ADULT COURSES
Weston College offers adult courses in Weston‑super‑Mare for those aged 19+.
Whether you are looking to get back into work, upskill, retrain to change career entirely, get into university, start a new hobby, or gain skills for life, there is a course for you. Everything you need to create your brighter future is waiting for you at Weston College.
Click here to explore our adult courses
Here’s what we can offer:
- A mixture of classroom based lectures and/or online learning.
- Support available via your own tutor to help you succeed.
- As a Weston College student you'll also have access to all our facilities - including our Library, IT suite, welfare and employment support teams as well as the College canteen facilities.
Did you know:
- Courses up to Level 2 are fully funded if you're earning under £25,000.
- 91.88% of unemployed learners secured a positive destination on completion.
- Our courses have a 88.37% achievement rate.
If you would like to access support from our team, book one of our free Careers Advice sessions, by clicking here.
Discover our range of courses for adults aged 19+ using the search options below...
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LATEST NEWS
<p>We are always looking to improve our offer to support employers in finding local talent, but also for local adults to train in emerging industry trends.</p>
<p>Starting in April, we are launching a new 14-week course in Advanced Facial Treatments, in response to the growing aesthetics industry, with employers seeking fully qualified and accredited practitioners that have completed the highest quality training.</p>
<p>It will be delivered at the Hair and Beauty centre at the Knightstone Campus by fully trained practitioners with over 5-years of experience in the aesthetics industry. The training will be of the highest quality, using the best quality resources.</p>
<p>This course will give learners the opportunity to achieve formal, regulated qualifications, and the chance to grow their business portfolios. Clients are more likely to choose a practitioner who has trustworthy qualifications regulated by reputable awarding bodies and co-designed by local aesthetic employers.</p>
<p>There is no other local college that offers this course, and it is the perfect opportunity for those who want to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field of aesthetics. Our experienced instructors will provide a supportive learning environment and guide learners every step of the way.</p>
<p>So, if you're considering studying the course, I would say go for it! This is a unique opportunity to upgrade your skills and knowledge and take your career to the next level. Don't miss this chance to explore the world of aesthetics with Weston College.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/beauty-therapy… out more about the course, and apply, by clicking here.</a></p>
<p><em>Jenna Ratcliffe, Divisional Lead for the Service Sectors (hair, beauty, hospitality, catering and counselling) at Weston College</em></p>
<p>Our collaboration with <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/online-and-on-campus">AAT </a>provides the perfect blend of learning, between Online and On-Campus, to allow you to gain your qualification in Accounting. Another great delivery of this course is through the Apprenticeship, where you'll spend time both in the classroom and in the workplace. This flexible approach means apprentices can choose how, when and where they want to study.</p><p>We heard from Michelle, who completed the AAT Apprenticeship, and told us about her experience!</p><h3>Why did you decide to study an AAT?</h3><p>After my daughter was born (I was 28 at that time) I had an opportunity to work as an accounts assistant carrying out basic bookkeeping. I knew if I wanted further my career in the accounting industry I would require a qualification. Weston College was offering Level AAT courses which I attended during one day each week. I completed Level 2,3 and 4 at Weston college with the encouragement from my tutor, Sarah. Even during the pandemic, Weston college helped support us with online sessions.</p><h3>Did your employers offer you the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship or was this something you decided to complete?</h3><p>It was my own decision to pursue the AAT qualification as I had self-doubted and low self-esteem when it came to my education. But, I knew there was more for me out in the world and AAT would open so many doors for my future.</p><h3>How did you find the apprenticeship?</h3><p>From the support & encouragement from both my tutor Sarah and class friends it felt like a great achievement. I’m really proud to have completed my AAT however it was down to my hard work and dedication. I also have made friends for life through the classes.</p><h3>How long did it take to complete?</h3><p>I completed level 2,3 & 4 over 3 years.</p><h3>How often did you have to complete apprenticeship work?</h3><p>I juggled all my study time around family life, especially considering I had a new born, and it was tough. I spent the majority of my evenings and weekends revising, but I made sure to make time. Each AAT exam will test your knowledge and it’s not just multiple selection boxes, AAT want you to know the understanding behind the question and how you have come to the decision you’ve made. Working in an accounting environment, it’s really important you have the understanding and knowledge to be able to advise and back up your decisions with the correct information.</p><h3>How have you utilised the skills you developed during the apprenticeship?</h3><p>All the skills that I developed on the course have been utilised, from double entry bookkeeping, payroll, Excel and accounting software.</p><h3>Since completing the apprenticeship, has it helped you to progress your career?</h3><p>Since completing my AAT, and becoming MAAT, all thanks from the support of Weston College, I have set up my own bookkeeping practice called Michelle Clarks Advanced Bookkeeping Services, as well as working for a really cool accounting firm in Weston Super Mare called “Neil’s Data Consultancy”. Having the support from not only an employer and as well as being my own boss, I have the best of both worlds that works for me. I enjoy meeting new clients and being able to encourage them to grow their own business.</p><h3>Were there any specific highlights of the apprenticeship?</h3><p>Attending my Graduation at Weston College was the biggest highlight and made me reflect on the hard work I put in to the AAT course. Wearing the gown and having a day of celebration felt amazing. Weston College went above and beyond for our graduation, celebrating everyone’s achievements.</p><h3>What would you say to someone considering following in your footsteps?</h3><p>Do it, don’t hold back. I recommend the apprenticeship to anyone to gain their AAT qualification at Weston College, it can open so many career paths for your future.</p><p>Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams. If the dreams for your future don't scare you, they aren’t big enough!</p><p><em>Michelle</em></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/online-and-on-campus">If you're interested in learning more about AAT qualifications, click here!</a></p><p> </p>
<p>Carpentry is an exciting trade, which is in high demand! It is a very skilled trade, with carpenters using natural materials (wood/timber) to cut, shape and install wooden structures, fittings and furniture.</p>
<p>In the UK there are more than 5,000 organisations who recruit carpenters, with an estimated turnover of nearly £4 billion.</p>
<p>With so much demand, you might be wondering how to become a carpenter? Well, you’ve come to the right place!</p>
<p>There are several different routes you can take to become a carpenter or joiner. You might be someone that is looking to earn while they learn, and the good news is, you can do this through an apprenticeship. Or you might be someone that wants to complete a course to learn some skills before entering the carpentry – whether this be full-time or part-time with evening courses.</p>
<p>Let’s look at the options in a little bit more detail.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>Apprenticeships</strong></h2>
<p>An apprenticeship is a fantastic way of entering the industry, and can be a great way to get your foot in the door with a local organisation that is looking to grow and develop their workforce.</p>
<p>Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16, so you could be a school leaver, or someone that wants to turn their passion into a career. As an apprentice you will be employed by the company, and complete training at college – you will be expected to work at least 30 hours a week, with the rest of your hours being training.</p>
<p>You can complete apprenticeships at a number of Levels, depending on your experience and skill level. At Weston College, we offer several different carpentry apprenticeships, click the course below to find out more:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/carpentry/carp… and Joinery Level 2</a> – 14 months</li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/carpentry/site… Carpentry Level 2</a> – 14 months</li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/construction/c… and Joinery Level 3</a> – 12 months</li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/construction/s… Carpentry Level 3</a> – 12 months</li>
</ul>
<p>Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you can either further your development by studying the next level, or go into full-time work.</p>
<p>Before you work on a construction site, you will need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2><strong>College Courses</strong></h2>
<p>If you would prefer to study at College, there are a range of options available, from full-time courses to shorter part-time courses.</p>
<p>We offer courses for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan… 1, Level 2 and Level 3</a>, which all aim to develop your skills and prepare you for life as a carpenter.</p>
<p>On our full-time courses you will be part of our Construction Career Excellence Hub, which means that you will get unrivalled access to employers, with opportunities for work experience, master classes and hearing from industry insiders. Our construction courses are all endorsed by organisations from industry.</p>
<p>We also offer <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/construction/s… adult courses in Carpentry</a>, which allow you to sharpen your skills and are a great opportunity to change careers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you'd like to find out more about a career in carpentry, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events?utm_source=main-menu&am… along to one of our open evenings</a> and chat to the team, they will be more than happy to help!</p>
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
BTEC Travel and Tourism Level 3
Following his father’s footsteps, he launched his own traditional Italian barbershop, offering free haircuts to the elderly and those in need. Now self-employed, he promotes his business through social media and local outreach while pursuing a business startup course.
Barbering, Fast Track
