Creating brighter futures

It’s T Levels Week! 

Having only launched in 2020, T Levels have proved to be an excellent pathway in such a short time frame for many learners already.  Learners at Weston College have progressed onto apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, university and full-time employment. 

You might be wondering, what exactly is a T Level? Well, let’s take a look: 

T Levels are two-year qualifications for 16- to 19-year-olds designed in collaboration with employers to provide a perfect blend of classroom learning and real-world experience.  

They are a fantastic alternative to A Levels and apprenticeships, ensuring that learners graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their chosen fields. 

With a focus on subjects like healthcare, digital technologies, construction, engineering, and business, T Levels are directly aligned with industry needs, providing students with up to 45 days of workplace experience alongside their studies.  

This innovative approach bridges the gap between education and employment, giving young people a competitive edge in today’s job market. 

A big part of the T Level is the collaboration with employers, and you might be thinking how does that work? We asked some of our learners and their T Level employer for their thoughts:

Learners go on to a range of different progression routes, from university to full-time employment, we caught up with two learners, to find out how they’ve been getting on since completing their T Level: 

Which areas do Weston College offer T Levels in?  

Animal Management 

Our Animal Management T Level provides two unique pathways for learners to explore their passion for animals. The Behaviour pathway focuses on understanding animal psychology and training, preparing learners for careers in animal behaviour consultancy or rehabilitation. The Science pathway delves into animal health and biology, equipping students for roles in veterinary care or zoological research. 

Early Years 

In Early Years, learners can choose between two specialised pathways. The Early Years pathway is perfect for those aiming to work in childcare settings, focusing on child development and early education. The Assisting Teaching pathway provides the foundation for supporting learning in schools, ideal for those aspiring to be teaching assistants or educational support staff. 

Business 

The Business Management and Leadership T Level offers an excellent foundation for learners interested in the dynamic world of business. Whether aspiring to work in human resources, marketing, sales, or leadership roles, this course equips students with the strategic and operational skills to succeed in any sector. 

Construction 

The Construction T Level is tailored for learners passionate about the built environment. With a focus on the Design, Surveying, and Planning pathway, students gain the expertise to contribute to projects ranging from infrastructure to urban development, preparing for careers as architects, surveyors, or project managers. 

Digital 

Digital learners can specialise in one of two innovative pathways. The Production, Design, and Development T Level focuses on coding, software development, and digital creativity, preparing learners for roles in programming or app development. Alternatively, the Support Services T Level trains students in IT systems and infrastructure, paving the way for careers in network management and cybersecurity. 

Engineering 

The Engineering and Manufacturing T Level provides a comprehensive pathway into high-demand fields. Learners will master skills in mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering, preparing for exciting careers in industries such as aerospace, robotics, or green energy. 

Legal 

The Legal Services T Level introduces learners to the world of law and justice. From exploring legal systems to gaining practical skills in client interaction and case management, this pathway is ideal for aspiring paralegals, legal executives, or those considering solicitor apprenticeships. 

Media 

Creative learners can thrive in the Media, Broadcast, and Production T Level, which combines technical expertise with storytelling. This pathway covers content creation, broadcasting, and production techniques, preparing students for roles in television, radio, or digital media industries. 

Science 

The Science T Level offers a deep dive into the exciting world of research and experimentation. Learners will develop practical skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis, opening doors to careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or environmental science. 

If you would like to find out more about T Levels, click here.  

This morning at DoubleTree by Hilton - Cadbury House, we hosted the Future of our Region employer conference, which was a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to come together and discuss how we can address local skills gaps, attract new talent, and shape the future of work within our region.

The conference started with a talk from our Chief Finance Officer, Janet Stephens, who discussed the Future of Skills, and the key trends and challenges businesses are facing, including recruitment difficulties and retention issues. This was followed by a talk on how Weston College can help address these problems through training solutions, collaborative working, forward thinking and place-based solutions.

Jane Murch, on behalf of MP Dan Aldridge, provided some thought-provoking insights into business growth in Weston-super-Mare and how we can tackle the issue of local skills gaps.

One part of the conference featured an employer panel which consisted of Airbus, Occuteach, The Bristol Port Company and Cadbury House, as well as Greta, a T Level industry placement student from Occuteach, Daniel a Degree Apprentice from Airbus, and Nick a Leadership and Management ILM learner. The panel impressed everyone in the room through their engaging insights into how their apprentices and industry placement students have made positive and impactful changes to not only their business, but also to the student’s lives. Everyone was especially impressed by the learner’s insights on the panel – all of which spoke very confidently and showcased their passion through some excellent answers to the questions asked.

Degree Apprentice Daniel spoke of his passion for changing any negative perceptions on apprenticeships and showcasing apprenticeships to school students to make them aware of their benefits. Greta urged employers to get on board with taking on industry placement students, as she has gained personal and professional growth through her time at Occuteach.

Pat Jones, principal of the Weston College Group, quoted: "The Future of our Region event was a tremendous success, bringing together a diverse group of business leaders and professionals to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our local economy. The insights shared and connections made during the event have laid the groundwork for new partnerships that will drive innovation, collaboration, and growth. It was inspiring to see the collective commitment to addressing skills gaps, and shaping a more inclusive and resilient workforce. Together, we have taken a significant step towards securing a brighter future for our region."

As an additional touch, everyone in attendance of the conference left with a plant to symbolise growth, which were very popular!

Thank you to all employers who came along to the Future of our Region conference.

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. 

Weston College is delighted to announce its achievement of the prestigious Investors in Diversity Silver Award, granted by the National Centre for Diversity.

This award represents an important milestone in the College's ongoing commitment to creating brighter futures and fostering a truly inclusive and respectful environment for its learners, staff, and the wider community.

The Silver Award recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence in promoting Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (FREDIE) within the workplace. With this award, the National Centre for Diversity acknowledges Weston College's efforts to uphold these values, confirming that the College’s workplace culture, policies, and practices provide a benchmark for other organisations.

Weston College continues to make progress in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), supported by an effective EDI Committee and staff networks driving initiatives for an inclusive environment and comprehensive FREDIE training and leadership commitment have fostered positive cultural changes.

The accreditation process also showed that the College provides strong support for diverse student groups and mental health initiatives, with staff praising training and resources. As a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer, Weston College remains committed to embedding FREDIE principles and strengthening trust across our college community.

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “Receiving the Investors in Diversity Silver Award is a testament to our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment.

“This accolade reflects the commitment of our entire college community to creating a place where all are valued and have the opportunity to thrive. We are incredibly proud, yet aware that there is always more we can do. This award drives us to continue enhancing our approach to inclusion and engagement.”

The Investors in Diversity accreditation is valid for two years, a period during which Weston College aims to build on this recognition by further strengthening its inclusive policies and expanding support systems across the College.

The National Centre for Diversity commended Weston College's unwavering dedication to creating a supportive, engaging, and fair environment. Aneesah Khan, Operations Manager at National Centre for Diversity, said: “We congratulate Weston College, their staff, and stakeholders on successfully achieving the Investors in Diversity Silver Award following their assessment.

“This accomplishment reflects a significant commitment to workplace inclusivity.”

If you would like to work for Weston College, you can find our latest vacancies, by clicking here.