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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
Our collaboration with AAT provides the perfect blend of learning, between Online and On-Campus, to allow you to gain your qualification in Accounting. Another great delivery of this course is through the Apprenticeship, where you'll spend time both in the classroom and in the workplace. This flexible approach means apprentices can choose how, when and where they want to study.
We heard from Michelle, who completed the AAT Apprenticeship, and told us about her experience!
Why did you decide to study an AAT?
After my daughter was born (I was 28 at that time) I had an opportunity to work as an accounts assistant carrying out basic bookkeeping. I knew if I wanted further my career in the accounting industry I would require a qualification. Weston College was offering Level AAT courses which I attended during one day each week. I completed Level 2,3 and 4 at Weston college with the encouragement from my tutor, Sarah. Even during the pandemic, Weston college helped support us with online sessions.
Did your employers offer you the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship or was this something you decided to complete?
It was my own decision to pursue the AAT qualification as I had self-doubted and low self-esteem when it came to my education. But, I knew there was more for me out in the world and AAT would open so many doors for my future.
How did you find the apprenticeship?
From the support & encouragement from both my tutor Sarah and class friends it felt like a great achievement. I’m really proud to have completed my AAT however it was down to my hard work and dedication. I also have made friends for life through the classes.
How long did it take to complete?
I completed level 2,3 & 4 over 3 years.
How often did you have to complete apprenticeship work?
I juggled all my study time around family life, especially considering I had a new born, and it was tough. I spent the majority of my evenings and weekends revising, but I made sure to make time. Each AAT exam will test your knowledge and it’s not just multiple selection boxes, AAT want you to know the understanding behind the question and how you have come to the decision you’ve made. Working in an accounting environment, it’s really important you have the understanding and knowledge to be able to advise and back up your decisions with the correct information.
How have you utilised the skills you developed during the apprenticeship?
All the skills that I developed on the course have been utilised, from double entry bookkeeping, payroll, Excel and accounting software.
Since completing the apprenticeship, has it helped you to progress your career?
Since completing my AAT, and becoming MAAT, all thanks from the support of Weston College, I have set up my own bookkeeping practice called Michelle Clarks Advanced Bookkeeping Services, as well as working for a really cool accounting firm in Weston Super Mare called “Neil’s Data Consultancy”. Having the support from not only an employer and as well as being my own boss, I have the best of both worlds that works for me. I enjoy meeting new clients and being able to encourage them to grow their own business.
Were there any specific highlights of the apprenticeship?
Attending my Graduation at Weston College was the biggest highlight and made me reflect on the hard work I put in to the AAT course. Wearing the gown and having a day of celebration felt amazing. Weston College went above and beyond for our graduation, celebrating everyone’s achievements.
What would you say to someone considering following in your footsteps?
Do it, don’t hold back. I recommend the apprenticeship to anyone to gain their AAT qualification at Weston College, it can open so many career paths for your future.
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. If the dreams for your future don't scare you, they aren’t big enough!
Michelle
If you're interested in learning more about AAT qualifications, click here!
Weston College celebrated the achievements of over 40 students at its annual Celebration of Success event. Hosted at the Winter Gardens Pavillion, the awards ceremony recognised the commitment and outstanding performance of students from all ages and disciplines.
The students were nominated by college staff and winners were selected by the college's Principal and Chief Executive.
Weston College teaches over 30,000 students a year across all levels from school leavers and a diverse range of courses for adults to re-train and upskill.
As part of the evening, guests were treated to a delicious 3 course meal, made by the College’s Hospitality and Catering students as well as performances from University Centre Weston’s (UCW) BA (Hons) Musical Theatre students.
With the prestigious ceremony underway, one-by-one, the winning students were announced and took to the stage with a resounding applause from family, friends, and special guests. They were presented with their award by Chair of Governors, Andrew Leighton-Price.
With thanks to our sponsors Honeyfield Property Services, Ashton Gate, PACE Agency, Puxton Park, Image Sign and Mindful Education.
As the main event sponsor Honeyfield Property Services’ Director, Jon Patch presented certificates to our Principal Gold Award Winners for Under 19 and Adult Student of the Year, to Ruby Gane and Robert Aldous respectively.
Whilst at the college Robert was offered full time employment at Mercedes Sytner. He commented:
“Its heart-warming to know you’ve been nominated by members of staff, and they can acknowledge and see the progress you’ve made.
“This award has really boosted my confidence and self-belief and tonight is a massive achievement for everyone who has been pushed to their full potential and achieved greatness. I think that is a big testament to Weston College”
Teresa (Counselling Student of the Year) commented:
“This award means everything. I have never won an award in my life and I don’t think I’d be able to get to how far I have come and get to this point without Weston College and the support from my tutors”
Weston College Group Principal and Chief Executive Sir Paul Philips commented:
“Tonight is a celebration of the success of our learners and those who have supported them. From 30,000 learners, getting to this stage is no mean feat.
“The talent of my Governors and staff, and the excellence of our learners, all point to brilliance. Witnessing first-hand this talent of my learners and staff makes me incredibly proud, not just for their success but for the dynamism and entrepreneurship of everyone across the organisation."
The evening continued with several awards to recognise students that were shortlisted for the national Association of Colleges (AoC) awards; Teryena Hobbins was nationally shortlisted for AoC Adult Learner of the year, Jack Kimmins was shortlisted for the Higher Education Student of the Year and Paige Crocker was shortlisted for the Student Green Commitment Award.
As part of curriculum Weston College students get the opportunity to be involved with WorldSkills competitions, this year two learners made the finals and achieved Silver and Bronze (Skylar Beacham and Lottie Trueman respectively).
The evening continued with several awards to recognise the teams of Business learners that took part in the Weston Hospicecare Business Enterprise Challenge. This challenge saw local businesses advising and investing in the young entrepreneurs to set up their own business ventures and to generate profits that were donated to Weston Hospicecare, the College presented Weston Hospicecare with a cheque for the total money raised by all the Business Learners, for an amazing £5751.
A huge congratulations to all our winners!
At Weston College we love working with employers who are just as passionate about creating opportunities for our future workforce, as we are!
One company that we work closely with, through our Public Services Career Excellence Hub, is the Royal Air Force (RAF).
We asked Jacqueline from the RAF a few questions, about the work we do together:
Who are you and what do you do for a job?
I’m Jacqueline, and I work in the Royal Air Force Careers Engagement Team.
We engage with educational establishments, key influencers and opinion formers to attract and recruit people into the Royal Air Force through face to face and virtual engagement throughout the UK by various means.
How do you work with Weston College?
We invite learners that study a Public Services course to visit RAF Brize Norton to look at life and meet service personnel in their working environments. We run this trip twice a year for Weston, to people at different stages of their course, to showcase Station lifestyle and careers. RAF Brize Norton is home to over 8,400 Service Personnel as well as 1200 civil servants and contractors making it our largest station.
I also deliver virtual careers insight events to learners too, which allows learners to hear about specific RAF Careers, the pros and cons, challenges of service life and contract, giving them the opportunity to ask any questions.
We find that learners from Weston College are always really engaged, and that the staff are always really supportive of their learners and careers within the RAF.
What impact has this had on your organisation?
We have had several learners join us as a direct result of our virtual and face to face engagement, which has been really fantastic for us.
A big thank you to Jacqueline from the Royal Air Force for speaking to us about the work we do together and how it is impacting them and our students.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
