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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
Last month, our Protective Services students travelled to South Wales to climb Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the region, putting their resilience and fitness to the test alongside their peers.
Activities like this form a key part of the Protective Services courses, designed to challenge students beyond the classroom. By working together in demanding environments, they develop their fitness while building essential transferable skills such as determination, resilience, communication, and leadership - qualities that are crucial for success within the Protective Services sector.
The Level 2 Protective Services cohort was the first group to successfully reach the summit. Their accomplishment set a strong benchmark, with all students showing impressive effort, teamwork, and perseverance throughout the climb.
Experiences like this not only enhance physical endurance and resilience but also support mental wellbeing. Overcoming the challenges of the climb, combined with the benefits of exercise and exposure to the outdoors, helps students build the mental strength required for future career demands.
Careers in the Protective Services require a unique set of attributes, and we are committed to providing our students with as many hands-on opportunities and real-world challenges as possible to develop these essential skills.
David Usher, Protective Services lecturer at Weston College, said: “We organise activities like this to give our students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in practical settings, such as expeditions and competitions, and to see how far they can push themselves. It was fantastic to see them working together and rising to the challenge.”
Well done to all the students who took part and worked hard to complete this challenge!
This curriculum trip forms part of the Protective Services 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.
Last month, our Travel & Tourism and Business students took a trip to Copenhagen to experience the culture and visit a range of tourist attractions, gaining a deeper understanding of the impact these have on the economy, as well as the operations behind these successful organisations.
During the trip, students had an excellent blend of free time and structured activities, visiting attractions such as Tivoli Gardens, the second-oldest theme park in the world with a variety of rides, gardens, and high-quality food options. This was a fun-filled and historically rich experience, giving students the chance to create memories whilst considering what makes this amusement park so successful.
Additionally, students and staff took part in a walking tour of Copenhagen, visiting iconic sights across the city, as well as a tasting session of the honey and drinks made in Copenhagen. Following this, the group went on a river boat tour where they explored the city further around the canals, seeing the beautiful landscapes and hearing about the rich history of the city.
On top of this, they explored Nyhavn which is known for its 17th-century waterfront and brightly coloured buildings. Students had lots of free time here, visiting various restaurants and many shops, immersing themselves in this popular tourist destination. During their free time, some students even visited museums to make the most out of the trip and immerse themselves further in the culture.
This trip was an excellent way for students to make lasting memories with peers and explore a new city, with some of the students never having flown and experiencing many things for the first time. It gave them the confidence and independence of navigating a new city, whilst providing students with practical lessons in global tourism and successful business management. This will prepare them for future careers in the Business and Tourism industry, as well as enrich them in new cultures and experiences before they finish their course.
Copenhagen is also known for its sustainability, being a global leader in green energy with the aim of becoming a carbon-neutral city. This forward-thinking environment and its strong emphasis on green practices is an excellent example to our students, allowing them to observe how successful companies and tourism systems operate within a sustainable framework.
Ben Melhuish, Head of Business and Tourism at Weston College, added, “This trip was a fantastic experience for our learners to not only gain lasting memories with their friends, but also apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world setting full of popular tourist destinations and thriving international businesses. Taking 40 students on an international trip is never without its challenges, however our students presented themselves with respect and maturity, making it a pleasure to organise trips like this and watch them experience many new things.”
A huge thank you to the chaperones on the trip, Ben Melhuish, Hannah Forrest, Claudia Jagger, and James Lockyer, for making this trip possible!
Copenhagen Best Bits and Bloopers - watch till the end! 😭
This curriculum trip forms part of the Business 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.
Progress to the next level in Business! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!
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.
Last month, Weston College proudly hosted the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) South West Regional Competition at the Winter Gardens, welcoming talented students from across the South West and Wales. The event provided an exciting platform for aspiring professionals to showcase their skills, creativity, and technical expertise in a competitive, real-world environment.
Our FE Hair and Barbering, Beauty Therapy, and Make-up and Prosthetics students, alongside UCW HE Makeup, Wigs and Special Effects BA (Hons) students, took part in a wide range of categories. From body painting, theatrical ageing, and face painting to cut and blow-dries, facials, and hairstyling, the competition challenged students to apply their practical knowledge under time pressure while maintaining high professional standards.
We are delighted that 14 of our students have progressed to the AHT National Finals in Blackpool on 11th May, where they will compete against top students from across the UK.
Taking part in competitions like this plays a vital role in our students’ development. Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment helps to build confidence, resilience, and adaptability which are essential qualities for careers in the hair and beauty industry, where working with clients often requires quick thinking and professionalism.
The experience also enables students to refine their technical skills and push their creative boundaries. Constructive feedback from industry professionals gives them valuable insight into current standards and expectations, helping them to elevate their work and continue improving.
In addition, the competition provides invaluable networking opportunities. Students are able to connect with peers who share similar ambitions, as well as industry experts, allowing them to exchange ideas, gain inspiration, and build relationships that may support their future careers.
Competing in a respected event such as the AHT also strengthens students’ professional portfolios. It demonstrates their ability to perform at a high level in a competitive setting and provides credible, industry-recognised experience that will stand out to future employers.
It was also great to see former Beauty Therapy student and training WorldSkills judge, Maddie Hulbert, on the judging panel. Her fantastic progression and achievements act as a role model for our students, showing them what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance.
Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, added, “Seeing our students apply their classroom knowledge to a professional competition and do so calmly and maturely was fantastic to see. It reflects how far they have come since they began their course, and I am so proud to see what they have achieved. I would also like to say a huge thank you to the FE and HE Hair, Beauty, and Media Makeup team who have worked tirelessly with our students. These fantastic results are also a reflection of the hard work you’ve committed to our students.”
A huge thank you to VTCT and the judges for their time, expertise and invaluable feedback that will inevitably elevate the learner experience.
We wish all of our finalists the best of luck as they prepare to represent Weston College on a national stage in Blackpool.
This competition forms part of the Hair and Beauty 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.
Progress to the next level in Hair, Makeup and Special Effects! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!
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.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
