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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

Knightstone dusk shot

Weston College has finished joint-second in a table of every further education college in the UK.

The FE Week NICDEX rankings gives each college a mark out of ten in four categories – learner satisfaction, employer satisfaction, 16-to-18 positive progression and adults into employment. These are then added together to give an overall score.

Weston College was awarded 34 out of 40 – level with Newcastle and Stafford, and two behind PETROC.

The rankings were devised in 2016 by Nick Linford FE Week’s editor and a former director of performance at Lewisham College. They are based on satisfaction and progression criteria published by the Department for Education.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted with this fantastic achievement, we always put our learners first.

“We work extremely hard to make sure our learners enjoy their time with us, developing themselves holistically and progressing to further/higher education or employment. We are continually building strong relationships with all of our employer partners and stakeholders to ensure we are creating relevant training and qualifications that lead to meaningful employment for our learners.

“To be ranked second in the country show we’re definitely doing something right!”

Weston College ranked joint second in the UK

To find out what it’s like to work in the early years sector, we asked an industry professional to share some opinions and experiences from their career. Jay Sparkle has been working in the early years industry for over 12 years. He’s currently area manager for Storal Learning Ltd and works closely with nurseries all over the south west, including Honeytree Nursery at Weston General Hospital.

What made you want to work with young people?

Well I grew up with a large family. I had lots of younger siblings so I always naturally felt this responsibility to look after them. When I was a bit older my nephew would often come round and play. I enjoyed playing along and found the way in which he was learning really interesting. I wanted to learn more about behaviours and what causes them which, in turn, sparked my interest in working with children.

What are the top three qualities or skills you need to work with young people?

Patience, imagination and confidence. You really have to be yourself around children and not worry about what others might think. For example, I know I’m not a great singer, but when I’m singing with the children I don’t worry about others judging me and just go for it. People forget that children don’t judge and ensuring they are engaged and having fun is the most important thing.

A lot of people might be worried about not advancing in this industry. Are there many opportunities for progression?

There are so many opportunities for progression. Starting as a student at a day nursery, you can then progress to become a manager, area manager and then perhaps open your own nursery. And that’s just one possible career path working with children. The industry is always changing and evolving so it’s quite exciting to be a part of. It’s very much ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’ so you’re more likely to enjoy your job more if you’re invested and want to succeed.

Are there currently any skills gaps in the industry?

Knowledge surrounding safeguarding practices and policies will always be relevant and in high demand. More people need to understand that the job isn’t just playing with children. Practitioners have a massive responsibility to keep the children in their care safe and happy. There can be lots of paperwork at times so understanding the core values and safeguarding procedures is of the upmost importance in this industry.

Is a qualification in early years necessary?

It’s clear when an applicant has a qualification in early years. Their underpinning knowledge and skills are already there and ready to be applied in the workplace. However, experience is equally important. I’ve seen people with the top grades struggle because they’re not comfortable with the children. That’s why the work experience programme at Weston College is so beneficial. It allows students to experience the work environment, put their lessons into practice and find out if this career is for them.

What impresses you most about Honey Tree Nursery?

As I said before, the industry is forever evolving. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ and the staff at Honeytree are excellent at responding to changes and adapting their practices accordingly. Every child is different so no two days are the same. The reliable staff always work hard to improve, and their ‘good enough isn’t good enough’ attitude really makes the nursery stand out.

Find out more about our Early Years courses and how you can start your journey to a rewarding and challenging career!

Inside the industry: What does it take to work in the early years sector?
weston college students

Wednesday 12 June, 14:00-17:00

Today the College’s Hospitality and Hair and Beauty sectors had an end-of-year celebration and competition in the theme - The Mad Hatters Tea Party.

The day ran from 14.00-17:00, with competitions starting at 11 in the kitchens and 14.00 on the main floor, and the awards presentation took place at 16.00.

The competition was open to all learners from the areas who are studying full programmes and apprenticeships. Two learners from each group progress from the heat to the final on the day.

Those not taking part in the competitions arrived at 3pm for mocktails.

After the competitions, the Mad Hatters Tea Party took place, and high tea was served. Prizes were then be awarded:

  • Hair and Beauty Learner of the Year - Natasha Bryant
  • Hospitality and Catering Learner of the Year - Georgia Perry-Wilkinson
  • Apprentice learner of the year - Hannah Handsford, Beautylicious in Taunton

The competitions that took place today included (all one hour):

See all our courses and apprenticeships for more details.

The Mad Hatters Tea Party

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Knightstone dusk shot

Weston College has finished joint-second in a table of every further education college in the UK.

The FE Week NICDEX rankings gives each college a mark out of ten in four categories – learner satisfaction, employer satisfaction, 16-to-18 positive progression and adults into employment. These are then added together to give an overall score.

Weston College was awarded 34 out of 40 – level with Newcastle and Stafford, and two behind PETROC.

The rankings were devised in 2016 by Nick Linford FE Week’s editor and a former director of performance at Lewisham College. They are based on satisfaction and progression criteria published by the Department for Education.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted with this fantastic achievement, we always put our learners first.

“We work extremely hard to make sure our learners enjoy their time with us, developing themselves holistically and progressing to further/higher education or employment. We are continually building strong relationships with all of our employer partners and stakeholders to ensure we are creating relevant training and qualifications that lead to meaningful employment for our learners.

“To be ranked second in the country show we’re definitely doing something right!”

Weston College ranked joint second in the UK

To find out what it’s like to work in the early years sector, we asked an industry professional to share some opinions and experiences from their career. Jay Sparkle has been working in the early years industry for over 12 years. He’s currently area manager for Storal Learning Ltd and works closely with nurseries all over the south west, including Honeytree Nursery at Weston General Hospital.

What made you want to work with young people?

Well I grew up with a large family. I had lots of younger siblings so I always naturally felt this responsibility to look after them. When I was a bit older my nephew would often come round and play. I enjoyed playing along and found the way in which he was learning really interesting. I wanted to learn more about behaviours and what causes them which, in turn, sparked my interest in working with children.

What are the top three qualities or skills you need to work with young people?

Patience, imagination and confidence. You really have to be yourself around children and not worry about what others might think. For example, I know I’m not a great singer, but when I’m singing with the children I don’t worry about others judging me and just go for it. People forget that children don’t judge and ensuring they are engaged and having fun is the most important thing.

A lot of people might be worried about not advancing in this industry. Are there many opportunities for progression?

There are so many opportunities for progression. Starting as a student at a day nursery, you can then progress to become a manager, area manager and then perhaps open your own nursery. And that’s just one possible career path working with children. The industry is always changing and evolving so it’s quite exciting to be a part of. It’s very much ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’ so you’re more likely to enjoy your job more if you’re invested and want to succeed.

Are there currently any skills gaps in the industry?

Knowledge surrounding safeguarding practices and policies will always be relevant and in high demand. More people need to understand that the job isn’t just playing with children. Practitioners have a massive responsibility to keep the children in their care safe and happy. There can be lots of paperwork at times so understanding the core values and safeguarding procedures is of the upmost importance in this industry.

Is a qualification in early years necessary?

It’s clear when an applicant has a qualification in early years. Their underpinning knowledge and skills are already there and ready to be applied in the workplace. However, experience is equally important. I’ve seen people with the top grades struggle because they’re not comfortable with the children. That’s why the work experience programme at Weston College is so beneficial. It allows students to experience the work environment, put their lessons into practice and find out if this career is for them.

What impresses you most about Honey Tree Nursery?

As I said before, the industry is forever evolving. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ and the staff at Honeytree are excellent at responding to changes and adapting their practices accordingly. Every child is different so no two days are the same. The reliable staff always work hard to improve, and their ‘good enough isn’t good enough’ attitude really makes the nursery stand out.

Find out more about our Early Years courses and how you can start your journey to a rewarding and challenging career!

Inside the industry: What does it take to work in the early years sector?
weston college students

Wednesday 12 June, 14:00-17:00

Today the College’s Hospitality and Hair and Beauty sectors had an end-of-year celebration and competition in the theme - The Mad Hatters Tea Party.

The day ran from 14.00-17:00, with competitions starting at 11 in the kitchens and 14.00 on the main floor, and the awards presentation took place at 16.00.

The competition was open to all learners from the areas who are studying full programmes and apprenticeships. Two learners from each group progress from the heat to the final on the day.

Those not taking part in the competitions arrived at 3pm for mocktails.

After the competitions, the Mad Hatters Tea Party took place, and high tea was served. Prizes were then be awarded:

  • Hair and Beauty Learner of the Year - Natasha Bryant
  • Hospitality and Catering Learner of the Year - Georgia Perry-Wilkinson
  • Apprentice learner of the year - Hannah Handsford, Beautylicious in Taunton

The competitions that took place today included (all one hour):

See all our courses and apprenticeships for more details.

The Mad Hatters Tea Party