<p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Deciding what to do after college is often daunting, whether you’re interested in university, an apprenticeship, or going straight into work, the best way to decide is to be fully informed of every option. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">One of our ex-students, Charlie, is currently on his second year of a Degree Apprenticeship at the Ministry of Defence (MOD). After finishing Weston College 2 years ago, Charlie came back in to talk to some of our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; target="_blank">A Level</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners about all the benefits of a degree apprenticeship, outline the general structure, and explain the application process and entry requirements needed for a degree apprenticeship at the MOD. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">At college, Charlie studied A Levels in Computer Science, Economics and Maths and is currently completing the Digital Technology Degree Apprenticeship, a 4-year course that allows him to obtain a degree but also get some great work experience at the same time. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">A Degree Apprenticeship at the Ministry of Defence consists of approximately 80% work and 20% study and is normally around 4 years long. The university study aspect of Charlie’s course is completed 1 day a week and is delivered at the Weston College Winter Gardens. There are approximately six work placements across the 4 years, each lasting around 8 months and providing you with real-world skills and knowledge of a working environment. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Charlie and his peer talking to a lecturer at UCW Winter Garden&apos;s during a lesson&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2571994-2629-4c16-b488-a16ca10c63ed" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">There are many benefits to choosing a degree apprenticeship which stretch outside of gaining more work experience than a normal university degree. For example, you also get opportunities to travel, a fully funded tuition and a competitive salary throughout your apprenticeship, a flexible work schedule with the option to work from home, the chance to work alongside amazing industry partners, and a high chance of continued employment once you have completed your apprenticeship. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">In order to apply for a degree apprenticeship at the MOD, you are required to have at least five GCSE’s grade C or above, and 3 A Levels or equivalent grade C or above, including Maths and a Science. If you meet these requirements or are on track to achieve them, you can apply by sending in your CV and a cover letter of why you would be a good fit for them.  &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Charlie discussing the application process of applying for a degree apprenticeship at the MOD&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3848d09-6c41-45b8-b363-ae9a60733890" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">You will then be required to complete an online competency test in Maths, English and Computer Science; however, this application process can vary depending on the degree apprenticeship you apply for. High scoring candidates will be invited to the assessment centre in Weston to complete tests and, if you are successful, you will then be invited to an online interview. Provisional offers will then be made, and a formal offer will be sent out once you have achieved the required grades. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Charlie also gave tips to the learners regarding the assessment process, giving a brief outline of previous assessment examples and explaining the typical attributes that the MOD look for in candidates, for example initiative and communication between groups.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">He also provided advice for students considering a degree apprenticeship, saying, “you should apply to multiple degree apprenticeships but also apply to a university because that is your best chance of getting something.  &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">I applied to 5 or 6 and I only heard back from 2 of them. You may have a bad day, so your best bet is to apply for multiple and increase your chances.” &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The learners found Charlie’s talk helpful and inciteful, with their lecturer, Ana, saying “they asked questions until the very end of the lesson. I’d never seen them so engaged!” &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We’d like to say a big thank you to Charlie for coming in and talking to the students about his experiences and explaining the application process for a degree apprenticeship at the Ministry of Defence. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying for our A Levels next September, click here.</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;"><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></span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>. 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></span></p>

<p>Former learner Lottie has proved to be a shining star, both on and off the pitch. We caught up with her, to discover her journey from studying at Weston College to playing professional rugby in France!</p><p><em>When I began my studies at Weston College in September 2019, I had no idea how transformative the next two years would be.</em></p><p><em>My academic focus was on A Levels in law, psychology, and combined English literature and language, but the opportunities that came through the College’s sport programmes truly shaped my future.</em></p><p><em>During my time at Weston College from 2019 to 2021, the staff and coaches worked with me to ensure that I could excel both on and off the pitch.</em></p><p><em>The flexibility they offered allowed me to balance my rigorous A Level studies with my demanding rugby training schedule. It wasn’t just the understanding from my tutors that helped—it was the quality of coaching that made the biggest difference. The coaches constantly pushed us to improve and offered personalised support to hone our skills. What stood out the most, however, was the off-pitch support the College provided. Rugby is about much more than what happens during a match. Weston College gave me access to nutrition advice, psychological support, and game analysis sessions—elements that allowed me to fully embrace what it means to be an athlete. This holistic approach prepared me for the challenges I would face later, both in my university years and beyond.</em></p><p><em>After completing my studies at Weston, I went on to graduate with a law degree from the University of Exeter. I was part of their High Performance Pathway for all three years, representing the 1XV and even captaining the team on multiple occasions. During my final year, I was fortunate enough to play for the Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Cup Competition. I also kept up my passion for 7s rugby by playing with Boom Beavers in the Super Sevens Series.</em></p><p><em>Weston College had set the foundation for my athletic and academic success, but it didn’t stop there. Thanks to the skills and mindset I had developed, I was able to take the next step in my rugby career—joining Montpellier in the Elite 1 league in France. This was not only a chance to grow in my sport but also an opportunity to fulfil a personal goal of learning a new language and living abroad. The move to Montpellier was an exciting next chapter in my journey. I had always wanted to experience life in another country, so after graduating from Exeter, I began researching opportunities to play rugby abroad.</em></p><p><em>Knowing a few players who had gone to France, I decided to reach out to various teams, and Montpellier responded. I visited the city in February, met the coaches, and knew right away that this was where I wanted to be.</em></p><p><em>Now, after six weeks of training with the team, including a Super Sevens tournament and a match against the Belgium National Team, I’m ready to start the season. French rugby is known for its flair, and I can’t wait to incorporate that style into my game.</em></p><p><em>For anyone looking to follow a similar path, my advice is simple: always remember why you love your sport. Rugby can be intense, with the pressures of selections, performances, and winning, but at its core, it should be fun. It should be something that fills your cup, not drains it. While it won’t always be easy, finding joy in the little moments—whether in training or in a match—will keep you motivated and passionate.</em></p><p><em>Looking back, I realise how pivotal my time at Weston College was. The academic support, combined with their comprehensive approach to sports development, gave me the tools I needed to succeed both as a student and as an athlete. I owe a big thank you to the College, and particularly to Jack Gadd, for all the encouragement and guidance along the way.</em></p><p><em>If you’re considering studying at Weston College, especially if you’re passionate about sports, I can’t recommend it enough. The College is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals, both academically and athletically, and I’m proud to be one of its success stories.</em></p><p>A big thank you to Lottie, and good luck for the season! <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… you would like to study a Sports course at Weston College, click here.</a></p><p>Photo credit Simon King.</p>

<p>Weston College recently hosted a ‘Careers in Law’ event, as part of the Career Excellence Hub, for students at Loxton Campus. The College’s legal courses continue to see growth with a large number of A Level Law students at its Sixth Form and Paralegal Apprenticeships providing routes into legal careers.&nbsp;</p><p>The College has exciting plans to offer a brand new Legal Services T Level course for school leavers from September 2024, the first Legal T Level in the region.</p><p>The legal and professional services sector, employs over 65,000 people in the region according to research by the West of England Combined Authority. Recognising the breadth of careers in the sector for learners and the College’s ‘careers not courses’ ethos, the event provided an opportunity to collaborate with employers to showcase careers to learners. Employers including Burges Salmon, Simmons and Simmons, CMS, Foot Anstey, Womble Bond Dickinson, RPC, Irwin Mitchell and VWV attended, meeting students during the event.</p><p>Dave Crew, Head of Business Growth &amp; Employer Partnerships at Weston College said “Thank you to our employer partners for supporting our ‘careers not courses’ ethos. Our region has a large legal sector which is evolving at pace through its use of technology and various pathways for learners to join the sector. This creates exciting career opportunities on our doorstep for learners. It was fantastic to see our students engaging with potential future employers and discovering the breadth of careers available. We’re look forward to collaborating with employers as we create our new Legal Services T Level launching in September 2024.”</p><p>Employers commented on the enthusiastic engagement from College students.</p><p>Lauren Gardener, Early Talent Executive at RPC said “We thoroughly enjoyed connecting with students from Weston College, it was great to meet so many engaged individuals with a genuine passion about working in a law firm. We hope that after sharing our Legal and Claims Handling apprenticeship opportunities, we have inspired the students to continue their pursuit in a career within law."</p><p>Keith Mitchelhill, Early Talent Recruitment Advisor at Womble Bond Dickinson said “It was a pleasure to speak with the students of Weston College, they all came incredibly well prepared and we had some very insightful conversations regarding how to best display their experience and the different routes into law.”</p><p>Harry Keaveney, Legal Apprentice at Burges Salmon said “The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the students was remarkable. This reflects the excellent work that the college is doing to prepare them for their future careers. It’s clear that Weston College is dedicated to creating valuable opportunities for students and we look forward to working with them in the future."</p><p>If you would like to find out more about Weston College's A Level courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… click here.&nbsp;</a></p><p>Employers looking to upskill staff through the College’s legal courses or access future talent can contact employers@weston.ac.uk</p>