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
Looking for a way to increase your employability?
Employers often ask for you to give examples of where you’ve overcome challenges or when you’ve shown specific skills such as leadership, communication and showing initiative. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is the perfect chance for you to enhance your CV gain those skills and experiences.
Available to all students, this free enrichment activity incorporates elements from the RAF, Army, Navy and Royal Marines. With no previous experience required, Cadets take part in regular drill exercises, practical survival activities as well as specialist skills such as shooting, flying and more.
As well as increasing your confidence and skills, this programme serves as a brilliant platform for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career within the armed forces.
Contingent Commander and Science Lecturer Rob Heaton said: “Through unique and fun learning opportunities the CCF provides valuable life skills which are vital for further study or employment.
"From leadership through the NCO scheme, to self-reliance during Duke of Edinburgh the Cadet force provides learners with an amazing opportunity to gain new life experiences.”
A previous cadet added “I’ve made new friends, learnt new skills and discovered how I can improve myself as a person and I can’t wait to continue my journey.”
CCF meetings take place every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm – 4pm during term time only.
All uniform and activities are completely free.
Are you interested in joining the Combined Cadet Force?
Across the haunting season of Halloween, learners have been busy striking fear in the hearts of anyone who dared to enter Puxton Park's Phobia Event.
Learners from our Performing Arts department put their impressive skills into practice by frightening visitors as they made their way round Puxton's spectacular spooky sets. As if they weren't scary enough already, actors were dressed head to toe in horrifying hair and make-up with incredible costumes to match.
The flawless hair and make-up was all thanks to learners from Hair and Make-up for Fashion and Media and Hair, Make-up and Special Effects for Film and Theatre as well as help from University Centre Weston learners from Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Production.
Puxton Park Marketing Manager, Grace Harvey, commented “Phobia is an exciting opportunity for all of us here at Puxton Park.
"Not only is this new event allowing us to open our doors to a broader demographic of visitors but it’s also allowing us to work with the extremely talented teams at Weston College.
"We have been so impressed with the exceptionally high level of professionalism and skills that these students possess.
"The passion and enthusiasm that they hold in their respective fields of study, has really shined during our rehearsals and we were so excited to see all of their hard work come to life during the event.”
Thanks also goes to the brilliant work from Public Services for assisting on the night and to the Music department who helped to create an eerie atmosphere with help from performers and sound engineering.
12 unemployed learners were given the opportunity to study a bespoke Marco Pierre White customer service course, at DoubleTree Hilton Cadbury House.
The Weston College course was devised in partnership with DoubleTree Hilton Cadbury House, who were looking to recruit, and train new team members.
The course was aimed at people who were currently unemployed and it proved popular, with 22 applications, for the 12 spaces on the course. Applicants came from community projects that help unemployed and economically inactive people in the West of England find employment including West of England Works, Releasing New Potential and Skills Support for the Unemployed.
Throughout the course learners spent time developing their customer service skills, as well as learning about what is required to work in the hospitality industry.
At the end of the week, all 12 learners were offered a job interview, and six were offered work trials.
Brian Howe, Training and Development Manager at Weston College, said: “This course was really effective in developing learners skills, to ensure they were ready for working in the hospitality industry. The learners did a superb job, and this is reflected in 50% of them gaining a work trial.”
Joyce Millard, Human Resources Manager at Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House, said: “The learners were amazing, and made the whole recruitment process very easy. Following the success of this course, we will definitely be repeating it on a regular basis across our venues.”
This course is being repeated at the Abbey Hotel in Bath, later this month (November). To register your interest, please email backtowork@weston.ac.uk or ring 01934 411 147.
Find out more about our employment support services, by clicking here.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
