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
In 2018 I decided I wanted to complete a Digital and Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship, to further my development and provide me with a valuable next step in my career.
I had already completed a Level 3 apprenticeship, and was working as a Software Developer at NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (NHS SCWCSU). My employer was really supportive, and I started my apprenticeship working with them for the first two years, before moving to the UK Hydrographic Office.
The apprenticeship really supported me in my development, and gave me a lot of highlights. It is difficult to give one overall highlight, so I’ll give two.
Firstly, the people. It was interesting meeting lots of people from varied backgrounds and ages that had decided that this was the rout for them, and I’ve made some lasting friendships from the apprenticeship.
Secondly, the opportunity to play with different technologies to what I’d use day-to-day in work. The programming assignments really gave me latitude to experiment in a way I otherwise wouldn’t find time for.
I completed my apprenticeship in the summer, and now I’m a Software Engineer working for JustEatTakeaway.com, the parent entity of Just Eat and Takeaway.com, solving interesting authentication and authorization problems at scale.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship, then you should do it. It will be difficult at times, and stressful at times, trying to balance work and degree work, but it’s worth it in the end. For me, the sense of accomplishment alone was worth it, but the degree without any debt hanging over you is also very nice and opens up new doors for you.
Hugo Woodiwiss
Find out more about our degree apprenticeships, by clicking here.
I was happily working in radio when I stumbled across the advert for an Environmental Health Apprentice, if I’m honest, I hadn’t even considered a career in the field. I did lots of research before I applied for the position and knew I would absolutely love it! I work in the Environmental Protection Team at North Devon Council, while I study, part-time at UCW. The course takes 4 years, studying one day a week and working the rest, and I find that balance is just right!
My role within the council involves dealing with Environmental issues, such as fly-tipping, littering, abandoned vehicles, dog control, stray dogs, and much more. I am out daily in North Devon and get to appreciate the beauty of where I live, alongside educating people to keep it that way! Education and awareness are a big part of my role, and mostly, the public receives this well. No two days are the same, and I love the variety.
Studying alongside the job can be hard work, you must be prepared to commit some spare time, but once you find the balance that fits your life, it becomes manageable. The apprentice opportunity is a pathway to a promising new career, studying as an older student sets a great example to my children, that it’s never too late to pursue a goal. Many people associate apprenticeships with people of school or college leaving age, but they are available for everyone. I can earn as I learn and have the support of my colleagues to help with anything I need.
If you’ve ever considered taking the apprenticeship route, I would highly recommend it. The skills you gain while working, complement the learning criteria, and by the time you graduate, you will have years of experience in the field, which will help you to hit the ground running. I haven’t looked back, and I’m so pleased I applied when I did!
My name is Alex and I am undergoing an apprenticeship in Operational Firefighting.
Becoming a firefighter is something that I always wanted to do, so I decided to apply, and I did this through the Avon Fire and Rescue Service website.
It wasn’t an easy process, but it was rewarding as you went though and completed each step.
The college were really supportive through the process; I received frequent emails, they provided me with vital information and were very quick at replying to any questions I had. Now on station, I have a line of contact to the college through my assessor.
There is a lot to learn when becoming a firefighter, so having a large educational institute like Weston College involved gave me confidence in the education and training I would receive, and ultimately allow me to be successful in this career.
This apprenticeship has allowed me to gain real world experience and give me insight into what life is like as a firefighter. Something that I have really appreciated is the experience I gain from firefighters on station.
There are challenges too, with the most challenging part being the wide range of techniques and equipment we have to learn in order to be effective in the many types of incidents we attend.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship then I think you should go for it! They are a mix between real world practice, as well as engaging in some theory from lectures and lesson style learning. There is a demand for being physically practical as well as being able to computer-based college work.
Apply to become a Firefighter through an apprenticeship, by clicking here.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
