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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
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.
Skills Support for the Unemployed (SSU) has helped Nicola find a new job after she was made redundant by Thomas Cook, after 20 years’ service.
The SSU programme is delivered by Weston College on behalf of Dimensions Training Solutions (DTS), which is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and managed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
SSU aims to upskill unemployed people and fast-track them to employment or further training.
Ahead of starting a new job, Nicola described how SSU has helped her.
“Following my redundancy with Thomas Cook, I was unemployed for three months,” she said.
“My friend recommended that I get in touch with Weston College, and I haven’t looked back.
“Through Skills Support for the Unemployed, I managed to complete three courses; IT Entry Level, IT Level 1 and AAT Bookkeeping.
“Not only did I develop skills, I also grew in confidence, which is so critical when you’re looking for a job. I particularly enjoyed the interview preparation with my ‘job coach – I found this so valuable in getting me a job.
“If you are unemployed, I would highly recommend getting in touch with Weston College. They will support you in every aspect of finding a job.
“I am really excited about starting my new job as a customer relations advisor.”
Find out more about SSU, by clicking here.
Did you know that we offer pre-employment training to people that don’t have qualifications, and may not have any experience?
We asked our Referral Advisor for the Pre-employment team, Emma Crandon, some questions to give a better understanding on what they offer.
Where are you based?
I am based at Weston College’s South West Skills Campus, but I also visit the Weston-super-Mare Job Centre every Tuesday, Clevedon Job Centre every other Thursday, and hold sessions at the local food bank as well.
What support do you offer?
We offer a wide range of courses, and they are free to people that are unemployed, receiving benefits, or in a job earning less than £16,009.50 per year. These courses are beneficial in many ways; you can upskill, build confidence, open up employment opportunities and most importantly – become more employable.
How can people access this support?
The support we offer, is very easy to access. Job coaches are aware of our courses, and they can always refer you to a course that will benefit you. I also visit the Job Centres, so feel free to come and say hello or book an appointment and we can chat about ways to support you.
If you would like to get in touch, you can call me on 07580857699 or email me, emma.crandon@weston.ac.uk.
Why should people get in touch and ask for support?
If you are unemployed and looking for work, we can help you to gain qualifications and the confidence needed to find a job. We try and run our sessions during school time, and we also offer one to one support.
What has been your highlight of the job?
When you see people that have been out of work for years, their confidence is usually really low and they feel like they are unemployable. Helping these people gain skills, confidence and progress into jobs, is a specific highlight of my job.
Is there anything that you would like to add?
If you are interested in any of our courses please get in touch with me, and I will be happy to help.
You can find out more about our pre-employment courses, by clicking here.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
