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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
A Weston College beauty therapy learner is one step away from a place in the prestigious WorldSkills international final.
Chloe Williams, 19, progressed through a series of rounds – including the WorldSkills national final at the NEC in Birmingham last month – to win a place in the UK Talent Development Programme.
Supported by the College, Chloe will now undertake an 18-month training programme with WorldSkills UK. She will then find out if she has won a place in the final UK squad to compete in Shanghai, China in 2021.
The WorldSkills international final takes place every two years and is known as the ‘Skills Olympics’. The event features over 1,000 of the world’s most talented apprentices and students, each battling it out to be named the World Champion for their skill. Chloe, of Burnham-on-Sea, has had full support of the College throughout the WorldSkills event.
Jenna Ratcliffe, Curriculum Co-ordinator for Hair and Beauty at the College, paid tribute to Chloe resilience in reaching this far in the competition.
She said: “Chloe has shown outstanding commitment to her training during her WorldSkills journey.
“She competed in previous competitions but was unable to get through the regional rounds. This simply made her more determined to get through this year.
“She is a true inspiration to all our learners.”
Ben Blackledge, Deputy Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, said: “Congratulations to Chloe – this is a life-changing moment for her.
“Chloe has already excelled in the WorldSkills UK regional and national competitions – and now faces an even tougher test in looking to secure a place to represent the UK on the world stage.
“She has dedicated hundreds of hours to improving her skills to get to this level – but will put in many months more of hard work with our training managers in a bid to transform her career and life.”
The previous WorldSkills competition was held earlier this year in Kazan, Russia, where Team UK was awarded 19 medals. By competing in the competition, WorldSkills UK can identify global best practice, research and insight that will help the new UK government deliver world class standards in technical education.
Find out more
The most outstanding individuals and institutions that the FE sector has to offer have been recognised in the shortlist for the 2020 Tes FE Awards.
It's been revealed that Weston College has been shortlisted for two awards; Professional Services of the Year and Employer Engagement.
Tes FE editor Stephen Exley said: “Excellent practice exists right across the further education sector, and those shortlisted for the Tes FE Awards are the cream of the crop. Our judges were extremely impressed with the calibre of entries. To be shortlisted is an extraordinary achievement"
The winners will be revealed at a gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on Friday 20 March 2020.
Three Weston College learners are just a step away from the international final of the prestigious WorldSkills competition. At Weston College we embrace the competition and encourage learners to build resilience and test themselves, so they are ready for employment.
Chloe Williams, Joel Keen and Thomas Griffin have been invited to join the UK Talent Development Programme after progressing through numerous rounds of their respective skills events. The national final was held last month at WorldSkills UK LIVE at the NEC in Birmingham.
The trio will now undertake an 18-month training programme with WorldSkills UK, before finding out if they have won a place in the final UK squad to compete in Shanghai, China in 2021.
Chloe, 19, of Burnham-on-Sea, is competing in the beauty therapy event, Joel Keen, 19, of Bristol, in the CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) Milling competition and Thomas Griffin, 19, of Weston-super-Mare, in the web design event.
The WorldSkills international final takes place every two years and is known as the ‘Skills Olympics’. The event features over 1,000 of the world’s most talented apprentices and students, each battling it out to be named the World Champion for their skill. Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal of Weston College, paid tribute to their talent and efforts.
He said: “For Chloe, Joel and Thomas to reach the national final of this pioneering and competitive event is an achievement in itself. But to be selected in the UK team – one step away from a global competition – is testament to their outstanding ability and determination to succeed.
“They are an inspiration to every Weston College learner, and we all wish them luck in final selection.”
Ben Blackledge, Deputy Chief Executive WorldSkills UK, said: “Congratulations to Chloe, Joel and Thomas – this is a life-changing moment. They have already excelled in the WorldSkills UK regional and national competitions – and now they are facing an even tougher test as they look to secure their place to represent the UK on the world stage.
“They have dedicated hundreds of hours to improving their skills to get to this level – but will put in many months more of hard work with our training managers in a bid to transform their careers and lives.”
The previous WorldSkills competition was held earlier this year in Kazan, Russia, where Team UK was awarded 19 medals. By competing in the competition, WorldSkills UK is able to identify global best practice, research and insight that will help the new UK government to deliver world class standards in technical education.
Find out more:
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