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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 Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Councillor Ciaran Cronnelly, visited South West Skills Campus this morning to greet and give well wishes to the brand-new learners in for their Welcome Day!
His presence at the college symbolised the town's commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive educational environment for its students.
The Welcome Day gave the new learners the opportunity to meet their classmates, their teachers, and see the facilities ahead of their start date in September. Subject areas including Engineering, Motor Vehicle, Construction and more held a series of activities for the learners, to engage them in the topics and give a taste of what’s to come.
Following a short introduction from Richard Hanney, the Head of Construction, the Mayor spoke to the learners about the opportunities that lie ahead while studying at Weston College, the benefits of working in the Construction, Engineering or Motor Vehicle industry, and how he got to where he is now since his college days.
He was then given a tour of the fantastic facilities throughout South West Skills Campus, and immersed himself in the activities taking place, engaging with the learners as he made his way round the campus.
Richard Hanney told us after: “We were so grateful the Mayor could take the time out of his busy schedule to visit us on Welcome Day. His words were very inspiring, and his presence was very much appreciated on such an important day. We look forward to seeing the learners begin their courses in September, and having the Mayor at the college again in the future!”
T Levels are fast becoming one of the most popular avenues for gaining both experience in the industry and an academic qualification. With the digital world everchanging and evolving, learning from the experts within the industry, is the most effective way to develop knowledge and skills in the area.
We recently caught up with John Banks, T Levels and Skills Bootcamps Lead from the Apprenticeships Team at Lloyds Banking Group, who told us about their experience with T Levels so far!
“We first took on a T Level group in April 2022; we started at a smaller scale with just 6 students, but have scaled up to 70 placements in 2023. We have partner colleges in our key hub locations of Bristol, London, Manchester and Halifax.
“Overall, we have been so impressed with the application and initial tech competence of our digital learners. During placements, students have built chatbots, designed web pages and created code. They have also delivered presentations and organised team meetings and away days – we have been very impressed!
“We believe Lloyds Banking Group is a great opportunity for industry placement as we are so much more than the common misconception that we are ‘just a bank’; behind our high street presence there is an engine room of software developers, data analysts and cyber security teams who work on our customer applications and keep customer detail safe. There are plenty of tech roles for students to undertake and develop their technical skills. Whilst on placement the students also get a real feel for the workplace environment and develop key interpersonal and communication skills.
“We began working further with Weston College earlier this year as we expanded the T Level placement to our Bristol hub. We already have an existing relationship and share the same ethos and passion for early careers. What is impressive about the college is the learning environment they create for students and their dedication for creating opportunities for young people.
“I am a huge advocate of quality work placements and the value it gives to students. What I would say to anyone considering T Level placements is that it is a two-way street; as employers, we create the opportunity but we are also on the receiving end of fresh insight and access to talented young people, with the opportunity to create a pathway into a career which is particularly appealing in the tech space, given the digital skills shortage.”
The service sectors faculty recently held their end of year celebration in the Knightstone Bistro at Weston College, to award the achievements of learners’ outstanding performance and dedication throughout the academic year.
The Service Sector Department at Weston College encompasses a diverse range of courses, including Catering & Hospitality, Education & Early Years, Hair & Beauty and Digital. These programs aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the dynamic and ever-expanding service industry.
Over 160 learners attended the event in support of their peers and the event was hosted by Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, who praised the students for their unwavering commitment and perseverance. She emphasized the importance of their chosen fields and highlighted the immense opportunities awaiting them in the service sector.
Each of the four subject areas presented the ‘Employer of the Year’, ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and ‘Learner of the Year’ award, based on nominations from teachers and peers across the faculty. Reasons for nominations and winners ranged from exemplary academic performance, strong work ethic, leadership skills, and contributions to their courses.
The winners were:
Digital Employer Nomination- Maple from SenseIT
Digital Apprentice of the year- Rion
Digital Full-time learner of the year – Luke
Hair and Beauty Employer Nomination- Ellie from Aesthetica
Hair and Beauty Apprentice of the year- Kate
Hair and Beauty Full-time learner of the year – Kiera
Education and Early Years Employer Nomination- Ruby from Little Bears
Education and Early Years Apprentice of the year- Amy
Education and Early Years Full-time learner of the year – Callie
Hospitality Employer Nomination- Anthony from The Rising Sun
Hospitality Apprentice of the year- Owen
Hospitality Full-time learner of the year – Sophie
Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, commented on the success of the event: “I am so proud of all the learners and their achievements from the past year. It has been an absolute pleasure watching everyone develop their skills in their chosen industry, and I cannot wait to see what they go on to achieve following their time at the college.”
The end-of-year celebration at Weston College's Service Sector Department not only recognized the exceptional achievements of its students but also served as a reminder of the college's commitment to nurturing talent and preparing individuals for success in their chosen fields. The event left everyone inspired and eager to embark on their professional journeys, armed with the knowledge and recognition they had gained during their time at Weston College.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
