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
Weston College is proud to announce a dynamic new partnership with SLX, one of the UK’s leading technical production companies, as a Careers Excellence Hub Partner for Creative Performance.
This exciting collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent. SLX, whose work spans high-profile live events, including sports, theatre, television and more; are already seeing success with their first Creative Industries Production Technician apprentice from Weston College.
“After the success of our first Creative Events Technician apprentice, it’s clear the team at Weston are passionate about equipping students with the real-world skills they need to thrive in live events and production,” said a spokesperson for SLX. “We’re genuinely excited about building on this partnership and helping to inspire the next generation of creative professionals.”
Career Excellence Hubs at Weston College are designed to prepare learners for the world of work by connecting them with leading employers, providing hands-on industry experience, and embedding career-ready skills into the curriculum.
This partnership with SLX will further elevate opportunities for students aspiring to enter the vibrant world of live performance and learning how to succeed in technical production.
Last month, South Bristol Youth Charity brought together a group of enthusiastic Year 9 students from Hans Price Academy and Broadoak Academy for an engaging visit to Weston College’s South West Skills Campus.
The students participated in an interactive Motor Vehicle Workshop led by Iain Forster and Tony Lowe from the Weston College Motor Vehicle Team. Working in small groups, the students got hands-on experience learning about and disassembling different car components, using high-quality tools and equipment to simulate real industry practices.
The day also included an insightful apprenticeship talk delivered by Erin Allsworth, the Apprenticeship Recruitment Advisor at Weston College, where students were encouraged to ask questions and explore the variety of apprenticeship opportunities available to them. This valuable session helped to explain alternative education routes and highlighted the potential of vocational training and hands-on careers.
To round off the visit, students toured the South West Skills Campus, including the cutting-edge Construction and Engineering facilities, gaining a broader understanding of college life and the diverse opportunities available after secondary school.
South Bristol Youth Charity aims to motivate and empower young people by expanding their awareness of different career and education pathways, helping to build students’ confidence, resilience, and long-term aspirations.
This kind of experience is crucial in helping young people make informed choices about their futures. By collaborating with schools and industry professionals, we create a safe, supportive environment where prospective students can discover their potential and feel empowered to pursue high-quality education and careers.
The initiative forms part of the charity’s ongoing mission to inspire the next generation through practical learning and meaningful connections with local employers and educators.
Year 9 students from Hans Price Academy and Broadoak Academy visit our automotive department at South West Skills Campus.
On Tuesday 1st July, learners from Weston College’s Ready to Work programme participated in a successful collaborative event with Congresbury Community Café, delivering a traditional cream tea service to members of the local community.
The event provided an invaluable opportunity for learners with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to apply and demonstrate the hospitality and customer service skills they have developed as part of their college programme. Taking place in a supportive yet commercial environment, the experience allowed learners to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in a real-world setting.
This collaboration forms part of the Ready to Work programme’s broader aim: to support learners with SEND to develop the employability skills, confidence, and practical experience required to progress into sustainable, paid employment. The professionalism, enthusiasm, and capability demonstrated by the learners throughout the event was commendable and reflective of the hard work and dedication they have shown this year.
As these learners look ahead to September, many will be seeking Supported Internship opportunities to continue their journey into the world of work. Supported Internships play a vital role in helping individuals develop further skills, build independence, and secure long-term sustainable paid employment.
We invite local businesses and organisations to consider offering a Supported Internship placement.
If you are able to provide a valuable opportunity to a learner and be part of their employment journey, please contact Weston College’s Supported Employment Team.
Together, we can create inclusive employment pathways and help shape a more diverse and skilled workforce.
Contact: Amy.Harding@weston.ac.uk
On Tuesday 1st July, learners from Weston College’s Ready to Work programme participated in a successful collaborative event with Congresbury Community Café, delivering a traditional cream tea service to members of the local community.
WHICH LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR ME?
