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
If you’re struggling to park in the designated student car park at your campus, please remember to park respectfully and legally - we know the last thing you want is to get a parking ticket, get clamped or even have your car towed.
Here’s some simple advice for parking offsite…
Look out for road markings and signs
Let’s start with the obvious – don’t park on double yellows! This is the most common reason for parking fines around Weston, and you could get a pretty hefty fine.
If there is a single yellow line on the road, this means that restrictions apply. Look for a nearby signpost that will tell you when you can park or who can park on the lines.
Don’t park on crossings or the zigzag lines that are near crossings, as this makes it dangerous for people crossing the road and could lead to points on your licence.
If there are parking bays, make sure that you’ve read the appropriate restrictions – they could be reserved for residents, disabled people, or charges could apply.
Remember: even if the lines are worn, parking restrictions still apply.
Check your parking position
Even if there are no road markings, you can still get a fine for parking badly.
Parking with your wheels on the pavement could lead to a fine, and often restricts access for people in wheelchairs or with mobility problems, and could also lead to your car being damaged as pedestrians brush past it.
Similarly, parking too far away from the curb (over 48cm or 19”) could lead to a fine. Parking too close to road junctions or on bends could lead to your car being driven into, so it is best to avoid these places.
Remember that if any part of your car overhangs a restricted zone (e.g. a double yellow line) you can technically be given a ticket.
Respect dropped curbs
Dropped curbs often appear at the ends of driveways or at road junctions to allow people to cross the road. Even if you can’t think of an obvious reason for the curb to drop, you can still be fined for parking on one, or even have your car clamped or towed.
If in doubt…
If you’re not sure that you’ve parked correctly find somewhere else to park! It’s not worth risking a parking fine (which can be as much as £70) just to avoid paying a couple of pounds to park in a registered car park…
Alternatively, you could always travel into College with an alternative method of transport – each campus has plenty of cycle racks and we offer a great value bus pass.
So your secondary education is coming to an end and you're faced with many choices...
Different people learn in different ways, and some may choose to stay on at a local sixth form. For the majority of local school leavers, Weston College is a popular option due to the diverse range of courses and wanting to experience a fresh environment with a lively and exciting atmosphere as well.
If you're considering College but are unsure about how it compares to school, read on!
Weston College is a quarter of the way through its ambitious 200 in 100 campaign, which seeks to promote apprenticeships to both businesses and potential apprentices.
After just 25 days the College has managed to attract 72 pledges meaning that it is well on track to achieve its target of 200 apprenticeship pledges in just 100 days. Among the businesses who have pledged are Alliance Homes Group, Restor8, Thatchers, Sidcot School and the NHS.
Another company who has pledged to take on apprentices is SACO, which has hired two Team Leading Level 3 apprentices.
Di Gwinnel, HR Business Partner for SACO said: “It is exciting to get involved with the 200 in 100 campaign and show our support for developing aspirational talented individuals. We have taken on two apprentices and the whole business is looking forward to helping them develop.
“Weston College has been extremely helpful and I would highly recommend getting in contact with them to support you with the whole apprenticeship process.”
Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, said: “Apprenticeships play an important role in developing highly skilled workforces for organisations and it is fantastic to see how many businesses are making use of our Training Solutions team to help develop young people and adults across the South West.
“We have seen more apprenticeship opportunities open up for our students across a range of sectors, which is very exciting for the College and our learners.”
You can keep an eye on the campaign’s progress across social media, with #200in100 being used on Twitter.
For more information and to pledge go to: www.weston.ac.uk/200in100. You can also email the apprenticeship team at enquiries@weston.ac.uk or call on 01934 411 594.
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