicting changes made. These challenges, however, improve Ben’s adaptability and allow him to think practically and overcome issues with alternate solutions that suit all parties. </p><p>Ben shared his advice on T Level placements, saying, “You must apply yourself and if they like you and you work hard, you have a better chance of securing a permanent role. There’s never a guarantee, but if you’re willing to learn and have a positive attitude towards the job then you have a much better chance of building a relationship.” </p><p>“The T Level helped me gain a good level of understanding for what a role in the industry would entail. I learnt the basics of how to use the software in my T Level, and the knowledge I learnt massively helped me lay the foundation for my current role.” </p><p>Ben is an excellent example of what students can achieve when they work hard, apply themselves and have passion for a subject. He had a positive work ethic and attitude towards his role which reflected his commitment to his future. </p><p>A big thank you to Ben for sharing his experiences with our students and showing them what they can achieve if they work hard. </p><p>This guest lecture forms part of the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; 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/engineering-and-construction/"…;! At <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></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/"><u>Click here!</u></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 data-pm-slice="0 0 []">It’s T Levels Week so we want to discuss the different progression routes students can take after completing a T Level and the benefits they have on future careers. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Levels</u></a> were officially launched in September 2020 but have already proved to be an excellent pathway for many learners, allowing them to progress onto apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, university and full-time employment. </p><p>T Levels are two-year qualifications for 16- to 19-year-olds designed in collaboration with employers to provide a perfect blend of classroom learning and real-world experience. They are a fantastic alternative to A Levels and apprenticeships, ensuring that learners graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their chosen fields. </p><p>According to the <strong>Department of Education’s Technical Education Learner Survey 2024</strong>, around <strong>72% </strong>of T Level completers agreed that their T Level had allowed them to progress into their desired field. Not only this, <strong>71%</strong> said their T Level prepared them for their current study and the workplace, and <strong>68%</strong> felt ready for their future career. </p><p>At Weston College, we have many examples of students who have successfully progressed from T Levels to <strong>Degree Apprenticeships</strong>. One learner, Lewis, studied the T Level Health and has just begun the new <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/paramedic-degree-apprenticeship/"><u>Para… Degree Apprenticeship</u></a> at <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><strong><u>University Centre Weston (UCW)</u></strong></a>. Lewis said, “I’ve been a full-time carer for my mum for years, which inspired my goal to become a paramedic. The T Level Health course stood out for its blend of theoretical and practical learning, allowing me to practice my skills in a simulation room and on placements.”</p><p>Another student, Ben, studied the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction</u></a>, completing his placement at Hydrock where he was kept on as a Structural Engineer <strong>Apprentice </strong>through the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/civil-engineering-hnc/"><u>Level 4 Civil Engineering Apprenticeship</u></a> at <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><u>UCW</u></a> due to his hard work and talent. He even revisited the current T Level Construction learners to discuss his role in the company, his progression, and his future plans to complete a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><strong><u>UCW</u></strong></a>. </p><p>Ho…, there have also been many instances where students have progressed from T Levels to <strong>university</strong>. One student, Katy, studied the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Level in Education and Early Years</u></a> which provided her with hands-on experience at different primary school placements, before progressing to a degree in <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/education-society-and-childhood-ba-hons/"…, Society, and Childhood</u></a> at <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/"><strong><u>UCW</u></strong></a>. </p><p>One of our current Year 2 <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…, Management and Leadership T Level</a> students, Ellie, is planning to progress to <strong>university </strong>or go down the <strong>apprenticeship </strong>route once she has completed her T Level. She said, “What drew me to the T Level is that it’s not all classroom based. You get to go to a placement in a major business and explore what it is like to work there, get stuck into tasks, and work together with new people in teams. I am currently completing my placement at Lloyds Banking Group and I am really enjoying it. It has improved my confidence and my practical knowledge of business that I may not have got solely in a classroom.” </p><p>T Levels provide the perfect blend of classroom and hands-on work placement. With many future opportunities desiring both a qualification and industry experience, these new qualifications allow students to apply their knowledge to a real-world setting. It develops their transferrable skills and better prepares them for their future careers by enhancing their personal and professional growth. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… you are interested in exploring our T Levels, click here.</u></a></p>
