COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
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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
The NextGen Business Breakfast, held on Thursday 13th July at the prestigious Winter Gardens, was an astounding success, bringing together over 150 local businesses for a morning of insight and inspiration. Sponsored by Natwest, Business Leader, Business West, and Albert Goodman, the event showcased remarkable speakers and highlighted future opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The event kicked off with a captivating keynote speech by Andy Lewis MBE, a celebrated Paralympian. Andy shared his personal journey of triumph over challenges, serving as a shining example of determination and resilience for all attendees. His inspirational story left a lasting impact on the audience, reminding them of the power of overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
Lynsey McKinstry, representing Weston College delivered an impassioned talk on breaking down barriers to employment for young adults and learners with additional needs. She pledged a supported internship program that would pave the way for fulfilling employment opportunities, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities within the local community.
Looking ahead, the NextGen Speaker Series continues with a focus on leading change. Launched at the event was stage 2 of the Government Funded Project Management Skills Bootcamp course which returns in October, offering 20 spaces (subject to eligibility and funding availability) for a 10-day immersive learning experience. Details regarding the course can be found here.
To secure a ticket for the NextGen event in October, interested parties are encouraged to email employers@weston.ac.uk and confirm their attendance, allowing them to be added to the exclusive guest list.
The upcoming October session will feature Dr. Zara Nanu MBE as the keynote speaker. Dr. Nanu is the CEO of Gapsquare, an award-winning organization dedicated to using AI and data analytics to address gender, ethnicity, disability, and pay inequity issues in the workplace. With her extensive expertise in building diverse and inclusive workplaces, Dr. Nanu has been at the forefront of empowering employers globally to create fair and equitable work environments.
Wez is a talented makeup artist and esteemed alumnus of Weston College. Graduating from his studies in Hair, Makeup & SFX for TV and Film in 2020, Wez has since achieved an outstanding career in the industry, making waves with his creativity and skills. Most notably, he recently appeared on season 5 of the hit TV show "Glow Up," where makeup professionals compete for the prestigious title of ‘Britain's Next Make-Up Star’. We recently caught up with Wez to discuss his journey, experiences, and advice for aspiring makeup artists.
Reflecting on his experience on "Glow Up," Wez describes it as one of the most amazing experiences of his life. Competing with incredibly talented individuals from all over the UK pushed his creativity to new heights. While many people expected glam makeup from him, Wez seized the opportunity to showcase his versatility and explore different creative aspects. “Working under pressure was a constant challenge” Wez told us, “both in terms of the competition itself and the need to remain professional and positively represent myself to industry experts.”
Wez went on to tell us "my time at Weston College definitely helped prepare me for what it’s like to work in this very competitive industry. My course and teachers taught me how to be professional when working on a client or a model. This knowledge allowed me to understand what I needed to have in my kit as a freelance MUA and how to keep it sanitised, organised and clean. It taught me about the anatomy of the face, colour theory, skin types, tones and textures, as well as how to apply prosthetics to a professional level. Not forgetting the most important thing of them all, time management. All of these skills translated heavily into the competition as these are the simple expectations of what it is to be a good makeup artist.”
WorldSkills recently announced the finalists of 2023, including 3 Weston College learners from Digital, Floristry and Catering. This is an incredible achievement for the learners and the college, and it would not have been possible without the immense support from the staff who entered their students into the competition.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Jo Matthews, the floristry lecturer who has successfully guided one of her learners, Sarah, to the final!
Here’s what Jo had to say:
“My name is Jo, and I am currently a Floristry Lecturer running a part time introductory 6-week course aimed at students who are interested in moving on to a formal qualification. The short courses range from compete beginners to individuals who have experience for advanced workshops. I am also overseeing a City and Guild Level Two Floristry course which this year has followed onto City and Guilds Level Three.
“I have worked in the industry for several decades as an independent florist and in teaching which has given me a wealth of knowledge. It has given me a solid foundation of technical skills which are the building blocks for a career.
“This is the first year I put learners forward for WorldSkills, and two entered. The initial stage of the competitions was to submit photographic evidence of a sustainable wreath. If successful, you would progress onto the National selection. I am pleased to say both students reached the Nationals.
“After this, they were set another task which took them to the next heat and were also asked to complete a further two designs at the venue – a hand-tied hostess and a table design for a VIP reception – both students had received excellent feedback.
“Students had to wait four weeks to find out the outcome. Sarah reached the final and Tessa has been put on the reserve list. I am incredibly proud of their success.
“The next stage for Sarah is to start the process of building and expanding her skills to ensure that she can be the best and to achieve more than she thought possible. For me, I will provide a mentorship to ensure that Sarah is competition ready.
“I feel incredibly proud of both students who took the opportunity to complete they both took on this even though they had incredible busy working lives.
“After having had the opportunity to take part in many competitions myself, representing and winning regional and national competitions, as well as traveling to an international competition. It has given me confidence and valued the experience which I have carried through my working life. I am sure that Sarah and Tess will have learnt a lot from this process to date and I will watch on in anticipation to see where their journey takes them as I know this is just the beginning.”
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
