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
T Levels are a brand new, 2 year qualification which is being launched in September 2020 and at Weston College we are offering the Digital T Level.
So if you’re leaving school in May, here are 4 reasons why we think you should consider a T Level:
Get a head start on your career
T Levels give you the opportunity to gain work experience (a minimum of 45 days) with a local employer, so you can work on real life projects and gain new skills. When you’ve completed your studies, you will stand out from the crowd having industry experience.
Gain a recognised qualification
Just like A Levels and apprenticeships, T Levels will give you the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification.
Once you have completed your qualification you can then choose to study further at university, with a higher level apprenticeship or go straight into employment.
Gain a qualification created with employers
Unlike the traditional A Level route, T Levels have been designed with businesses across industries, to prepare you for working life.
Some of the businesses that have worked on T Levels include Fujitsu, Bank of England and the British Army.
Learn your way
T Levels will take place in the workplace and classroom, which will allow you to learn your way.
You can find out more about our T Level offering by clicking here.
Weston College learner, James Morris, has been named the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) South West Apprentice of the Year.
James, who started his Level 3 Civil Engineering apprenticeship with Alun Griffiths in September 2018, picked up his award at CECA’s Annual Members’ South West Lunch in Torquay.
He was one of only four winners at the awards presentation, which celebrates rising stars in the civil engineering industry.
James was recognised for his attitude and dedication to the job, gaining particular praise for his willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
As well as his apprenticeship duties, James stands out for being an active member of Community Engagement Initiatives and at CECA and Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) events.
South West Operations Director at Alun Griffiths, Simon Dunn, said: “We are really proud of James, and he thoroughly deserves this recognition.
“His passion is clear to see and, since joining Alun Griffiths, he has impressed all of his colleagues with his hard work, and how quickly he picks new skills up.
“He is also committed to encouraging others into the industry, often doing this in his own time, which is very commendable.
“At only 18, his approach, manners and respect for others are beyond his age. We know that we can always rely on James, and he is the perfect apprenticeship role model.”
James was delighted with his award, and said: “To be recognised for all of my hard work feels very rewarding.
“My apprenticeship has allowed me to develop new skills, and start my career in an industry that I am passionate about, with a fantastic employer – Alun Griffiths.
“I have honestly loved every moment of my apprenticeship so far, and can’t wait to continue my studies this year.”
If you would like to follow in James’ footsteps and become an apprentice, click here.
Last year, four Media Production students were given an exciting brief from Aerospace Bristol – to create a short video to be played in the museum’s exhibition.
This live project brief saw four students gain valuable experience, as they put their theory to the test and ran a project from start to finish.
As part of this project, students carried out research on the engineering industry, planned video content and organised interviews. They also worked closely with Weston College engineering students, to get a taste of what the industry entails.
One student that worked on the project is Chloe Bailey. She said: “I believe that every single member of the team worked to their strengths, which is what pulled us through to the screening day and finishing off the project. We were proud of the final outcome and look forward to seeing it at the exhibition.”
Chloe was joined on the project by her classmates Kate Busby, John Davies and Kraig Taylor-Bryant.
Amy Seadon, Learning and Community Engagement Manager at Aerospace Bristol, said: “The team did a fantastic job.
“They listened carefully to the brief and produced a wonderful short film which truly brought out and showcased the enthusiasm of the engineering students. We hope that seeing it will inspire more young people to explore a career in engineering.”
The video, which showcased the world of engineering – including what it is like to study engineering in the 21st century – premiered last December and is now on display for Aerospace Bristol visitors to see.
The project was carried out as part of the Media Production Level 3 ‘Client Brief’ unit, which is designed to give our students real-life experience of working with a client.
You can find out more information on our Media Production courses, here.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
