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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
Eight new apprentices have started Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) apprenticeships through Somax at Weston College with a company in Swindon.
Barnes Coaches have taken on eight new apprentices, who will learn how to drive buses and coaches and gain their licences, along with valuable experience in the industry thanks to Somax’s driver training apprenticeships.
The company, which is the largest and most modern operator in the area, currently have 40 vehicles and specialise in coach hire, holidays and day trips. They have previously employed apprentices in other areas of the business, but these will be their first driver apprentices and they are keen to continue employing drivers through apprenticeships in the future.
Matt Barnes, Managing Director of Barnes Coaches, said: “I have been looking for ages for apprenticeships for drivers. When I found Somax at Weston offering PCV apprenticeships I organised a meeting. As soon as I met up with Simon [Werkshagen, Somax at Weston], I knew it was the right way forward for us!
“All our new apprentices are really keen to get started, and hopefully they’ll really hit the ground running when they pass their tests.”
Simon Werkshagen, Head of Operations and Business Development at Somax, said: “We’re thrilled to have built a new partnership with Barnes Coaches, and for our first PCV apprentices to have officially started.
“Apprenticeships can offer a lot for businesses who don’t want to go down the traditional driver training route and are a great way for employees to gain new qualifications and skills while getting valuable experience with a business.”
It's the Royal Wedding this weekend (although you probably knew that by now)!
Students at our Hair and Beauty Centre have been putting together their favourite wedding hairstyles, that'll look great regardless of whether you’re the bride or a guest!
Read on to find out more...
A student at Weston College’s Sixth Form has won a district award at a Young Enterprise event, and will progress to the regional finals.
Ilja Voroncovs, who studies A Levels in Psychology and Sociology and an Extended Certificate in Applied Science, recently took part in the Young Enterprise programme and was nominated by his tutor for a Journey Award.
The Journey Award is for students who took part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme, and have progressed particularly well not necessarily just within the project itself.
Elinor John, Lecturer in Photography and Employability Co-ordinator at the Sixth Form, said: “I nominated Ilja due to his increased confidence over the programme. Ilja was extremely shy at the beginning of the course, but flourished as a result of the opportunity with the Young Enterprise.
“Ilja’s confidence went from strength to strength, and he was really deserving of that recognition. The most rewarding aspect was that not only did his team, business advisors and I see the growth in Ilja, but he recognised it in himself.”
The Young Enterprise programme challenges teams of students to start a business from scratch, selling a product of their own design and making a profit. It requires them to work as a team, alongside real business advisors who help to guide and mentor them.
Wayne Richards, Head of the Sixth Form, said: “The Young Enterprise programme gives students the opportunity to get a feel for real-life business, and start to explore the different aspects of creating and running their own business.
“We’re so proud of students like Ilja who really challenge themselves, and end up progressing not just within the College but personally, too, as a result of the project. We encourage all our students to grow and develop in any way they can and we’re really proud of what Ilja has achieved.”
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