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
Have you wondered what it’s like to be a computing student? Meet Jake, an applied computing student.
Jake joined Weston College when he enrolled on the IT Practitioners Diploma, Level 3 course. This course improves your knowledge and practical skills in a range of IT areas including, IT systems, social media in business, data modelling, information management and website development. You find out how computer systems work and learn to utilise different applications. The assignments are based on workplace situations, so you get a real insight to the careers available in IT and what it is like to work in the industry.
Jake then progressed to the Applied Computing FDSc at University Centre Weston (UCW). This popular foundation degree emphasises the practical application of computing principles and development of IT skills.
The course also provides the core knowledge in software design, systems analysis and web technologies required to either progress to further study or gain employment in an it role. It covers:
- Computing applications
- Software design and development
- System analysis and databases
- Web technologies and platforms
- Computing project management
- Digital devices implementation and usability
- Object-orientated software design and development
- Service support tools and techniques
- Work experience.
As part of the work experience module, Jake has been working with the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster to produce a website and help improve their digital presence. His brief included:
- An interactive website
- The ability to view the rooms
- The ability to place a booking
- An events page
- A section looking at the local area.
Jake said: “It was a great real-life experience. I had to meet with the client to discuss their requirements and then make suggestions as to the best way to achieve their objectives.”
The project took approximately six weeks to complete.
Jake added: “Weston College and UCW have given me the knowledge and skill set to take up a strong career on computing.”
Jake’s next step is the BSc top-up year at UCW. He then plans to find a graduate job in website or software development.
Jake offered this advice for future students of Weston College or UCW:
“Space out your assignments and start them early. There is a great atmosphere amongst the lecturers and students and if you have a question about an assignment it’s always easy to get hold of a lecturer.”
We always love to hear about the fantastic accomplishments our alumni achieve.
Art & Design learners were recently visited by ex-students who are now studying arts at prestigious universities.
All three of these ex students studied the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and visited current students to inform them first hand about the benefits of staying on and completing this unique course. Scroll down to read what they had to say!
‘Kick Start’ will be held at Weston-super-Mare’s Winter Gardens and will be open for job seekers to visit from 12:00 noon to 2.30pm.
Job seekers from in and around the area are invited to network with employers or companies who may have jobs or apprenticeships available or who would consider offering work experience or have opportunities for volunteering.
In addition to networking, there will be a ‘Speed Dating’ session, during which employers will conduct five-minute initial interviews with job seekers who can showcase their skills and hopefully impress the employers enough that they want to arrange to meet them again or offer them an opportunity.
Job seekers are advised to come ‘dressed to impress’ and bring along their CV.
Sue Estcourt, Weston College’s Employment Support & Outreach Coordinator, said: “This will be a great opportunity for job seekers to network with a variety of organisations as well as gaining some valuable interview practice.
“Taking part in work experience or volunteering can provide an excellent ‘kick start’ to any career, giving an opportunity to showcase existing skills as well as an opportunity to develop new skills and get noticed as a potential new employee. It is also a good chance for job seekers to consider working within different vocational areas.”
An event aimed at linking up job seekers with local employers is being organised by Weston College next Wednesday (Jan 22)
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
