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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
Recently, our Environmental Health Practitioner Degree Apprentices swapped their usual online studies to attend a series of exciting in-person practical sessions in the laboratory at our Knightstone Campus.
This was a particularly momentous occasion as our BSC (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship is taught exclusively online, with our students based all over the UK.
However, our personal approach here at UCW means we care about getting to know each and every one of our students. So, when the opportunity arose to invite our degree apprentices onto campus, we simply could not pass it up!
Students took part in a series of practical sessions, led by lecturer in Public and Environmental Health; Nahum. The workshops were designed to inform and develop the apprentices’ understanding of environmental health in a way that can be applied to their everyday professional practices in the field.
We caught up with Joanne, one of our brilliant Degree Apprentices all the way from Tyneside Council, to find out more about her course.
Joanne told us the day spent on campus at UCW was very interesting: “We cultured bacteria and bacterial growth in the laboratory. We were looking at how to identify different forms of bacteria using gram-staining and streak plates.”
We asked Joanne about the skills she is gaining from her studies with University Centre Weston, and how these are helping her develop in her career.
She said:
“Just learning about everything is so amazing because there’s so many different disciplines in environmental health. I’m predominantly working in housing at the moment. It’s interesting learning about microbiology, and the climate change, the planet and how everything interlinks really makes you start to think about things differently.
“When looking for my degree apprenticeship, UCW’s offer was definitely the best, in terms of their staff’s expertise and the new way it’s being delivered online. This is something I find incredibly useful, being based in the Northeast, it means I can learn flexibly whilst working – which is fantastic. I’m thoroughly enjoying it!”
Thanks Joanne!
If you would like to find out more about the Environmental Health Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship programme at UCW, click here.
Weston College recognises the importance of Ramadan and the challenges that Muslim learners, apprentices, and staff may face during this holy month. As the first day of fasting for Ramadan begins on Thursday, 23rd March 2023, Weston College would like to offer its support to those who will be observing the fast.
Ramadan is much more than not eating or drinking during daylight hours. It is a time for self-reflection, spirituality, self-discipline, humility, and empathy. Muslims are encouraged to engage in extra prayers, more charity, volunteering, and providing khidma (service).
The College understands that fasting can affect the performance and wellbeing of learners, apprentices and its staff and will be offering additional academic support, prayer times, compassion, and acknowledgement to Muslim students and staff during Ramadan.
Weston College supports its Muslim students and staff in their observance of Ramadan by allowing them time to pray in between lessons and ensuring that they know where the quiet rooms are located on each campus. The College also encourages staff to cultivate an open culture of understanding of the challenges of the month but also celebrating its blessing and importance for Muslims.
Weston College understands the importance of supporting its Muslim students and staff during Ramadan and is committed to providing an inclusive learning and working environment for all.
We cant wait for this years Business Award's at the Winter Gardens on Thursday 15th June! The event will celebrate the excellence of our apprentices, trainees, and learners that completed an industry placement - as well as recognising the work of our business network. We welcome nominations for anyone that you feel is deserving of recognition for the work they have completed in the last year. All entries will then be looked at by our judges and shortlisted on their merits.
The winners will be announced at the event on Thursday 15th June. Nominations are OPEN until 28th March, nominate here.
These are our judges for this year's Business Awards:
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