Programmes for School Leavers
Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds
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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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 week we welcomed back former Weston College learner, Ellie, to share her inspiring journey with our animal management students.</p><p>Ellie's journey began during her time at Weston College, where she seized the opportunity to secure an industry placement at Puxton Park, laying the foundation for her career in animal care. From there, her path led her to being offered a role as an animal keeper—a testament to her commitment and skill in the field.</p><p>However, Ellie's dream is to work with monkeys, and she is currently on a sabbatical, which included a 3-month voluntary placement in South Africa.</p><p>For two months, Ellie lent her expertise to Monkey Helpline, contributing to the rehabilitation of wild primates. This hands-on experience allowed her to witness first hand the challenges and rewards of primate conservation efforts. Subsequently, she spent a month with International Primate Rescue as a primate care assistant, playing a crucial role in rescuing primates from the perils of the pet trade.</p><p>During her spell volunteering, she has been offered a full-time job, showcasing the fantastic work she has been doing.</p><p>Subject Area Manager for Animal Management, Laura Link, said: “It was great to see Ellie, who shared all about her fantastic experiences with our students.</p><p>“She only had one-week back in the UK, during her sabbatical, so we were very lucky that she came to visit before heading back to South Africa.</p><p>“Ellie has been on an incredible journey, and her passion really shines through, which our learners found really inspiring. It showed that through studying Animal Management, you can achieve your dream career, and work anywhere in the world.”</p><p>This guest speaker forms part of the Animal Management Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… can find out more about our Animal Management courses, by clicking here.</a></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Our Performing Arts learners recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to the heart of London, immersing themselves in the vibrant world of professional theatre. The trip proved to be an invaluable experience, encouraging independence, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the theatrical craft among the students. </p><p>Students from both Level 2 and Level 3 Performing Arts programs, spanning pathways of Musical Theatre, Dance, and Acting, were treated to a mesmerizing performance of the renowned musical Back to The Future at the prestigious Adelphi Theatre in London's West End. Witnessing the magic of live theatre first-hand, the learners were inspired by the production's excellence, igniting a passion to excel further in their training. </p><p>"This new and exciting musical gave our learners the opportunity to experience a professional production and inspire them to continue working hard in their training" remarked Joe Miller, Lecturer in Performing Arts at Weston College. "This also gave students the opportunity to further their skills in professional etiquette and witness professionals at their best. " </p><p>Following the show, the learners spent a night in London, preparing for an equally thrilling day ahead. The itinerary included a spine-chilling visit to the London Dungeons, offering both entertainment and educational value. Here, students had the unique opportunity to observe live actors up close, acquiring their improvisation skills and learning from seasoned professionals in an immersive environment. </p><p>The adventure continued with a ride on the iconic London Eye, providing breath-taking views of the city skyline. Additionally, students were granted free time to explore London independently, to take in all the sights and see iconic landmarks. </p><p>"Overall, the trip was a huge success and allowed all our learners to build on their skills, build their confidence and experience professionals working in the theatre industry”, Joe added. </p><p>The London theatrical adventure not only enriched the students' academic pursuits but also served as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. As they return to Weston College, these budding artists carry with them memories and lessons that will undoubtedly shape their future endeavours in the performing arts. </p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This journey to London forms part of the Creative Arts 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 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">To find out more about our Creative Arts courses, please <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/creative-arts-and-design-cour… here</a>.</p>
<p>Learners studying Level 2 and 3 courses part of our Career Excellence Hub in Hair and Beauty, embarked on a thrilling trip last week to Beauty Rooms Medi Spa, where they had the opportunity to see a health spa in action.</p><p>Guided by Amanda from Beauty Rooms Medi Spa, our learners were treated to a tour of the spa, and were also able to gain hands-on experience with Caci and Guinot machines, as well as discovering all about franchising opportunities.</p><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Divisional Lead for Service Sectors at Weston College, said: “It was fantastic for our learners to be able to visit Beauty Rooms Medi Spa.</p><p>“The feedback from learners has been overwhelmingly positive, with several expressing how they feel more motivated since visiting the spa.</p><p>“At Weston College we are all about careers, and not courses, and this is the perfect example of our Career Excellence Hub in action. A big thank you to Amanda for the tour, we look forward to working closely with you over the coming months.”</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… out more about our Beauty courses, by clicking here.</a></p>
