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
Our motto ‘Creating Brighter Futures’ is clearly evident within our sporting provision.
As well as boasting fantastic facilities – including the brand-new Health and Active Living Centre (HALC) – our outstanding courses form a range of progression pathways, which have resulted in four former students being employed in our sport faculty.
We sat down with Matt, Dan, Liam and Sarah (pictured left to right) and asked them about their experiences and how the College has developed over the years.
We cannot wait to continue to build on our existing success and create brighter futures for more young people. Click here for more information on Sport courses.
A Weston College lecturer has won a major accolade for his service as a Royal Marine and achievements since leaving the forces.
Dave Beresford (pictured left), who is a Public Services lecturer, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the English Veterans Awards held at Mercure Holland House in Bristol.
The awards celebrate veterans who have made the often-difficult transition from the military to civilian life. They reward those who have gone above and beyond and excelled in their relevant fields and act as role models for future service leavers.
“I didn’t even know I’d been nominated initially,” said Dave. “So, to be shortlisted, and then win the award, was a wonderful surprise and a huge honour.
“I’m proud to have served in the Marines for 14 years and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the forces.
“As many ex-service personnel find, the transition into civilian life isn’t always easy, and it presented a few challenges initially.
“But military life taught me a number of lessons and skills that have served me well in my career in education and I’ve been able to call upon them to teach young people at Weston College.”
During his 14 years in the Royal Marines, Dave was awarded the Military Cross after rescuing two colleagues who were weighed down with heavy equipment and under fire from enemy forces.
Despite struggling with some common problems associated with moving into civilian life, Dave has gone on to forge a highly successful career in education. After starting as a graduate primary school teacher, he has progressed to lecture in further and higher education at Weston College.
Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, led the plaudits to Dave.
“To win such a prominent award is a magnificent achievement and deserved recognition for Dave,” said Dr Paul.
“After a distinguished career in the armed forces, he’s demonstrated massive determination and aptitude to carve out a wonderful career as a lecturer and is inspirational role model for his learners.”
Weston College itself was also among the finalists at the ceremony after being shortlisted for the Employer of the Year category.
The College has a strong history of supporting local military units and the Armed Forces community and is strengthening this commitment by launching a course to help servicemen and women find employment when they leave the forces.
Shaun Canniford, College Representative for the Armed Forces Covenant, said: “As a College we have a serious commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a promise to provide veterans and their families, and those leaving the military seeking, training and work opportunities.
“To be given recognition at the English Veterans Awards for our support of veterans was fantastic and we look forward to continuing the work we do by launching our Veterans Pre-Employment Programme on October 30th. This new course will ensure veterans are offered the training, advice and support they need to gain qualifications and find employment on leaving the armed services.” Click here to read more about this exciting new initiative.
Weston College’s student progression team, now rebranded as ASPECT, is extending their offer of careers information, advice and guidance to prospective learners across North Somerset and beyond as the new term gets underway.
The team is now in place to boost the Weston College brand and provide local schoolchildren with information about College courses and facilities.
In addition, ASPECT will work with current College students aged 14-18 to support them through their time at Weston and to assist with their aspirations for post-College employment or higher education.
Ben Cocks, Progression and IAG coordinator, said: “Over the summer we decided to rebrand for a variety of reasons, not least because we are now more visible around the College and more accessible as a service.”
“We will be building on our outreach work as well as organising careers fairs, helping students with their UCAS applications and supporting the tutorials that form part of the learner’s study programmes.”
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