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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
Digital technology is advancing rapidly – at a rate that threatens to leave behind millions of people in the UK.
According to a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, around 12% of the population will lack basic digital literacy within a decade.
And this doesn’t only apply to the ‘older’ generation. Research also suggests that even the most digitally confident young people are being taken by surprise at the evolving skill-set required in an increasingly digital world.
In short, more needs to be done to equip the next generation with the digital knowledge and know-how they need to succeed.
At Weston College, providing learners with the most up-to-date digital skills and resources is among our highest priorities.
That’s why it was such a huge achievement and honour that we recently became one of 14 providers in the UK to be awarded ‘Microsoft Showcase College’ status.
As a Showcase College, we’ll benefit from billions of pounds of research and knowledge, as well as Microsoft’s support in the personalising student education. This includes the use of one-to-one devices, Office 365 Education, Office Mix, OneNote, Skype, Minecraft and more.
Microsoft will share ideas to enhance staff development, student employability and innovation, and provide the College with opportunities to host Microsoft-branded educational events.
Every PC user in the world has Microsoft tools, and every job that young people apply for will require them to use Word, PowerPoint and Excel. That’s why embedding these systems – as well as digital skills and capabilities – into our teaching is so vital.
We also get the opportunity to share ideas with other Showcase Colleges around the world – all striving to improve teaching and learning, raise the engagement and attainment of students, and to boost regional economies.
This places us within an exclusive global community, recognised for educational transformation, creativity and collaboration, and a willingness to promote a growth mind-set among staff and students.
It’s a deeply held belief of mine that everyone should have an equal opportunity to learn, regardless of background or ability. And, by providing students with the latest technology, we’re able to reduce barriers to learning – for example, dyslexia, hearing and impairments, physical disabilities, and financial and geographical barriers.
The accreditation also enables the College to run a range of courses to equip students and staff with the latest Microsoft certification and provide access to online resources that target skill and knowledge gaps. These courses are:
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification
- Microsoft Office Specialist Expert Certification
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Certification
- Microsoft Certified Educator – specifically for teachers.
As a College, we’re constantly striving to push the boundaries in terms of what our students can achieve. This puts the onus on us to provide the very best resources and technology, and gaining Microsoft accreditation is another example of how we’re achieving this.
As Anthony Salcito, Vice-President of Worldwide Education at Microsoft, said: “Microsoft Showcase Schools and Colleges are shining examples of those applying purpose-driven innovation in a variety of ways to build connection, motivate students and to create community in and out of college.
“They are truly transforming learning and providing more personalised education to students, empowering them to achieve more.”
Dr Paul Phillips CBE
With only 2 weeks to go until our annual business awards, we’re excited to be bringing you another employer award article.
Today we’ll be talking through our nominees for the Disability Confident Employer of the Year award.
Good luck to all that have been nominated! You can find out the winner of the award on 20th June. Stay updated by following our Facebook and Twitter pages or by following #BusinessAwards.
Hi, I’m Josh, and I recently won Bronze in the national BTEC Awards’ IT and Computing Student of the Year.
When I started the BTEC IT course, I was at a low point, having had an unsuccessful year of A Levels in my secondary school. I decided to change over to this course, as I have always been passionate about IT and it is a subject that I perform strongly in. It also allows me to make things happen and create solutions and make processes more efficient.
The BTEC course suited my learning style to a tee, as it doesn’t just teach you theory, it is very practical. This enabled me to gain a better understanding of subject areas such as Networks, Software Development and Security. I also developed my communication skills through units such as Project Management and Effective Communication – which is something that has helped me both academically and personally.
During my first year of the course, I completed over 50 hours of work experience at PureComms – a local Telecommunications firm. I highly enjoyed this experience as it gave me an understanding of the industry, and also opened my eyes to potential future career paths.
I have now completed my course, and chosen to go on and complete an apprenticeship to develop my industry knowledge. I have been fortunate enough to receive two exciting job offers from well-known brands within the industry – one in software development and the other in cyber security.
I really enjoyed this course and appreciate that Weston Colleges recognises my efforts by including me in the prospectus, on banners, and use my quotes across social media and the website. I am also a role model for people with disabilities, as I haven’t let my cerebral palsy hold me back. I have worked hard and my success proves this.
I would highly recommend this course if you are practical learner and love all things technology.
Josh Callicott
Tech Weston
With digital skills being fundamental to economic growth and recovery, Weston College continues to engage with and listen to employers ensuring we understand the support businesses need to thrive, whether it’s upskilling the existing workforce or accessing future talent. We have been working with leaders across the tech industry to evolve our offer to ensure Weston College is the training destination for tech talent.
We’ve developed and streamlined our website to make is easier for employers to understand and access the wealth of learning opportunities and expertise available. Discover the newly created TECH WESTON web page, and see the range of bespoke training, online courses, skill-specific bootcamps, apprenticeship programmes to industry placements: www.weston.ac.uk/techweston
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
