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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
As part of Competitions Week, our Esports students hosted an exciting and immersive event inspired by Marvel Rivals for learners in Extension Studies.
The event space was transformed into a themed experience, with the walls being decorated in Marvel Rivals hero profiles and posters and live LED lighting to add atmosphere, this created an engaging environment for all participants.
From a production standpoint, the students set up a fully equipped classroom featuring spectator systems, a dedicated streaming PC, and a professional shoutcasting stage. The event was broadcast live on the Weston Esports Twitch channel, offering a viewing experience to audiences beyond the classroom.
In the lead-up to the event, students demonstrated their marketing skills through strategic posts on the Weston Esports Twitter/X account, building excitement and encouraging public engagement with the live stream on the day.
Behind the scenes, the event showcased outstanding communication, teamwork, and planning between the production team, social media managers, admins, and shoutcasters. This seamless collaboration resulted in a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Beyond the fun and competition, the event served as a valuable learning opportunity, highlighting the wide range of roles within the Esports industry and the importance that each role plays in delivering professional-level events. Teachers and students who attended were full of praise, not only for the energy and execution of the stream, but also for the thoughtful consideration of individual learner needs throughout.
Across two hours, five matches were played, and three lucky learners walked away with Marvel-themed prizes.
This event gave our Esports students the chance to collaborate with different learners and design an inclusive event experience. It offered invaluable real-world experience, and a deeper understanding of the dedication and coordination required to deliver a successful Esports production.
A huge well done to all the students who organised the event, and thank you to the players who participated and helped bring the day to life with some fantastic gameplay!
This Event Project forms part of the Digital Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.
If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.
The winners of the 2025 Somerset Business Awards were announced recently, at the prestigious Winter Gardens Pavillion.
With nearly 400 people from across Somerset in attendance, winners from across industries were announced, including Weston College and University Centre Weston apprentice, Jack Lewis, working at Singer Instruments - who was named as Apprentice of the Year.
Jack who is studying the Level 6 Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, has been impressing throughout his apprenticeship; from streamlining production to improving the design for manufacturability of needle holders.
Jack’s work has resulted in a significant cost-saving for Singer Instruments, which has allowed them to improve production efficiency and contribute to the scalability of the product.
Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeship and Skills at Weston College, said: “We are so proud of Jack, he has shown that he is an incredible apprentice with some truly impressive achievements already – we can’t wait to follow his career as he continues to progress within the engineering sector.”
Jack, added: "Winning the Somerset Business Award was a great moment, and it’s been a fantastic journey throughout my apprenticeship. I’m grateful for all the support I’ve had along the way."
In today’s fast-changing world, access to skills training is more vital than ever. For individuals seeking new opportunities and businesses looking to bridge skills gaps, the Moving Up Project, launched in 2024 by Weston College and North Somerset Council, is making a real impact.
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the government’s £2.6 billion levelling-up agenda, Moving Up is designed to empower individuals and businesses through three targeted strands:
- Youth Moving Up – Helping 16-24-year-olds overcome barriers to education or employment with one-on-one Key Worker support.
- Not in Work Moving Up – Supporting unemployed adults over 19 through tailored guidance, group sessions, and structured interventions.
- Moving Up in Work – Upskilling existing employees through accredited and unaccredited training, strengthening both career prospects and business capabilities.
Training That Makes a Difference
Through Moving Up in Work, Weston College has worked closely with SME employers across all sectors to deliver targeted training, including:
- Digital skills
- Administration
- Understanding Autism & Neurodiversity
- Hidden Disabilities Awareness
- Mental Health First Aid Training & Refreshers
- Manual Handling & Moving of People
- Food Hygiene
- Team Building & Positive Culture Development
Recognising high demand for mental health and first aid training, the programme has facilitated six cohorts of Mental Health First Aid England training (80 individuals trained) and six cohorts of Emergency First Aid at Work (65 individuals trained).
Tangible Impact
Since its launch, the Moving Up Project has supported over 240 individuals and 50 businesses in North Somerset across sectors such as childcare, healthcare, hospitality, construction, and business services. By addressing training needs, businesses have gained stronger, more skilled teams, while individuals have broken through barriers to achieve career success.
Overall, the project has been a resounding success, benefiting both individuals, businesses, and the wider community overall outputs successes is at a healthy 111% and outcomes at 117% against the original targets.
Investing in People, Building the Future
The Moving Up Project is more than just training—it’s about transformation. It empowers individuals with the tools to succeed, boosts confidence, and fosters economic resilience. By bridging skills gaps and supporting career development, Weston College and North Somerset Council are helping individuals and businesses thrive.
Demand for the services offered by Moving Up remains strong, with steady enrolment numbers under our similar provision model, Solutions. Our team are committed to promoting engagement, personalised progression, and positive development activities.
If you or your business could benefit from training and upskilling, now is the time to take action. Together, we can continue transforming lives—one opportunity at a time. Please email employers@weston.ac.uk to access support.
Louise Greene
Business Growth and Employer Partnership Manager
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