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
This months featured Alumni Trailblazer is James McGuinness, a former learner who is now a Label Relations Manager for Youtube!
James was also our Alumni Impact Laureate winner at this year's Celebration of Success, this celebrates our former students who exemplify the very best of the college community and recognises alumni who have achieved excellence in their chosen career path
We caught up with James, to find out a bit more about his journey and what he is doing now:
I studied at Weston College from 2000 to 2002, completing a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Music Technology. I look back on my time at the college very fondly – the supportive environment and dedicated tutors played a crucial role in shaping my early ambitions and future career in the music industry. They encouraged creativity, independence, and confidence, which helped me grow both personally and professionally.
The two-year BTEC course was intensive and highly practical, offering hands-on experience across key areas of music production. The skills I gained, from studio techniques to business understanding, provided the perfect foundation for my progression to a degree at Bath Spa University. That grounding firmly set me on the right path to navigating the realities of the music industry.
Since leaving the college, I have built a career in artist campaigns, label relations, and digital platform strategy, working alongside major record labels and management teams. I now work as a Label Relations Manager at YouTube Music, collaborating with global artists such as Ed Sheeran, Central Cee, Dua Lipa, and Oasis – a role that continues to challenge and excite me, and one that traces its roots back to my time at Weston College.
This alumni story 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.
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 here. 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.
Earlier this month, our Travel and Tourism learners were visited by members of the Jet2 team from Bristol Airport, delivering an insightful talk that gave students a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities within a career in aviation.
During the guest lecture, the team shared their career journeys, explained what it’s like to work in aviation, and discussed the wide range of opportunities available within the sector. Learners also gained an understanding of Jet2’s flight routes and company operations, as well as hearing personal stories that highlighted the passion behind the profession.
Following this, the Jet2 team completed mock interviews with the Level 3 Year 2 learners, using real questions from Jet2’s recruitment process. Each learner received scores and detailed feedback to help refine their interview techniques and build their confidence. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to gain experience in a real-world interview scenario, preparing them for future careers in travel and aviation.
In addition to this, Jet2 returned the following week to complete the remaining interviews and offered some learners a second opportunity, enabling them to act on feedback, demonstrate growth, and strengthen their professional skills. This was fantastic for learners to not only improve their interviewing skills, but also see the impact that professional insight can have on the students’ personal and professional development.
These sessions provided learners with first-hand experience of real-world recruitment, constructive feedback to support future job and UCAS applications, and increased confidence for progressing into aviation roles or higher education. One of our Level 3 Travel and Tourism Year 2 learners, Emily, said: “I was nervous at first, but once the interview started, I felt relieved. It was a fantastic experience that’s boosted my confidence and prepared me for future interviews.”
At Weston College, we are committed to creating opportunities that connect learners with industry, providing them with essential networking opportunities, and helping them develop the skills and resilience needed for successful careers.
A huge thank you to the Jet2 team who took the time to visit our students, outline their career journeys, and engage in interviews to help improve our students’ communication and confidence.
This interactive session forms part of the Travel and Tourism 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.
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 here. 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.
Welcome to the December edition of our CET blog!
Who Are We?
We’re a friendly team of professionals dedicated to helping you succeed:
- Ben Knocks – Deputy Principal and Careers Leader
- Anna Holton – Head of Careers and Employability
- Careers Coordinators – Based across campuses to offer one-to-one support
- UCAS & HE Advisor – Your go-to for university applications and higher education advice
What We Can Help You With?
Career Advice & Planning Get personalised guidance on your future – whether it’s university, apprenticeships, or jumping straight into work.
- CVs, Interviews & Job Applications We’ll help you craft a standout CV, prepare for interviews, and apply with confidence.
- Work Experience & Industry Placements Gain real-world experience with placements tailored to your course and career goals.
- Brighter Futures Hub Access online modules to boost your life skills, employability, and career knowledge – anytime, anywhere.
- Support for T Level Students We’ll help you secure your 315+ hours of industry placement and make the most of it.
- Adult Learner Support Thinking about a career change or upskilling? We’ve got advice and resources to help you take the next step.
How We Support You
- Help finding placements with local employers
- Preparation for the workplace – from expectations to responsibilities
- Ongoing support during your placement
- Career events like Careers Fest, workshops, and networking opportunities
How to Contact/Find Us
- You can send an email to CET.ac.weston.uk
- You can reach out to your Careers Coordinator on campus or explore resources online via the Brighter Futures Hub.
Weston College's annual Careers Fest returned last month, tranforming the Winter Gardens into a vibrant hub of opportunity and inspiration.
Designed to spark ambition and help learner's explore their next steps and future options, the event brought together an extensive mix of pathways from apprenticeships and university routes to specialised training and employer-led careers.
This year's Careers Fest welcomed over 1,000 Weston College students, alongside more than 26 employers, 12 Higher Education providers, and a range of Weston College support teams.
Watch what our learners thought of the event here!
At our Careers Fest, students had the chance to chat to big name employers and universities about their future!✨
We would also like to say a huge WELL DONE to all learners who have had recent interviews for industry placements!
Keep these dates in mind for the New Year!
07/01/2026 - UCW Higher Education Information Evening
08/01/2026 - GCSE Maths and English Resit Results Day
05/02/2026 - Apprenticeship Open Evening
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
