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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 United Kingdom has been experiencing a nursing shortage for several years, which has led to increased pressure on healthcare services.
However, there is some hope in the form of apprenticeships, which are being used to help tackle the nurse shortage issue in the country. In particular, Weston College and the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), who are leading the way with 25 new degree apprentices starting earlier this year.
Nursing apprenticeships provide an opportunity for individuals to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills and experience on the job while also receiving a qualification. The apprenticeships are funded by the government, which means that the cost of training is covered, and apprentices receive a salary while they work.
This is a win-win situation for both the healthcare sector, which gains skilled and motivated staff, and for the individuals themselves, who have the opportunity to enter a rewarding career and gain valuable qualifications without the burden of student debt.
Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, Sir Paul Phillips, said: “We are delighted to work closely with UHBW, and provide opportunities for people to join the National Health Service.
“The partnership offers an innovative approach to nurse training, combining academic learning with hands-on experience in a real-world setting. The curriculum was created in partnership with our colleagues at UHBW and in collaboration with University West of England, being delivered at the Bristol Training Institute.
“This approach ensures that apprentices are well prepared for the challenges of working in the healthcare sector and have the practical skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on patients' lives.”
The nursing apprenticeships offered by Weston College and UHBW are open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including those who may not have considered nursing as a career path before.
Rich Francis from Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) and Victoria Howells from UHBW, shared: “BNSSG Integrated Care System (ICS) are developing a ‘grow your own’ approach to increasing the nursing workforce. We are delighted to be working collaboratively with one of our local university centres, Weston College (UCW) to support this educational training initiative.
“In March, over 25 Trainee Nursing Associate apprentices from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) enrolled on the nursing associate apprenticeship based in Bristol which is all part of the range of apprenticeships to tackle the shortage of nurses across the region. Weston College has been delivering this apprenticeship in Weston for the last 2 years but we’re excited to expand this offer to meet the needs of our local NHS health and care organisations and start to deliver in Bristol. The delivery schedule was a joint curriculum partnership with our colleagues at UHBW and overall, this degree has been developed in collaboration with UWE and delivered at our Bristol site.
“As part of this work, across the region, the ICS are also increasing the number of Apprentices across all areas including clinical, facilities, administration, and management careers.”
For more information on apprenticeships within the health industry, click here.
The United Kingdom has been experiencing a nursing shortage for several years, which has led to increased pressure on healthcare services.
However, there is some hope in the form of apprenticeships, which are being used to help tackle the nurse shortage issue in the country. In particular, Weston College and the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), who are leading the way with 25 new degree apprentices starting earlier this year.
In a heart-warming gesture, Level 2 Hair and Beauty learners provided a range of mini treatments for the dedicated NHS staff at the Wellbeing Centre in Weston Hospital.
The learners wanted to express their gratitude for the workers’ tireless efforts and provide a well-deserved moment of relaxation and pampering.
The Wellbeing Centre at Weston Hospital has been the perfect spot for NHS staff to unwind, de-stress, and recharge. Recognizing the immense dedication and selflessness exhibited by healthcare professionals, the hair and beauty learners wanted to contribute to their wellbeing by providing a series of indulgent treatments.
Under the guidance of skilled instructors, the learners skilfully carried out an array of mini treatments, including hand massages, file and polish services, and expertly applied makeup. These treatments were specifically designed to uplift the spirits of NHS staff and give them a much-needed respite from their demanding roles on the front lines.
The event was a resounding success, with NHS staff members expressing their gratitude for the thoughtful initiative. Many shared that the experience not only helped them relax but also boosted their morale, reminding them of the unwavering support they receive from their local community.
Jenna Ratcliffe, Divisional Lead of Service Sectors, expressed her pride in the learners' dedication and commitment to making a positive impact. She stated, "Our learners were thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the incredible NHS staff who have been working tirelessly to keep us safe. This event allowed them to showcase their skills and demonstrate the power of beauty and self-care in promoting overall well-being."
Jodie Alden, HR and Management Assistant at Weston Hospital, commented: “It was a real treat to have the beauty students join Weston General Hospital to provide mini hand treatments and make-up. I opted for the hand massage, which was excellent, but all of the treatments looked fantastic! It was lovely to see the Hospital staff taking time to relax and chatting away with all of the students.”
If you would like to find out about Beauty Therapy courses, click here!
As part of T Level Takeover week, we’ve been lucky enough to catch up with one of our incredible alumni, Brandon, who completed his T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development last year. As one of the first people in the country to take this course, Brandon impressed his tutors and employers alike, with his dedication and work ethic. As a result of this, he won Industry Placement Learner of the Year at the 2022 Business Awards!
Here’s what Brandon had to say on his experience of T Levels:
"My name is Brandon, and I completed the Digital Production, Design and Development T Level last year. I am now studying Aberystwyth University, after receiving a scholarship!
Reflecting back over the course, my favourite part was definitely the work placement aspect. I completed my industry placement at Spacebar, which is a digital hub located in the heart of Weston-super-Mare, which assists local businesses in their online presence, particularly in the creation of their website.
However, another highlight of my time at Weston College was being nominated for, and winning, Industry Placement of the Year at the Business Awards! Having my hard work celebrated with my classmates, teachers and employers was an indescribable feeling, and one of my proudest achievements.
This placement allowed me to develop many practical skills to an advanced level, that I would not have learnt inside the classroom, as well as skills such as customer service when communicating with the client, leadership when delegating tasks to my peers, and professionalism within the workplace.
The course itself had so many real-world applications, which was fantastic for knowing how the course material will benefit me in the future world of work. In particular, the assessment methods were very practical and real-world based which I think is highly important for a course of this nature.
If you are considering a T Level, I would say absolutely go for it. The experience and skills you gain are second to none, and you result in a qualification equivalent to 3 A Levels! I loved my time doing the course, and I would go back and do it again if I could!"
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
