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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
12 unemployed learners were given the opportunity to study a bespoke Marco Pierre White customer service course, at DoubleTree Hilton Cadbury House.
The Weston College course was devised in partnership with DoubleTree Hilton Cadbury House, who were looking to recruit, and train new team members.
The course was aimed at people who were currently unemployed and it proved popular, with 22 applications, for the 12 spaces on the course. Applicants came from community projects that help unemployed and economically inactive people in the West of England find employment including West of England Works, Releasing New Potential and Skills Support for the Unemployed.
Throughout the course learners spent time developing their customer service skills, as well as learning about what is required to work in the hospitality industry.
At the end of the week, all 12 learners were offered a job interview, and six were offered work trials.
Brian Howe, Training and Development Manager at Weston College, said: “This course was really effective in developing learners skills, to ensure they were ready for working in the hospitality industry. The learners did a superb job, and this is reflected in 50% of them gaining a work trial.”
Joyce Millard, Human Resources Manager at Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House, said: “The learners were amazing, and made the whole recruitment process very easy. Following the success of this course, we will definitely be repeating it on a regular basis across our venues.”
This course is being repeated at the Abbey Hotel in Bath, later this month (November). To register your interest, please email backtowork@weston.ac.uk or ring 01934 411 147.
Find out more about our employment support services, by clicking here.
The Schools Minister, David Laws, has praised Weston College's 'high quality' education and provision for pupils with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD) during a visit this week (Wednesday).
Mr Laws, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, met College leaders at the Knightstone Campus before travelling to Weston Bay, the College's bespoke facility for learners on the autism spectrum.
There, he chatted with students and staff and toured the facilities, which include accommodation designed to help students with the transition from home to university.
Dr Paul Phillips, Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, welcomed Mr Laws and introduced him to Jacqui Ford, Assistant Principal (Strategic Partnership and Curriculum Development) who is responsible for LDD provision.
Mr Laws was shown a film giving an introduction to Weston College and its campuses, before heading down the seafront to the Weston Bay facility.
He asked students about accommodation, transport, course provision and how they have been supported by Weston College.
Josie Ewers, who is studying for a BA Honours degree in Art and Professional Studies, told Mr Laws she came to the Weston Bay facility for a trial period of two weeks.
“I ended up staying for three months,” she said. “I found the staff to be very nice and helpful right from day one.”
After the visit Mr Laws praised the College. He said: “I've been really impressed by the fantastic range of provision at Weston College, and it just shows what a College at its very best can achieve.
“It's pleasing to see so many initiatives being pioneered here, particularly those in regard to Special Educational Needs. From what I've seen, it's obviously having a big impact and the support for such students is excellent.
“The Government's educational aim for FE is about creating very high quality provision for 16-18-year-olds. We are also encouraging young people to continue to Higher Education in their home town without compromising on quality. In these two areas, Weston College is definitely ticking the right boxes.”
Dr Paul Phillips OBE, Principal and Chief Executive Weston College said: “The meeting with David Laws MP provided an opportunity to discuss the progress of the whole College but in part to report concerns both locally and regionally with regards to the method for supporting young people and adults who have Learning Difficulties and Disabilities.
“The response from David Laws was highly analytical and he has promised to look into this matter which is vital for teaching and learning across the South West. As Principal of the College I was impressed by both the dedication and lines of enquiry put forward by the minister.”
Fluffy, the creature that has helped inspire ambitions of further and higher education among numerous school pupils who have visited Weston College, has been in action at a new location this year.
The furry purple visual aid, complete with a black mortar board, has been at North Somerset Enterprise and Technology College (NSETC) to greet around 400 local Year 5 and Year 6 pupils visiting the specialist Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) school.
Ben Cocks, Progression and IAG Coordinator at Weston College said that this is the ninth year in which the College has used Professor Fluffy to engage with pupils, but the first time the project has been located at NSETC, which is part of the Weston College Group.
“It has been a really successful programme that children enjoy and we now see secondary students and some current Weston College students who remember their Professor Fluffy visit,” he said.
“This is the second year we have run Professor Fluffy in collaboration with EDF Energy and this partnership continues to be a great way to push the STEM agenda to young people in North Somerset.
“This year we decided to facilitate Professor Fluffy at the NSETC, which forms part of the Weston College Group, as it offers the students first-hand experience of a STEM school and the facilities are jaw dropping.”
During their visits to NSETC, pupils explored career opportunities and educational opportunities and were supported by student mentors and current learners.
They also toured the NSETC, interviewed current college students, and built a prototype ‘green’ car for the future using recycled materials in a project designed by EDF Energy.
At their end of their visits, the pupils ‘graduated’ in caps and gowns with certificates – and with Professor Fluffy in attendance.
Ben Cocks added: “It’s been really great to work again with Weston Excellence on this project, and yet again we have seen the students create some amazing things as part of their visit and they are all a credit to their individual schools. With the support of Weston College’s Student Mentors and Care and Early Years students this year has again been a real success.”
Professor Fluffy was originally created under the Government’s national Aim Higer initiative, but funding was stopped in 2009.
However, Dr Paul Phillips, the principal of Weston College, which was rated ‘outstanding’ at its latest Ofsted inspection, decided it was important to keep Professor Fluffy and has found sponsorship to ensure the engagement work with local schools continues.
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