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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.
Check out A-Levels Here
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..
Check out Apprenticeships Here
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.
Check out Traineeships Here
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.
Check out T-Levels Here
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>Learners studying A Level Fashion went on a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum, in Knightsbridge, London last Friday. </p><p>44 learners in total went on the trip, where they had the opportunity to visit an array of exhibitions, including DIVA, which is running until April 2024.</p><p>DIVA celebrates the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining the role of 'diva' and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film.</p><p>There was a spectacular collection of costumers which were worn by icons including Maria Callas, CHER, Rihanna, Elton John and Marilyn Monroe.</p><p>Lecturer in Textiles, Nicola Stent, who ran the trip, said: “At Weston College we are passionate about giving our learners the opportunity to broaden their horizons, which is a critical part of our Career Excellence Hubs.</p><p>“This trip allowed learners to not only expand their knowledge, but also cultivate the skills and maturity necessary for their future endeavours.</p><p>“Witnessing the passion and enthusiasm of our learners, I was deeply impressed by their attitude towards learning. Many exhibited a keen attention to detail, thoroughly engaging with the exhibits and displaying a remarkable level of maturity within the museum setting.</p><p>“The magic of Knightsbridge became a backdrop to the growth and enrichment of our students, and it was truly a pleasure to be part of this transformative journey."</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… you would like to find out more about our A Level Fashion courses, please click here.</a></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dress%202%20Web_1.png" data-entity-uuid="4fdee783-86d1-4010-b754-562bb9ed5e0e" data-entity-type="file" alt="3 dresses on display at DIVA exhibition"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dress%204%20Web%20a_0.png" data-entity-uuid="ba28262b-7ea5-4a52-ab3a-4686b22b3c55" data-entity-type="file" alt="dress on display at DIVA exhibition"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dress%205%20Web_1.png" data-entity-uuid="c6a77835-7771-415c-9c98-980ee13997ea" data-entity-type="file" alt="Dress on display in V&A Museum"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Students%20by%20dress%201%20Web.png" data-entity-uuid="8c8d591d-17f1-4326-8379-c58466db709d" data-entity-type="file" alt="Students standing by dress at DIVA"><p> </p>
<p><strong>Earn while you learn, at global engineering organisation, GKN Aerospace.</strong></p>
<p>We have teamed up with GKN Aerospace to offer 23 vacancies, with roles including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Aerospace Engineer Degree Apprentice</li>
<li>Engineering Production Apprentice</li>
<li>Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice</li>
<li>Engineering Technical Support Technician Apprentice.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/apprenticeships-gkn#weston-paragraph-ec-form">… YOUR APPLICATION HERE</a></p>
<p>GKN Aerospace design, manufacture and service systems and components for manufacturers around the world. This opportunity will give you the chance to not only gain a qualification but also get experience from some of the best engineers in the country.</p>
<p>This exclusive apprenticeship programme starts in September 2024 and will allow you to be in paid employment from as young as 16 year old, whilst also studying towards one of three professional and recognised engineering qualifications.</p>
<p>As a GKN Apprentice your time will be split between the real-world production facilities (Filton) or Western Approach (Bristol) and Weston College’s engineering campus on Locking Road (Weston-super-Mare). </p>
<p>It's easy to apply, fill in the form below and we will be in touch to discuss your application, answer any questions and support you with your next steps.</p>
<p><strong>The closing date for applications is 23rd February 2024, which will be followed by an initial assessment for successful candidates. </strong></p>
<p paraeid="{f7ad6e6b-d2de-4b2a-9c50-4914888f717d}{173}" paraid="358692308"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Levels</a> are the future of technical education, designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical workplace experience. These two-year courses offer students a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills that are directly relevant to their chosen industry. At Weston College, there are 13 different T Level courses on offer, spanning from Education & Early Years to Engineering & Manufacturing, and Construction, plus many more. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{d1e3f33c-a504-4213-a121-176adac6f69f}{198}" paraid="1021031470" xml:lang="EN-GB">Weston College are the largest provider of T Levels in the region, and on results day in August, an 100% pass rate was achieved by our learners.</p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{d1e3f33c-a504-4213-a121-176adac6f69f}{136}" paraid="93378299" xml:lang="EN-GB">One of the standout features of T Levels is the industry placement, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing the learner's understanding of the real-world workplace. There are a huge number of benefits of industry placements, and the results show a positive impact on the employers and their business. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{2e9d0184-6e3f-4593-9f87-30f169c41c13}{131}" paraid="98929983" xml:lang="EN-GB">T Levels are tailored to the specific needs of industries and provide students with a deep understanding of their chosen field. When businesses host T Level learners for industry placements, they contribute to the development of a more skilled and job-ready workforce. Employers can actively shape the future workforce by imparting industry-specific knowledge and skills to the next generation. Some of the fantastic employers we already work with include national employers such as the NHS, regional employers such as Wessex Water, and local SMEs. These employers have recognised the untapped talent that can be provided to the business, and were first in line to experience it. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{528fb079-07ee-4d12-a521-e3540f283e6a}{194}" paraid="179438224" xml:lang="EN-GB">One example is one of the largest financial employers in the UK, who had five T Level students on placement last year. The students made such a positive impression that the employer has given four of those students a job offer to work for them when they finish their course. That’s proof that T Levels work. </p>
<p paraeid="{f7ad6e6b-d2de-4b2a-9c50-4914888f717d}{197}" paraid="1077270212">Recruiting and training new employees can be an expensive and time-consuming process. When businesses provide T Level learners with industry placements, they are effectively getting to know potential future employees. This hands-on experience allows employers to assess the learner's aptitude, work ethic, and compatibility with the company culture. This reduces the risk of making poor hiring decisions and can ultimately lead to cost savings in recruitment and training. </p>
<p paraeid="{f7ad6e6b-d2de-4b2a-9c50-4914888f717d}{209}" paraid="93311631">T Level learners bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to businesses. They often have a strong theoretical foundation and can apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations. Employers benefit from the infusion of new ideas and approaches, which can lead to improved processes, products, or services. </p>
<p paraeid="{f7ad6e6b-d2de-4b2a-9c50-4914888f717d}{221}" paraid="889881968">Students on industry placements are highly motivated to learn and make a positive impression. Employers often find that T Level learners contribute to increased productivity by taking on tasks and projects with enthusiasm. Their energy and eagerness to learn can inspire and motivate existing employees, creating a positive work environment. </p>
<p paraeid="{f7ad6e6b-d2de-4b2a-9c50-4914888f717d}{233}" paraid="1623215501">Hosting T Level learners on industry placements is an excellent way to identify and nurture potential talent for the future. Businesses can establish a pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable workers who are already familiar with their operations and industry. This can lead to more seamless onboarding and faster integration of new employees when they transition from students to full-time workers. </p>
<p paraeid="{4a9d7ef4-b22c-4120-962c-4235d62f3f21}{14}" paraid="1889619579">T Levels offer substantial advantages to both businesses and learners. By providing industry placements to T Level learners, employers can help shape a skilled and job-ready workforce, reduce recruitment costs, introduce fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, enhance productivity, create a talent pipeline, contribute to corporate social responsibility, and align with government initiatives. </p>
<p paraeid="{4a9d7ef4-b22c-4120-962c-4235d62f3f21}{20}" paraid="1336733345">The positive impact of T Levels on businesses is a win-win scenario, benefiting both employers and the future workforce. Encouraging more employers to pledge to have T Level learners on placement with them is not just a sound business decision but also a valuable investment in the growth and prosperity of industries and communities. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{bd22e4d6-9b52-48b1-b462-36374c5714aa}{5}" paraid="580682461" xml:lang="EN-GB">Throughout the month of November, we have set ourselves the challenge of receiving 150 T Level pledges from business owners and employers just like you. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to change the future of your business through an industry placement -<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/30DayChallenge?utm_source=homepage-header&… here to find out more.</a> </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{05caa81c-c746-402a-993b-4c9ff4f6fd01}{85}" paraid="562521164" xml:lang="EN-GB">We look forward to working with you! </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{05caa81c-c746-402a-993b-4c9ff4f6fd01}{250}" paraid="334584571" xml:lang="EN-GB">Dave Crew, Head of Business Growth & Employer Partnerships </p>
