
Programmes for School Leavers
Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds
COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
With hundreds of unique, exciting and inspiring programmes to choose from, everything you need to create your brighter future is waiting for you at Weston College.
From the minute you walk through the door, the experience and the environment that we create is all about maximising your potential. It’s about preparing and motivating you for a fresh and focused career pathway.
Every Weston College student becomes part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs. This means you will take part in a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of help you to go further, giving you the opportunity to become career ready with the skills, knowledge and expertise you need to be successful in your next step and reach your ultimate goal - whatever that may be!
Whether you are looking for the next step after school or the next step in your career, we're bound to have a programme for you. Take a look below at the different types of qualifications available for school leavers and young people between 16 and 18 years old.
Did you know we also run English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)?
Start your brighter future by selecting a subject you're interested in below, and don't forget - you can apply online and it only takes 5 minutes!
Discover our range of courses for school leavers aged 16-18 using the search options below...
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Qualifications Explained
At Weston College we know that everyone learns differently. That’s why we deliver a variety of different qualification types - to give you the chance to learn in the way that suits you the most.
A Levels
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.
Apprenticeships
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
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.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a great way for 16 to 24-year-olds who haven’t yet gained the skills and experiences necessary to apply for jobs and apprenticeships. They are taught mostly in the workplace and include a mixture of personal and social development, and employability skills. The aim of a traineeship is to train you within a company so that you are more likely to be offered an apprenticeship or a job.
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.
CHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY
We are all about CAREERS NOT COURSES and pride ourselves on being able to offer a huge range of programmes to ensure you develop the skills and knowledge employers and universities are looking for. As the only education provider in North Somerset that enables you to work your way up from an entrylevel programme to a degree, we’re here to help you choose the right programme for you.
We can help you choose your study programme or apprenticeship by accessing the following support:
School Liaison Team
Working with local schools we help you find out about college life and programmes of study, and we provide you with advice and guidance about what programmes will best suit you. We will either visit your school, attend careers fairs and parents’ evenings or coordinate campus and virtual events such as our taster days, holiday workshops and tours.
Events
We put on a number of events over the year, which will be a mixture of face-to-face and virtual events. These provide you and your family with the opportunity to explore our facilities, speak to our lecturers, find out about the support on offer and choose the right programme for you. Our events also give you the opportunity to engage with a number of employers to find out about careers in their industry and why they value the calibre of candidates that come from Weston College.
CAREERS ADVICE
- On our website you can access a wealth of career guidance, such as:
- All the programmes you can study.
- What our alumni have gone on to achieve.
- Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) that will help explain what relevant careers and jobs are available, including salaries.
- NEW – Subject careers roadmaps, so you can map your journey with us and ensure it will get you into your chosen career. Also, check out Career Coach - this provides you with the opportunity to:
- Take an assessment that matches you with careers.
- Explore broad career pathways that match your strengths and interests.
- Compare careers within a pathway - including salaries, required education and more.
- Explore our programmes that will set you on the path to your desired career.
- Take a career assessment - and receive an in-depth report that can help you identify the best programme and career path for you!
We’re here and happy to help – if you would like more advice and guidance, contact our school liaison team by emailing schoolteam@weston.ac.uk. - they you can arrange a one-to-one careers appointment with our specialist staff.
LATEST NEWS

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This month’s featured trailblazer is Jasmine Jaji, a former engineering student and winner of the 2022 Engineering Student of the Year award. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring, particularly as a female figure in STEM. Now pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of South Wales, Jasmine shares her experiences at Weston College and how her path was shaped. </p><p>After moving to the area, Jasmine discovered Weston College through positive recommendations. Keen to explore the facilities, she attended an Open Evening and was impressed by the personal tour of the engineering department. “I found that Weston College had the best courses available for engineering, as well as brilliant facilities like the fabrication rooms,” she recalls. </p><p>During her time at Weston College, Jasmine developed both soft and technical skills, including machining and fabrication. She received hands-on training in operating lathes, mills, and CNC machines, as well as welding and hand-fitting techniques. The College’s state-of-the-art resources also allowed her to refine her skills in SolidWorks, a computer-aided design software. “I had the opportunity to improve my SolidWorks proficiency and even had my own designs 3D printed on campus!” she shares. </p><p>Like many students, Jasmine was uncertain about her next steps. However, with the support of her tutor and regular one-on-one guidance, she gained clarity on her career options. “My tutor was a huge support, helping me explore different career paths through weekly meetings and check-ins,” she explains. </p><p>One of Jasmine’s favourite aspects of her studies was the fabrication workshop, where she enjoyed the hands-on experience of operating lathes independently. “There’s something rewarding about turning a length of steel into a tool like a plumb bob or a drill-and-tap gauge,” she says. She also appreciated the trust and respect fostered between students and lecturers in the workshop environment. </p><p>Struggling to engage with traditional classroom-based learning after her GCSEs, Jasmine found Weston College’s hands-on teaching approach to be a perfect fit. “I knew engineering at Weston College would involve practical learning, and I hoped it would reignite my love for education,” she explains. Her passion for engineering deepened as she gained new skills and spent generous time in workshops. </p><p>Jasmine successfully completed her Level 2 and 3 Engineering Diplomas at Weston College, followed by a foundation year in Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Wales. She has since progressed to a bachelor's degree and impressed engineers at IrvinGQ, a company specialising in certified parachutes and aerial safety solutions. In the summer of 2024, she secured a placement there, gaining invaluable industry experience. </p><p>Following her placement, Jasmine received outstanding exam results and was offered a place in the integrated master’s degree program. Now in her first year of an MEng in Mechanical Engineering, she is set to graduate in 2026. </p><p>Reflecting on her journey, Jasmine is proud of how far she has come—from a Year 2 Engineering student at Weston College to a master’s degree candidate. “I would recommend Weston College, especially the engineering campus, to students who prefer hands-on learning and a creative approach to education,” she says. She also praises the College’s outstanding STEM facilities, stating, “They are the best I have come across.” </p><p>Jasmine expresses gratitude to the staff at Weston College for their encouragement and support. As a woman in engineering, she found inspiration in female representation in the field, which motivated her to achieve remarkable milestones in her career.</p><p> </p><p><span data-teams="true"><strong>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 </strong></span><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-…; aria-label="Link here" id="menur100" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&utm_medium=main-… data-teams="true"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span data-teams="true"><strong>. 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.</strong></span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Recently, our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">Automotive</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners and staff took an exciting trip to the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre (NEC) to attend the Autosport International 2025 show. This annual event is Europe’s largest motorsport show and provided an unforgettable experience for our learners, offering a unique opportunity to explore every aspect of motorsports and celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula One (F1). </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Autosport International is a fantastic gathering for motorsport enthusiasts, racers, and professionals, showcasing the incredible cars, professional drivers, and behind-the-scenes engineering and technology. The event featured four shows, each tailored to highlight different aspects of automotive: the Motorsport show, the Performance show, the Engineering show, and the Live Action Arena show. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Vintage cars lined up"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1ace4f4-e6d8-42b7-9a51-ed046ca0a1b8" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The Motorsport Show brought together a variety of racing cars, drivers, and championships, from karting and off-roading to elite series like F1, Le Mans, and the FIA World Rally Championship. It also provided a platform for 30,000 industry professionals to connect, trade, and explore the latest innovations in motorsport. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The Performance Show displayed performance cars, tuning, and modifications, featuring car showcases, live driveway displays, and interactions with industry-leading influencers with an interest in high-performance vehicles. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""People playing with remote control cars around a mini racecourse"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e63a8e24-2f8e-4741-8de6-aa0669b2dbac" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The Engineering Show focused on the trade side of motorsports, offering a space for suppliers, buyers, and professionals to network and collaborate, whilst emphasising the technical and commercial aspects of the industry. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The Live Action Arena delivered an amazing 45-minute experience with stunts, drifting, display races, and feature performances in a large indoor arena. Learners were immersed in the action as they witnessed the cars’ capabilities through in-car cameras and saw the driver’s perspective in real-time. This hands-on experience brought the excitement of motorsport to life in a unique way. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Learners looking around the displays"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b7e8fc5-e35f-4504-9289-6ac45077855b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The celebration of 75 years of Formula One was a highlight of the event, with displays of memorabilia and stories from some of the most iconic moments in F1 history. This gave the learners a deep appreciation for the evolution of motorsport and the technological advancements that have shaped the automotive industry. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The visit provided an educational and professional experience but also entertainment for everyone, introducing learners to the intricacies of motorsports engineering, safety innovations, and the technology behind iconic cars. Additionally, the learners had the chance to network with industry professionals, racers, and engineers, gaining valuable insights and inspiration for their future careers. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor…; target="_blank"><span style="color:#37797B;font-size:inherit;">If you are interested in joining one of our Automotive courses, click here.</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> </span></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Last week, our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; target="_blank">Uniformed Protective Services (UPS)</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners received an extremely impactful guest lecture from Firefighter Richard Welch, the Lambeth Borough Commander at the time of the Grenfell Tower fire. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Our UPS learners often aim to work in the armed forces, whether this is as a Police Officer, a Firefighter, in the Royal Army, or the Royal Navy. These are dedicated and highly disciplined careers and any first-hand experience provides our learners with a more in-depth understanding of the impact that their work can have on the community. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Richard Welch began by outlining his experiences and progression within the Fire and Rescue profession. Richard joined the London Fire Brigade in 1996, progressing through many roles around London before finally becoming the Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Service Delivery Support at Avon Fire and Rescue Service. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Richard Welch giving a guest lecture to Protective Service students"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0de86143-002a-40da-8c29-519b81cfc131" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">During the time of Grenfell Tower, Richard was the Lambeth Borough Commander and the head of response to this major incident. He outlined his experience from the night of the Grenfell Tower fire on the 14th June 2017 to the learners, including the procedure and protocol the firefighters followed, the number of citizens they managed to rescue, the horrendous conditions inside of the tower, and how quickly the fire spread throughout the building. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Steve Brawley, one of our Protective Services lecturers, recognised the powerful impact of this employer engagement experience for both the learners and the staff, saying “students who, for some, are months away from their own progression into the uniformed protective services, got to hear first-hand insights into the responses and experiences of Firefighters during one of the most challenging national Major Incidents of recent times.” </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Nicola Stent, another Protective Services lecturer, also expressed her gratitude to Richard Welch, saying “I was incredibly moved by the first-hand accounts Richard shared with our learners and am so proud of the engagement, co-operation and mature questions from our learners. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The bravery demonstrated from the emergency responders on the scene at Grenfell Tower was heroic. We are so very grateful for Richard’s insight and personal strategies of how to cope in such adverse circumstances.” </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The learners came away from the guest lecture feeling that their ambitions to enter a protective service career and make a difference was achievable and realistic with lots of advice on how to succeed and thrive in any upcoming challenges. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Thank you to Richard Welch for taking the time to share his first-hand experiences of this horrific incident and the heroic and courageous risks him and his team take within their profession. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying to one of our Protective Services courses, click here.</a></p>