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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, the Student Engagement Team organised a fantastic Freshers’ Fair for nearly 1,200 Year 1 learners. The event featured a range of local businesses, charities, and attractions, showcasing all the brilliant opportunities available to our learners in and around Weston-Super-Mare.
Learners connected with local organisations, picked up freebies and vouchers, and discovered a range of activities and experiences. Attendees included sports and fitness organisations such as PureGym, Bristol City Robins Foundation, and Hutton Moor Leisure Centre, as well as food outlets like Nando’s and Miss Millies. Activity centres such as All Stars and Laser Quest were present, alongside essential local services including Avon and Somerset Police and Avon Fire and Rescue. Local charities including SWEDA, NACOA, Weston Hospicecare, and Talk Club also attended to promote the work they do in the community and encourage learners to help and volunteer where possible.
On top of this, there were many interactive activities and games for learners to enjoy throughout the event including hoop-shoot basketball, inflatable surf simulator, and a photobooth with props for students to get pictures with their friends. There were also many games like spin-the-wheel that allowed students to win prizes such as discounts, samples, and sweets.
The Student Engagement Team highlighted the many ways learners can get involved in the Students’ Union (SU), from joining clubs and societies across all campuses, to taking part in sports academies or going on exciting trips in both the UK and abroad. Learners can also join the Student Committee, taking on roles such as Student Representative, Apprentice Ambassador to give their peers a voice, or become part of the Student Leadership Team to help drive initiatives and lead positive change.
A huge thank you to all the organisations who attended, and the Student Engagement Team for organising such a well-planned out and interactive event for the students!
To get involved in anything the SU has to offer, contact the Student Engagement Team at student.union@weston.ac.uk or visit the Student Engagement Hub.
Weston College was delighted to welcome back its alumnus, Dave Trevaskus (now Head of Retail Training at the LEGO Group), for a full day of workshops on Thursday 2nd of October. Dave’s visit brought energy, insight, and a genuine sense of connection as he shared lessons from his own journey and encouraged learners and staff to see every challenge as a stepping stone and to encourage a playful mindset.
Dave’s sessions revolved around three core themes: learning through play, sustaining curiosity, and embracing bravery. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, he made it clear that real-life careers seldom follow a straight line, and that’s okay. He stressed how powerful it is to push beyond your comfort zone, because that’s where growth happens.
In his talk (featured in the video), Dave said, “If you don’t make mistakes, you won’t create anything new.” He reminded the audience that mistakes aren’t signs of failure, they’re part of the process. He also urged everyone to “be curious first, and confident later” to ask questions, experiment, and let that spirit guide your next steps.
Dave opened the day with a playful but meaningful quiz, helping participants explore the LEGO Group’s history and values while also giving a peek into his own professional path. It sparked laughter, curiosity, and healthy rivalry - the quiz champion walked away with a special LEGO set.
One of the standout challenges had groups using just six LEGO bricks to build a duck. Despite everyone having the same minimal materials, the results were wildly varied. That playful exercise drove home a serious point: our perspectives differ, and that diversity is a strength. It showed how creativity, and the courage to try something unexpected, can turn the same raw materials into wholly unique outcomes.
Throughout the workshops, Dave returned repeatedly to his message about mistakes. He said, “Don’t be afraid to break things - break assumptions,” and encouraged the group to reframe errors as experiments rather than missteps. In doing so, he helped foster a culture of resilience, curiosity, and more daring thinking.
Dave commented that for him the visit was more than a speaking engagement, it was a chance to return and to stir excitement and possibility in the next generation. His passion for lifelong learning, creative thinking, and courageous action resonated deeply, leaving attendees energized and more willing to lean into uncertainty.
@westoncollege Weston College alumni, Dave, has made his way back to Weston College to host multiple workshops for both learners and staff about his career journey, learning through play and his role at @lego ♬ original sound - WestonCollege
Welcome to the September edition of our CET blog!
Meet Your Careers Team at Weston College!
Whether you're planning your next steps, exploring career options, or preparing for the world of work, the Careers and Employability Team is here to support you every step of the way.
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.
Final Thoughts
UCAS Weekly Drop ins will be taking place at the following campuses
- Knightstone - 12.30pm - 1.30pm every Monday in Knightstone Library
- Loxton - 12 - 1pm every Tuesday at Loxton Library
Careers Fest – 19th November: Your Future Starts Here!
Not sure what’s next after college? Whether you’re thinking about uni, an apprenticeship, or jumping straight into work, Careers Fest is the place to explore your options.
What’s Careers Fest?
It’s Weston College’s biggest careers event, where employers, universities, and training providers come together. You can: Meet real employers and ask questions Check out different careers and industries Find apprenticeships and job opportunities Get help with CVs, interviews, and applications Learn about university courses and student life
Why Should You Go?
Whether you’ve got a plan or not, Careers Fest can help you:
- Get inspired by professionals and past students
- Make connections that might lead to work or experience
- Build your confidence about your next steps
- Get support from the Careers Team
“I wasn’t sure what to do after college, but Careers Fest helped me find a path I’m excited about.” – Level 3 Business Student
“Talking to employers made me realise I already have skills they want!” – T Level Health Student
How to Join:
- Book your spot
- Bring your questions
- Dress smart if you want to impress employers
- Follow up with the Careers Team for extra help
Congratulations to four of our former learners who have officially started their digital apprenticeships with Lloyds Bank!
Their outstanding performance during their T Level industry placements truly impressed the team, earning them this incredible opportunity.
Three learners have joined the Bristol office, starting their careers in Software Development and Data, while one has headed north to begin an exciting journey in Cyber Security.
Wishing you all the best of luck - your hard work has paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder!
10/10/2025 - Deadline for completion and submission of Personal Statements (via the UCAS Hub) for learners to receive feedback from the Careers and Employability team.
11/10/2025 - UCW Open Day (10am - 2pm)
13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 - We’ll be celebrating T Levels during National T Level Week
14/10/2025 - 'Discover Your Dream Course' Open Evening
15/10/2025 - Deadline for any courses at Oxford or Cambridge and any university for courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
