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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
A Weston College Commis Chef Apprentice, Daniel, has been crowned apprentice of the year - beating competition from across the South West.
Daniel joined us on the Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship which covers preparing dishes using fresh and raw ingredients cooking meat, fish and poultry dishes, and other culinary skills such as making soups and sauces, either in specialist, ethnic or fine dining restaurants. The programme includes four days with an employer and one day at the College.
We asked Daniel about his experience of the apprenticeship “I would definitely recommend it, it’s a good experience and it’s great to earn money whilst learning your trade. It also shows you can put your knowledge into practical use having done it already. Giulio Ellis, owner of Guilio's Italian Kitchen, was very supportive, he helped source brilliant ingredients to work and experiment with, which I couldn't have accessed myself. I love being in the workplace, it’s been like having a second family and the masterclasses on my course are brilliant.”
Gemma Zaire, owner of Guilio's Italian Kitchen, recalled when Daniel began working at Giulio's, she said: "Daniel came to work with us a year ago when we first opened Giulio’s and we saw something special in him. We asked him if he would like the opportunity to be an apprentice to learn to be a chef, he jumped at the chance. At first, Daniel needed a lot of guidance and help but within a matter of months he has become one of our most valued members of staff."
“Daniel has taken to the catering industry like a duck to water. When speaking with his employer they have nothing but great things to say about his positive attitude, his attention to detail and his ability to work well under pressure. At Guilio's Italian Kitchen, the busier it gets during service, the more they rely on Daniel's cool head.As his assessor, I always find we end up talking about recipes, and different styles of food, what cookbooks we're reading and different chefs or restaurants we're interested in. Daniel is about to turn 18, but he speaks like someone who has been working in the industry for many years who is always keen to try something new and challenge himself, said Grant Spenser, Assessor, Weston College.
Daniel was put forward for the award and was crowned Outstanding Apprentice of the Year in Hospitality, Travel and Customer Service in the contest hosted by both Bristol and Bath Live on 2nd December 2020.
Sandra Bull, Dean of Faculty, Weston College said: “We are very proud of Daniel and pleased that his achievements have been recognised nationally.
“If someone is thinking about a career where they can be creative, have fun, but work hard, then catering is definitely a sector where that can happen.
“There are lots of young people out there just like Daniel, all they need is an opportunity, someone to give them a chance and support them to be their best. The relationship that the College has with an employer like Guilio's Italian Kitchen is a good example of the success that a young person can have when they are given the right support. The pandemic has hit the hospitality and catering industry, but our apprentices are still learning and the employers are temporarily adapting their business models to succeed. It’s an exciting time and we look forward to a time when we can once again sit in and enjoy dinning out.”
Join us on a hospitality and catering course:
Weston College Motor Vehicle Apprentice, Luke Merchant, has been recognised as one of the top learners for his trade in the UK as he was awarded the silver medal at this year's WorldSkills UK finals.
WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’.
Over 3,000 learners registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021 and Jack was just one of four hundred who made it into the finals, which was split into 64 disciplines.
After a challenging selections process Luke, who studies an Advanced Apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle with Carbase, was selected for the Automotive Technology WorldSkills finals that took place at Cardiff & Vale College.
For the finals, competitors had to complete six tasks all relating to auto mechanics including engine mechanical faults, engine electrical faults, body electrical faults, chassis faults & 4 wheel alignment, braking system faults and gearbox faults.
Luke commented: "It feels great and is good to know that my hard work has paid off. WorldSkills was a great experience. It was good to push myself and working under the pressure of the competition has helped developed my confidence and timekeeping skills.
"It was good to go and meet minded apprentices too, and overall an experience I won’t forget."
After the challenging finals were completed, the winners were announced at a virtual ceremony hosted by TV presenter Steph McGovern from her Channel 4 “Packed Lunch” studio on Friday 26 November. It was here that Luke was announced as the national runner up.
Chris Priest, Lecturer in Motor Vehicle, added: Luke did brilliantly and really showed that the training we provide at the Automotive Training Centre are up there, competing with the best of the UK.
Luke continued: "It has been really enjoyable studying for my apprenticeship at Weston College, with tutors that care and take the time to answer questions. The workshop and classroom time was divided well and Steve Powell really helped."
Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills is just one of the exclusive opportunities available to learners through the newly launched Career Excellence Hubs.
At the College each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, including WorldSkills competing opportunities.
With national recognition now on his CV, Luke is progressing to work as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes.
Congratulations and best of luck Luke!
Click here to learn more about our full-time courses and apprenticeships in Motor Vehicle
The iconic Winter Gardens set to open newly refurbished eatery.
The Weston College Group is delighted to announce the imminent opening of The Green House in Weston-super-Mare, in partnership with prestigious South West catering and events company, Fosters Events.
The Green House will serve as one of two eateries offered by the Winter Gardens complex; itself, and Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen; both distinct in offering and curated with the local community at the heart of their operation.
The College Group has signed a management partnership agreement with Fosters Events, commencing in November 2020, which will lead the way for the new Winter Gardens Complex offering.
Acting as the first step in the re-launch, The Green House will offer a café style service with views across the Italian Gardens, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas, takeaway coffee, and treats.
The opening of The Green House is just one element of the ambitious plan to breathe new life into the iconic Winter Gardens complex, following the forced closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic earlier this year.
In 2021, the re-opening of Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen will see phase two of the relaunch take place, inviting diners to enjoy a second food and drink venue offering a casual restaurant and bar experience, with a cocktail style bar, lunch, dinner, and Sunday roasts.
With over 65 years’ experience in bringing the most prestigious events and catering services to the South West, Fosters Events will not only relaunch both dining venues onsite, but they will also take on the management of the Winter Gardens sought-after events space and conference facilities.
Fosters Events long-standing history in the South West has seen them at the forefront of some of the region’s most impressive venues, including exclusive catering contracts with venues such as The Box Kitchen & Bar at The Box Museum & Gallery in Plymouth, The Bristol Pavilion at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Bath Rugby Club, The Passenger Shed at Bristol Temple Meads, and The Orangery at Goldney Hall, to name a few.
Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group who own the Winter Gardens, Dr Paul Phillips CBE commented: “We conducted an in-depth selection process as we looked at a new catering and events partnership, and it was Fosters Events that emerged as the standout choice for us. Their reputation for providing a first-rate service and excellent food was very appealing.”
“We have been busy planning how we can safely re-open considering the health and safety of both customers and staff, and due to the ongoing situation we will be approaching this in phases – The Green House is the first stage in this revival, with more exciting developments planned for when it is safe to do so.”
“I do not underestimate the importance of the Winter Gardens to the town and our community, it’s a hugely important feature of Weston-super-Mare’s history and landscape, and we’re determined to keep it that way.”
Fosters CEO Neil Lodge adds: “For nearly 100 years the Winter Gardens has been a building and venue much loved, not only by those living in the town but the numerous visitors coming to the town annually.”
“Fosters are so very excited about the prospect of breathing new life into the Winter Gardens starting with the newly refurbished and named ‘The Green House’, which we cannot wait to open as soon as we are able to, following the second lockdown, and we thoroughly look forward to welcoming our first guests in December.”
“This will be followed by the re-opening of Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen in 2021, with a more relaxed casual dining and bar offer, taking advantage of the incredible views across Weston Bay, and also the relaunch of corporate, private and community events in the stunning Ballroom. Our seasonal changing menus will celebrate the very best local food and beverage suppliers and produce, and we cannot wait to start showcasing these to our guests at the Winter Gardens.”
“As you may be able to tell by the name ‘The Green House’, we have spent a lot of time creating a fresh and inviting dining space that mirrors the Italian Gardens, bringing the outside in and installing a completely new look to the space.”
“The team is extremely excited to bring the local community something new, and we can’t wait to welcome you and for you to try something delicious from our menus."
The Green House entrance is on the Italian Gardens side of the complex and is set to launch in December, with the team continually reviewing plans in line with the latest Government guidelines.
There will be a special launch day offer, details of which will be shared with the public in due course, with the team opening the doors to the community and inviting them in to enjoy the brand-new space.
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