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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
Hello, I’m Sharna. I’m a Business Administration apprentice, in the Traineeship team at Weston College.
For National Apprenticeship Week, I am going to be telling you about my experience as an apprentice, here at Weston College.
I started my apprenticeship in March 2018 and it has been a really exciting journey. I was very anxious to start my new job as I had never worked in an office environment before and I wasn’t familiar with this sort of work. As soon as I started everyone was so nice to me, and always willing to help which allowed me to settle in quickly.
Being a part of the Weston College team has allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge within the business admin sector. I was very fortunate to be invited to attend the 2018 Business Awards, which gave me a chance to witness the hard work and dedication it takes to be a Weston College employee. I was also given the opportunity to work on social media throughout the night, which was a great experience.
Throughout my time working in the Training Solutions team, I have been given multiple opportunities to support the staff as well as the learners - providing administration and recruitment support. This is something which I have really enjoyed, as I have been able to influence learner outcomes and development.
I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is looking for experience and to try something new. It is the perfect way to get the work experience you need to kick off your career. I haven’t looked back since starting my apprenticeship, it was definitely the right route for me to take, and it has allowed me to get my foot in the door at Weston College.
For more information on apprenticeships, click here.
Weston College women’s netball team are celebrating after winning promotion to the Premier Division of the Weston Winter League.
The squad, which includes three staff members and five Academy players (a mix of first year and second year learners), clinched promotion after winning division one.
The idea of the combined club was to bring together students and staff from different courses and different campuses and enable them to have fun engaging in a common interest. This falls under the College’s Body and Mind (BAM) initiative, which encourages students and staff to take part in enrichment activities to promote healthy lifestyles and well-being.
Yvonne Pearson, the College’s head netball coach, set up the team in 2018 and has been an active player ever since. She said: “I wanted to enter a team into the Weston League to allow learners the opportunity to work together with staff, stay fit and engage and develop skills to compete at a good standard.
“We received the Division One Champions award at the Weston netball presentation evening, which was a proud moment, and we’re extremely excited about practicing at the new Health and Active Living Centre to prepare for the season ahead!”
The team, which has also entered the summer league, will be looking for new players from September. Training will take place on Monday evenings (5.30-6.30pm) at the College’s new, bespoke facility – the Health and Active Living Centre. This team is open to all staff and learners at Weston College.
If you would like to be involved, please email Yvonne Pearson at yvonne.pearson@weston.ac.uk.
For those interested in sport at Weston College, read more about our sport courses and sports academies.
Two Weston College beauty therapy learners are on their way to the UK final of a prestigious international competition.
Zoe Clarke (Beauty Therapy Level 2) and Chloe Williams (Beauty Therapy Level 3) showcased their skills to fight off competition from around 80 students in the South West heat of the WorldSkills beauty therapist event. They are among just eight students to reach the national final, which takes place in November.
WorldSkills is a prestigious international competition designed to create excitement and passion for learning in young people. Around 5,500 young people compete in various regional and national events for a place in the British squad for the international finals.
It is the largest competition of its type in the world, with apprentices and students, aged between 18 and 24 competing in 46 skill areas, including beauty therapy, robotics, graphic design, carpentry, catering and mechanics. Experts design the industry-specific competitions, which help equip apprentices and students with the skills UK businesses need to compete globally.
Both learners had 1 hour 40 minutes to perform four treatments. Chloe had to perform a back massage, mini-facial, evening make-up with lashes and French varnish. Zoe performed a tint, mini-facial, day make-up and French manicure.
Zoe said: “The amazing hands-on training I’ve received at Weston College has really boosted my confidence and knowledge, and helped me to this great achievement.”
Jenna Ratcliffe, Beauty and Sports Therapy lecturer, said: “Zoe and Chloe had to put in an additional six hours per week on top of their College timetable. This hard work enabled them to hone their technical skills, analyse each element and ensure excellence.”
Chloe said: “Going into competition is the best decision I have made. I love every minute of training and competition days and have come to realise that I really can do anything if I put my mind to it.”
The learners’ employers – Rookery Manor and Elements Hair and Beauty – also played an important role in their success. They helped Zoe and Chloe prepare by providing coaching and practice time in the spa/salon, this assisted in reducing their commercial timings to meet the competition brief.
Sandra Bull, College Lead for Hair, Beauty, Barbering, Hospitality and Catering, said: “The robust assessment processes helped Zoe and Chloe develop their confidence. They were also filmed and photographed throughout each practice so they could critique their own performance. We are extremely proud of them both – they have worked extremely hard.”
The pair will now compete in November’s two-day national final for a place in the UK WorldSkills squad.
For more details on the beauty courses at Weston College visit - https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beauty-and-complementary-therapies
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
