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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
Hello, I’m Sharna. I’m a Business Administration apprentice, in the Traineeship team at Weston College.
For National Apprenticeship Week, I am going to be telling you about my experience as an apprentice, here at Weston College.
I started my apprenticeship in March 2018 and it has been a really exciting journey. I was very anxious to start my new job as I had never worked in an office environment before and I wasn’t familiar with this sort of work. As soon as I started everyone was so nice to me, and always willing to help which allowed me to settle in quickly.
Being a part of the Weston College team has allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge within the business admin sector. I was very fortunate to be invited to attend the 2018 Business Awards, which gave me a chance to witness the hard work and dedication it takes to be a Weston College employee. I was also given the opportunity to work on social media throughout the night, which was a great experience.
Throughout my time working in the Training Solutions team, I have been given multiple opportunities to support the staff as well as the learners - providing administration and recruitment support. This is something which I have really enjoyed, as I have been able to influence learner outcomes and development.
I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is looking for experience and to try something new. It is the perfect way to get the work experience you need to kick off your career. I haven’t looked back since starting my apprenticeship, it was definitely the right route for me to take, and it has allowed me to get my foot in the door at Weston College.
For more information on apprenticeships, click here.
Weston College has made it into the prestigious Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list.
The College was the highest ranked College in the list and was placed 28th in the not-for-for profit category in the whole of the UK.
The Sunday Times 100 list is regarded as the Oscars of employee engagement. The 2019 places were announced at a glitzy awards ceremony held at the Battersea Evolution, London on Wednesday 20th February.
Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “To be included in such a prestigious roll of honour at the Sunday Times 100 List is a major achievement and testament to the emphasis we place on putting our staff at the heart of the business.
“Employee engagement and investment are among our highest priorities. This award reflects those priorities, as well as the commitment and dedication our people give us in return.
"Being recognised at UK level is hugely rewarding and we will continue to work hard to support our employees both personally and professionally.”
The College won a place in the list after a comprehensive staff survey carried out by ‘Best Companies’, who compile the Sunday Times List. The survey gathered the views of Weston College employees across eight key factors including wellbeing, pay and benefits, personal growth and the strength of leadership at the College.
Organisations in the not-for-profit category must employ at least 50 employees, and achieve one of the highest 100 highest survey scores in the category. They must also be either a charity, an organisation set up for community benefit, a public sector organisation, or a Community Interest Company (CIC).
The innovative training course launched last year but already boasts numerous success stories. Students have completed apprenticeships at high profile restaurants across Bristol and the South West, as well as being nominated for prestigious awards.
One of those success stories is Elliott, who aims to become a Michelin-starred chef and believes the apprenticeship has set him on the path to achieving it.
He said: “I decided to join Weston College as food and cooking has always been my passion.
“My godmother is a really good cook and she has been an inspiration to me. When I was younger we used to cook together, so I knew I wanted to be a chef from a very young age.”
“When I saw the apprenticeship advertised with weekly masterclasses taught by local Michelin-starred chefs, it really grabbed my attention,” Elliott said.
“The masterclasses, which teach a diverse range of techniques, have exceeded my expectations. A great example is one we had from a local fishmonger - an area I lacked experience in.
“We were shown how to gut and fillet a salmon and several mackerel. It didn’t stop there as the masterclasses go into real depth. We were also shown how to trim and pin bone, as well being taught about different types of cuts and cooking techniques.”
Thanks to Weston College, Elliott has gained an apprenticeship at Puro restaurant in Clevedon.
“The whole process of getting an apprenticeship was very easy,” he said. “I have received great support from Weston College. My college assessors actually come to me as well which saves me travelling to Weston. I really enjoy my apprenticeship and the team give me expert training.
“My long-term ambition is to gain Rosettes (a cooking accreditation award) and also to become a Michelin starred chef in the future. College has also helped me to get the ball rolling on this. Through the programme I have been taught key skills in a range of areas which include butchery, fish mongering and desserts which I have been able to perfect during my apprenticeship.”
Elliott points out that the apprenticeship doesn’t only teach students to cook – it also helps them in many other aspects of their career.
He said: “I have received a large amount of support from the College. Not only are my college tutors at every practical session, but they offer great support on the theory too which has really developed my knowledge, they have also supported me with my functional skills (English, maths and ICT). This would have been a real struggle for me without their help.”
You can see our current vacancies, by clicking here.
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