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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
Weston College has been named as the Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Provider of the Year for the second year in a row.
The award ceremony, held at Ashton Gate Stadium, celebrated learners from across the region, as well as recognising the hard work of employers and training providers.
Weston College learner Josh King, an apprentice at GKN Aerospace, was also recognised on the evening – winning Outstanding Apprentice of the Year.
The College delivers a range of apprenticeships from Level 2 to degree-level and works with many high-profile employers in the Bristol and Bath area, including the Ministry of Defence and GKN Aerospace and Royal United Hospitals Bath.
Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “We are delighted to retain our award, which highlights our commitment to developing skills across the region.
“Our staff are always there to provide a smooth process for employers, and learners, so this award is recognition of those efforts.
“I’m also delighted for Josh. Our learners show such a fantastic attitude to their studies and he is clearly doing a brilliant job at one of the biggest companies in the area – GKN.”
This is the latest in a string of recent awards for the College, which include a Beacon Award for dedication to mental health, the BKSB National Provider of Year award and also the AAC SEND Apprenticeship Champion award.
Our motto ‘Creating Brighter Futures’ is clearly evident within our sporting provision.
As well as boasting fantastic facilities – including the brand-new Health and Active Living Centre (HALC) – our outstanding courses form a range of progression pathways, which have resulted in four former students being employed in our sport faculty.
We sat down with Matt, Dan, Liam and Sarah (pictured left to right) and asked them about their experiences and how the College has developed over the years.
We cannot wait to continue to build on our existing success and create brighter futures for more young people. Click here for more information on Sport courses.
Weston College’s Hair and Beauty Centre has been selected to host the regional stage of the WorldSkills event for the second year running.
Around 80 students from across the South West will visit the College on Tuesday 18th June to put their hair and beauty skills to the test.
WorldSkills is a prestigious international competition designed to create excitement and passion for learning in young people. Competitors take part in regional and national events before progressing to the international finals.
Experts design the industry-specific competitions, which help equip apprentices and students with the skills UK businesses need to compete globally.
Sandra Bull, the College’s Lead for Hair, Beauty, Barbering, Hospitality and Catering, said: “Each year colleges apply to host these prestigious competitions, so it speaks volumes for the quality of our hair and beauty facilities that the regional event is returning here.
“The Hair and Beauty Salons were refurbished recently, which makes it the perfect setting for the competition.
“As well as hosting the event, we’re also proud to have four learners – Ella Aston, Zoe Clark, Chloe Williams and Emily Spence – competing for a place in the national finals. We wish them the best of luck!”
The day will include competitions in hairdressing, beauty therapy, beauty therapy practice, creative media make-up, commercial make up and nail techniques.
The four College competitors have been putting in hours in addition to their College timetable to train for the event. Local employers have also helped them prepare by providing feedback and coaching. They secured their regional places after submitting photographic entries.
Winners of the regional heats are announced in September and the national finals take place in mid-November. The UK finals involve 1,000 young people aged 18–24 competing in 40 skills areas, from mobile robotics and graphic design, to carpentry and catering.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?