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 Saturday 14th, learners went to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, to take part in the Association of Hairdressers & Therapists (AHT) finals and came back with 1st and 2nd places.
The AHT competition is open to any 16-19-year-old studying hair or beauty.
Zoe, Level 2 Beauty Therapy, competed in the facials & make-up competition, where she had 75 minutes to perform a skin analysis, facial cleanse, make-up removal, exfoliation, mask (which must be visible), application of moisturiser product to prepare the skin before the application of a day make-up service.
In the afternoon Zoe went on to compete in the back-massage competition where she had 45 minutes to perform a pre-cleanse, exfoliation and massage of the back, concentrating on areas based upon the client’s needs, using a full range of movements.
“The work and dedication put into training has really paid off and I feel so proud to be 1st place in both competitions, it has also given me more confidence to continue with competitions in future”, said Zoe.
Meanwhile Amelia, Level 2 Hairdressing, had 60 minutes to create a lady’s high fashion long hair down look, where all the hair must be down, the hair was straight to start and she was able to use any ornamentation, stylings tools and products.
Amelia then went on to compete in the red carpet up style competition where she had 45 minutes to create her chosen style; all the hair had to be up, ornamentation must be used, no additional hair was allowed, and any styling tools and product could be used.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity I have been given. I am looking forward to expanding my skills even further. Going to the finals will be an incredible experience in which I hope to excel in”, Amelia.
We are pleased to announce that Zoe, came home with two 1st place awards and Amelia, a 2nd and 3rd place.
Jenna, FE Curriculum Co-ordinator for Hair and Beauty, said: “I'm so proud of each of our learners who took part in the AHT competition. They put in outstanding performances and should be pleased to have gained 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. We pride ourselves with offering all learners the opportunity to take part in competitions. These competitions are a brilliant way to springboard their skills, improving their future employability.”
Find out more:
Hi, my name is Joel Keen and I am a 3rd year engineering apprentice, focussing in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining.
Last year I entered the WorldSkills UK CNC Milling competition, which involves being given a drawing and a block of metal. The drawing is turned into a machine program which controls the machine to make an actual part out of metal. The part is then measured and judged by the experts to determine the winner.
It has been a great journey so far. I first heard about the competition from some of my apprentice friends, who thought that this would be the kind of thing I would enjoy – and they were definitely right!
I entered in March 2019, and was then sent drawings for the passive heat which ensures you are at the right level before the final. I made my initial entry using the machines at Weston College and sent it away for judging. After a few months I received the message to say that I made the top eight in the country. I was invited to Coleg Cambria for finalist training, which was a really beneficial experience and prepared me for the WorldSkills Live Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Being able to compete and hone my skills has been a really valuable experience for me. Not only have I developed my CNC skills, I have advanced my team working skills, ability to work under pressure, and also time management. In order to be at a level to compete in the finals this was crucial, and throughout last year I completed extra practice on the machines at Weston College, in order to give me the best chance of winning my heat.
I was absolutely thrilled to win Gold in the National Final, and I am now part of the UK Squad, which might see me compete in EuroSkills Graz 2020 and WorldSkills Shanghai 2021!
WorldSkills really is an incredible experience, the training you receive is outstanding, and meeting likeminded people is also great fun.
I would definitely recommend WorldSkills to other learners because if you work hard you have a chance to compete on the national stage. The training and support from the College will allow you to reach your potential and be at a level to compete.
WHAT is it?
Starting construction at the start of 2018, the Health and Active Living Skills Centre has brought together our health and social care, sports therapy, and active living curricula into one bespoke facility. It includes a fully equipped gym and multi-purpose sports hall. This allows students to observe and learn about the effects of exercise on the body. There are also state-of-the-art science labs, including provision for sport analysis, a health therapy suite, and a six bed fully-equipped simulation ward including high-tech patient mannequins.
The Centre also boasts a separate clinic/therapy room which is used by external health and sports professionals – this enables students to access health and sports professionals on site.
WHERE is it?
The centre is situated next to our Loxton Campus, and close to Weston General Hospital. This offers students the perfect opportunity to work closely with the hospital, and gain valuable knowledge from industry professionals. The ability to get hands-on experience and learn from experts in their field plays a huge role in students’ progression and learning. As James Rimmer, Chief Executive of Weston Area Health Trust, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for partnership working between Weston College and Weston General Hospital. This demonstrates the investment we are both making to support the learning and development of students”.
WHY do we need it?
The NHS and small to medium-sized employers in the healthcare sector have identified increasing skills shortages that could lead to major recruitment issues in the sector if they are not addressed. To help combat this skills shortage and give back to the community, over £13 million has been invested to employ builders and contractors in the local area to build high-quality facilities for our students. The first of its kind in the region, the Health and Active Living Skills Centre enables young people and adults to study courses from Level 1 up to degree-level. This ensures that the region is able to provide the skills and qualifications it needs for a sustainable healthcare workforce.
Click here to see the floorplans for the building.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
