<p data-start="51" data-end="225">We spoke with Justin Whiting,<strong> Advanced Technical Trainer – Skills </strong>at the <a href="https://www.nccuk.com/"><strong>National Composites Centre</strong></a>, about NCC’s current apprenticeship programme and how you can get involved!</p><drupal-entity data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f3fd8c80-559d-4832-ad33-97fef538f264" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1. What apprenticeships do you offer at NCC through Weston College (which industry's, which levels etc)?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>We currently offer the<strong> Level 3 Composite Technician apprenticeship </strong>which falls in the Engineering category; we also offer <strong>Level 6 Project Management apprenticeships</strong>, however, we are constantly reviewing our apprenticeship offerings so this may change in the future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2. What do these apprenticeships entail for the learners?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>The learners are on a 3 year and 3-month programme with time spent at NCC and Weston College. At NCC apprentices will work with experienced technicians to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the apprenticeship, they will also spend time at Weston College learning about Composite materials and working towards the qualifications and their End Point Assessment (EPA).&nbsp;</p><p>The learners will complete a rotation around different areas of the business and then concentrate on specific technologies in the second and third year. As an innovation organisation, the apprentices will be working on cutting edge equipment and procedures. The PM apprentice course lasts 4 years and includes day of study per week for the duration of the programme. Learners on this course will work on different projects with different project teams.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>3. What do NCC look for in an apprentice?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>NCC looks for enthusiastic apprentices who want to learn not just how to do a job but why we are doing that job, we want apprentices to be inquisitive and think of ways that they can improve the processes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>4. Are there any standout stories of our apprentices at NCC?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>There are many! We have had 5 of our apprentices make the regional finals of Make <strong>UK Apprentice of the Year award</strong>, have been involved in <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize">BBC Bitesize</a> and supported the <a href="https://www.gatsby.org.uk/">Gatsby Foundation</a>. Our apprentices have worked in teams on some amazing projects such as a full-scale wing demonstrator, remote controlled car and drone which have been used to help promote NCC and the apprenticeship programme.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>5. How do apprentices benefit your business?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Apprentices are a major asset to the business. Apprenticeships allow us to train people right from the start of their career in our processes, ways of working and sector expectations. They bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the company and inspire the next generation of engineers and project managers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>6. Do NCC take on apprentices as full-time employees after they have finished their apprenticeship?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>NCC apprentices are on a fixed term contract for the duration of their apprenticeship, they can then apply for full time roles at NCC.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>7. When are NCC next looking for apprentices, and how can students apply?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>We generally start looking for our new apprentices in January/February with a view to holding interviews in April. We advertise any apprenticeship positions on our website and through Weston College.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>8. What advice would you give to people who are thinking about doing an apprenticeship?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>Do it!!</strong> An apprenticeship is a great way of learning, gaining industry experience and developing professional behaviours whilst getting paid!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>9. Is there anything else you would like to add?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>We firmly believe apprenticeships are a great way to start your career, our apprentices are invaluable to the company.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Level 1 courses are a great way to build a foundation of knowledge around a subject, introducing you at a more flexible and slower pace whilst building your skills and preparing you to progress onto Level 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>There are many benefits to a Level 1 course. They create a foundation of knowledge for learners, building a solid base of information and skills which make them ideal for beginners. Not only this, they also build confidence in unfamiliar areas and act as a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications. They are also more accessible and flexible to a wider range of students.&nbsp;</p><p>Our Level 1 courses vary in entry requirements, with most courses requiring 5 GCSEs grade 3-1 with at least two grade 3 results. On some courses, it is also required to gain at least a grade 2 in GCSE Maths and English. This makes our Level 1 courses accessible to give you the knowledge and skills to succeed and progress to the Level 2 courses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">With this level of qualification, you could move onto a Level 2 study programme or an apprenticeship at Level 2, this includes technical qualifications such as diplomas, certificates and NVQs at level 2, transitioning to T Level Programme, or intermediate apprenticeships.</p><p>At Weston College, we have many Level 1 courses available, including <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Management</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… and Design</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-…;, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… and Catering</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/perfo… and Production</u></a>, <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/prote… Services</u></a>, and <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/sport… you are unsure of what course level is best for you, check out our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/which-level-right-me"><u>Leve… Explained</u></a> page to gain a more in-depth understanding.&nbsp;</p><p>If you are still unsure, email <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="mailto:enquiries@weston.ac.uk"><u>enquiries@weston.ac.uk</u></a&gt; or visit one of our campuses and speak to the team for help.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">Becoming a Nurse is a highly rewarding career choice if you want to help others and make a difference. It is a demanding and challenging job that requires dedication, skill, and commitment.&nbsp;</p><p>In this article, we will discuss why you would want to become a Nurse and how we can help you to achieve it!&nbsp;</p><p>There are many reasons why someone may choose to become a Nurse. Many people are drawn to the job because it allows them to make a positive impact in the community and develop life-saving skills to help others.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Whatever the reason, becoming a Nurse is a noble profession that requires a high level of compassion, kindness, and competency. Nurses work closely with the community, building relationships with patients to help improve their condition and maintain a safe environment for them to recover.&nbsp;</p><p>At Weston College, we can help you to achieve your goals. We offer several courses, which can act as the starting point of your career. Our courses are part of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs?utm_source=main-menu&am… Excellence Hubs</u></a>, which gives you fantastic access to employers, whether that be for industry insight talks, work experience or trips.&nbsp;</p><p>To begin your nursing journey, follow these steps:&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>1. Meet Entry Requirements&nbsp;</h2><p>Typically for a Nursing course, you are required to achieve 5 GCSEs (including English, Maths, and Science) Grade 4/C and above.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>You are also required to complete 3 A Level qualifications or equivalent, whether this be a BTEC course, T Level, or Access to HE Diploma.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>At Weston College, we offer a range of course options that you can complete that will start you on the pathway to Nursing. This includes a range of <strong>Health and Social Care courses</strong>, across varying levels, which will build your skills and knowledge, ready for a career in healthcare.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… here to see our range of Health and Social Care courses.</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">We also offer <strong>A Levels</strong> such as A Level Biology which is often a requirement to work in most areas of healthcare as it provides a strong foundation in biological sciences. Other recommended A Level subjects that Weston College provide include Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology, as these will give you a more holistic understanding of the human body and the thoughts and behaviour of society.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… here to see our A Level subjects.</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p>Alternatively, we offer many <strong>Apprenticeships </strong>at varying levels to give everyone the opportunity to study and begin their journey into healthcare.&nbsp;Apprenticeships are a paid, hands-on alternative to classroom study where students get the opportunity to train alongside industry professionals. They provide essential skills required to work in healthcare and prepares people to enter the workplace.</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… here to see our range of Apprenticeships.</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>2. Apply to University</h2><p>To become a qualified Nurse, you need an undergraduate degree in Nursing or equivalent. This will involve a mixture of academic and practical study to provide you with the required clinical experience to become a Nurse.&nbsp;</p><p>Always check the entry requirements for your chosen universities, as subjects and grades required can vary depending on the chosen institution.&nbsp;</p><p>At University Centre Weston (UCW), we offer a range of healthcare degrees that you can choose from depending on your desired career path. Whether you wish to become a Nursing Associate, a Paramedic, or an Assistant Practitioner, there is a degree for you.&nbsp;</p><p>Alternatively, you can complete the Level 6 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/registered-nursing-degree-apprenticeship/… Nursing Degree Apprenticeship</u></a> which is a paid degree qualification that provides you with a high level of hands-on experience in the workplace.&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/"><u>Click here to see the available courses at UCW.</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>3. Completing your Degree</h2><p>During your Nursing Degree, you will typically be required to specialise in a chosen field, whether this is in adult, child, mental health, or learning disability nursing. &nbsp;</p><p>You will also be required to complete a range of different placements in healthcare settings to give you practical experience.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>4. Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)</h2><p>After graduating, you’ll apply for registration with the NMC and receive a unique Nursing PIN. This code legally authorises you to work as a nurse in the UK. Your registration information, including any conditions on your practice, will be recorded on the publicly accessible NMC register.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>5. Apply for a Nursing job</h2><p>Once you are registered, you are encouraged to apply to various Nursing roles within the NHS or other healthcare organisations to increase your chances of securing a full-time position as a nurse. Within your role, you can specialise further in your career if you wish and continue your professional development.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If you’re interested in becoming a Nurse or a Healthcare Professional but aren’t sure where to start, join us at our next Open Evening to chat to a member of the team, they will be happy to help.&nbsp;</p>