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
On Wednesday 2nd November, we welcomed the Recruitment Team from Hinkley Point C to discuss career opportunities.
With a packed schedule, learners from South West Skills Campus and Knightstone Campus were fortunate to find out about career prospects as well industry placements available for Weston College students.
Learners from across our Construction Career Excellence Hub, and our Business T Level students took part in special bespoke sessions, which looked into Hinkley Point C as a whole as well as the wide range of job roles which go into making the project work – from project managers to engineers.
Kirsty Woods, Business Partnership Manager (Construction) at Weston College, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Recruitment Team from Hinkley Point C, who inspired learners from across our Construction Career Excellence Hub, with their engaging talk.
“At Weston College we have thousands of really talented students who constantly impress employers across the region with their knowledge, skills and application.
“We have links with employers across the region, to provide our learners with industry placements, which is a vital element of their development.”
Find out more about our Construction courses, by clicking here.
We celebrated Careers Week in November, with our Protective Services learners engaging in numerous career related activities with employers.
Employer engagement is extremely important to our students, as it helps them to confirm their first choice of career, as well as enthusing and motivating them on their course of study.
The week commenced with our Year 2 students traveling down to Okehampton Camp on Dartmoor to spend 4 days residential with the Army. Activities included an assault course, stalk and overnight bivvy camp. Throughout the experience, learners developed their ID skills including rapport building, resilience, and teamwork.
The trip received glowing feedback, with Harry saying: “This is the best thing that I have ever done!”
On the Tuesday a group of students travelled to RAF Brize Norton to spend an exhilarating day with the RAF. Activities included boarding an A400M aircraft, a tour of the base gym and lunch in the Sergeant’s Mess.
The day was ran by Squadron leader Jacqueline Millard Smith who runs a bespoke mentoring service for the Weston College Protective Service Provision.
This trip was really beneficial for learners, with Zoe saying: “After visiting and speaking to people on the base it has really interested me and has made me consider my future career options. It was an amazing experience!”
On Thursday learners travelled to HMS Raleigh in Plymouth. It was a fantastic occasion, which allowed students to visit a range of Navy Careers including Fire Fighting, Submariner Service and the Physical Training Branch. The mixture of Level 2 and Level 3 learners were fully engaged throughout the day and were excellent ambassadors for the College.
We celebrated Careers Week in November, with our Protective Services learners engaging in numerous career related activities with employers.
Employer engagement is extremely important to our students, as it helps them to confirm their first choice of career, as well as enthusing and motivating them on their course of study.
In the Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics for Production (HMPP) three-year degree programme at UCW, there is a module which requires the learners to work to an industry brief. This year, Puxton Park delivered the brief for the learners, for an event they held, called “Phobia”; a Halloween event that took place from 22nd – 29th October, consisting of five haunted attractions including a Haunted Tractor Ride, Doll House and the ‘Dark Wood’. The learners were required to design and apply makeup to a very high quality for this event, for up to 40 actors a night!
In total, 30 students across both HE & FE took part; the third year HMPP learners were in charge of running the event, and the first and second year HMPP learners also took part as assistants. The Level 2 Hair and media makeup learners were also involved as further assistance on certain makeup zones. Every learner was there every night, from 4:30 – 10:30pm, to ensure every actor was ready for their performance. It was important that they planned and practiced every aspect before the event started, as they had to make sure they could carry out the same quality in a fast-paced environment, under time pressure!
As well as designing and applying the makeup on the nights, the 3rd year learners were also tasked with ordering the products and costumes, and keeping within a budget, as well as holding workshops for the Level 2 students to demonstrate the desired looks, and build their confidence in their abilities.
The feedback from everyone involved has been overwhelmingly positive – the learners absolutely loved the opportunity to work in a professional event, working with other students across multiple courses, and being given a true insight into the industry. Puxton Park have also commented on the creative talent of the learners, and praised them for their professionalism. The general public, who attended the event, have said it was “a fantastic, immersive experience, but very scary!”
Tara O’Hare, an HMPP lecturer, has commented “I would like to personally thank my third year HMPP students, with special thanks in particular to Holly and Beth, who acted as project managers on the event, liaised with the other groups who were helping out, and worked professionally and fully committed themselves to the project throughout.
Both the HE and FE makeup students worked with enthusiasm and confidence throughout They will be an absolute asset in the makeup industry, and without them, this project would not have been as successful. We can’t wait to be back next year!”
If you’re interested in a qualification in Hair and Makeup, you can find out more information, below!
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