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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
Weston College is working with West of England local authorities to develop and deliver a bespoke flagship apprenticeship scheme.
The West of England Civil/Highways Apprenticeship Programme is being created with Bristol City Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council, North Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council.
The aim of the collaborative approach is to address the current skills shortage while also focusing on finding future employees and growing talent within the unitary authorities.
Liz Redwood, Head of Weston College’s Training Solutions said: “This is an innovative and collaborative approach by the authorities, helping them to address issues around staff recruitment and retention.
“The authorities recognise that the pipeline of major developments coming forward across the West of England and South West, along with the potential impact of the new Hinkley Point C (HPC) development, could exacerbate these issues.”
The bespoke West of England Civil/Highways Apprenticeship Programme has been designed to meet identified joint requirements of the authorities.
It will comprise up to 13 apprentices, across the four authorities. Each apprentice will be employed directly by one of the authorities and will undertake the majority of the apprenticeship there, but will have opportunities to rotate around the four authorities to gain experience in different areas of specialisms. One day a week the apprentices will attend Weston College’s new Future Technology Centre at the South West Skills Campus for further training.
In addition to providing technical skills and experience, the apprenticeships will also focus upon personal development. Each apprentice will work towards a Level 3 Civil Engineering and Technical Support Apprenticeship, which includes units on construction technology; construction and design; science and maths for construction; construction processes and operations; tendering and estimating and exploring civil engineering.
The first wave of vacancies will be advertised on our website from 1st February, with further vacancies being advertised during National Apprenticeship Week (March 14th-18th).
Dr Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “Weston College is delighted to be working in partnership with the West of England unitary authorities, helping them to deliver a bespoke, pro-active and innovative approach to planning for their future skills requirements.”
Weston College will be holding a unique open event that will bring together prospective students and employers wishing to recruit apprentices in a variety of sectors.
Businesses from across the region with live apprenticeship vacancies will be at the College’s Knightstone Campus from 5pm to 8pm on Tuesday 15th March in order to provide information about their companies, describe the job roles available and answer any questions.
Some of the employers will also offer interactive workshops at the event, which is being held to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week.
Among employers attending the open evening will be: Purplex Marketing, Honey Tree Nursery, Concierge and Notaro Homes.
Training managers from the College will be available throughout the evening to discuss apprenticeships and share apprentice portfolios to give people an understanding of what is expected of an apprentice.
The Weston College Apprenticeships Team will also be in attendance to offer advice and guidance on apprenticeships and traineeships, and will be on hand to support attendees with applications and CVs.
All three of the College’s campuses will be open and representatives from all courses and subject areas will be available to provide advice and guidance.
Dr Paul Phillips OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “This year we wanted to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week in style and this open evening is a great way to do that. It presents a fantastic opportunity for anyone of any age that wants to become an apprentice to meet with employers who are currently recruiting.
“Apprenticeships are a key focus for Weston College as we recognise the importance of them to help drive the economy and develop the skills that businesses need.
Register below to reserve a place at the event:
Thirty first year students from the Foundation Degree in Uniformed and Public Services at Weston College have returned from an eight-day trip to The Gambia.
The students, who were accompanied by teaching staff from the College, experienced the culture of the West African country, and gained knowledge about public services provision.
This was the seventh year that students from various courses at Weston College have visited this school, and during a visit to Ayr Luton Primary School they discovered the impact of support provided by students from the College over the years.
James Hazzard, Higher Education Quality Manager, who has visited The Gambia on previous trips involving students from the College, said: “It was fantastic to see how much of an impact our visits have had on what was a destitute and impoverished school.
“The school is now full of resources our students have donated through fundraising activities. It was an overwhelming, emotional, yet rewarding experience for all involved.”
During the trip, the students also visited a fishing village, and met with tribe leaders to witness living conditions.
The students were also able to gain exposure to the public services provision including the fire brigade and police, where they received tours, got the chance to use equipment and received lectures on the challenges faced by the public services in a third world country.
The trip was self-funded by the students, with additional funds generously provided by the College to go towards providing stationary and books for Ayr Luton School.
Mark Harvey, Programme Co-ordinator for the FdA in Uniformed and Public Services, which is run in partnership with the University of the West of England, said: “These experiences enhance life skills and contribute towards successful completion of the course and into employment.
“Last year over 30% of the class gained a 1st, which is well above the national average.”
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