COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
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QUALIFICATIONS EXPLAINED
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.
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 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.
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.
LATEST NEWS
Weston College has launched a new scholarship, for Engineering learners, in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust.
The scholarship, which is available for one student, per year, is open to any apprentice studying on a Level 2, 3, 4 or 6 Engineering apprenticeship at Weston College.
The scholarship was introduced to honour the memory of former learner Luke Wheaton, one of Weston College’s most inspiring apprentices working with Wessex Water.
Each scholarship is worth £4,000, with students receiving £1,000 per year for up to four years. The scholarship is renewable annually, subject to progress being made as agreed in partnership between the College and the apprentice’s employer.
The first scholarship has been awarded to degree apprentice, Georgia, who impressed judges in her application, with her love of engineering and desire to succeed.
Georgia said of the scholarship: “I was so happy when I found out that I had been awarded the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust Scholarship.
“The scholarship will support my education and help me to buy textbooks for my course in aerospace engineering. I will also put some of the scholarship money towards buying a laptop to help make better notes in my lectures so that I am well organised, and I would like to buy a Raspberry Pi to practice coding and further my knowledge of Python.”
Georgia went on to add some information about her apprenticeship: “I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship so far, as I have been able to meet apprentices from other companies as well as learning important skills about engineering and sustainability.
“I have enjoyed learning about different materials, their testing and application to different aircraft parts.
“When I complete my degree apprenticeship, I would like to further this understanding and research into material properties and look at cost effective and sustainable solutions to use in the aerospace industry.”
Jo Philpott, Vice Principal at Weston College, said: “Luke was a fantastic learner, and we really wanted to support other apprentices starting their journey into the engineering industry, in his honour.
“After receiving lots of applications, we are thrilled to offer the very first scholarship to Georgia, who is an apprentice with the Ministry of Defence.
“This scholarship will help Georgia’s development by paying for new equipment and also assisting with travelling.
“We are excited to see how this assists Georgia on her engineering journey.”
You can find out more about apprenticeships in engineering at Weston College, by clicking here.
Our A Level Media learners recently got to immerse themselves in a spellbinding world on a trip to the Harry Potter Studios where they had the chance to see the process of a Hollywood-style feature film production from beginning to end.
Throughout their day they were able to observe the original sets and props used in the series, get on the Hogwarts express train on Platform 9 ¾ and waver through Diagon Alley. Some learners even got the chance to ride a broomstick, like the original cast did, allowing them to explore the use of a greenscreen in film production.
Ethan, Lecturer in Media, told us: “It really benefitted the learners, affording them the opportunity for inspiration in order to prepare for their upcoming coursework.”
Overall, the learners thoroughly enjoyed their experience uncovering the behind-the-scenes secrets of the movies’ on-screen wizardry whilst bringing back lots of takeaways which they can apply to their studies.
Becoming a Police Officer can be a highly rewarding career choice if you’re interested in serving the community and upholding the law. It is a demanding and challenging job that requires dedication, skill, and a deep sense of commitment.
In this article, we will discuss why you would want to join the Police Force and how we can help you achieve it!
There are many reasons why someone may choose to become a Police Officer. For some, it is a lifelong dream that they have had since childhood. Others may be drawn to the job because of a desire to make a positive impact in their community or to help those in need. Whatever the reason, becoming a Police Officer is a noble profession that requires a high level of integrity, compassion, and bravery.
There are lots of job opportunities in the UK, with 45 different geographical forces.
You might now be wondering how to become a Police Officer, and how can Weston College help… we offer several courses, which can act as the starting point of your journey, or your next steps.
Our courses are part of our Career Excellence Hubs, which gives you unrivalled access to employers, whether that be for industry insight talks, work experience or trips.
Here are some of the courses we would recommend:
Public Services Courses
We offer several Public Services courses, across different levels, which will build your skills and knowledge, ready for a career in the Police Force.
Each course is slightly different, but they are all taught by people with industry experience and include regular talks from local Police Officers. These courses are a great way to start your journey into the Police Force, click here to see our Public Services courses.
A Levels
A Levels are another route that you can take to join the Police Force, as once completed you can progress onto a degree. Courses such as Criminology, Law and Sociology are recommended, as they will give you a understanding of what the law is and also give you insight into the thoughts and behaviour of society.
Click here to see our A Level offer.
Degrees
University Centre Weston (UCW) offers a Level 6 in Uniformed and Public Services, which will give you specialised knowledge and skills in areas including organisational leadership, causes of crime and social conflict, partnership working and emergency planning, and prepare to progress to a range of roles within the uniformed and public services.
Click here to find out more about the course.
If you'd like to find out more about a career in the Police, come along to one of our open evenings and chat to the team, they will be more than happy to help!
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?