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The pandemic caused job losses across the country, and one person who was affected, Vernetta, decided she had to explore different training options to retrain for a new career.

The beginning of the pandemic was tough for Vernetta, as she was not only made redundant in a job that she loved, but also found out that she was pregnant.

“I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m pregnant and unemployed, what am I going to do?’”

Her sister told her about a free Level 3 qualification (the equivalent of an A Level) in leadership and management at Weston College – this was part of the Government’s Free Courses for Jobs programme, helping everyone gain skills for life.

The course was part-time, which offered Vernetta flexibility, something that is really beneficial for many adults who are juggling family life, studying and part-time work.

“I’ve just had to be really self-disciplined. My family have all been rooting for me, and we’ve got a group on the course where we all support each other,” says Vernetta, who kept working towards the Level 3 qualification after finding employment, in order to widen her career options.

The leadership and management qualification is recognised by employers across multiple industries, offering a fantastic opportunity to upskill with its practical focus on how to manage projects, people and relationships.

“It’s really about expanding my knowledge. I’ve got experience of leadership and management but mostly from one sector.

“If you only know one way of working, you don’t get to see that there are other ways of doing things.

“My CV was really packed with experience but not with education. If I ever wanted to work in retail or real estate, I’d know different ways of leading and managing, thanks to the skills I’ve learnt from this course.”

Now she has gained the Level 3 qualification in leadership and management, there are doors open to Vernetta that were closed before. She has both the confidence and skills to go for promotions – and boost her salary.

Free Courses for Jobs is just one of the affordable routes funded by the Government to help people get skills for life. At Weston College we offer a number of routes that allow you to upskill, or reskill to enter a new industry, whether that be through earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships, or intensive Skills Bootcamps, all available to adults of any age.

For Vernetta, this opportunity to keep learning has been one of the best things about taking her course, alongside gaining the confidence to develop her career and forming some friendships along the way.

“You’re never too old to learn a new skill – so why not?”

Find out more information about how Weston College can support you, by clicking here.

Skills and work go hand in hand – throughout our lives we all need to boost our existing skills or gain new ones to get ahead in the changing world of work: it’s more important now than ever.

The new ‘Skills for Life’ website brings together hundreds of government-funded skills opportunities in one place. It promotes online learning options and free essential skills courses, such as numeracy, English and digital, sector specific qualifications, Skills Bootcamps, Free Courses for Jobs and in-work training, as well as personalised support and guidance from the National Careers Service.

From free careers advice and short courses, to advanced qualifications and on-the-job training, click on your area of interest below to start your Brighter Future today ...

Weston College has been offering the new T Level qualification over the last two academic years, and with more subjects coming on board, it is an exciting time for local school leavers who want to access the gold standard in technical education and gain practical industry experience whilst also studying in a classroom environment.

T Levels are an alternative to A Levels, but you study in just one subject area. The T Level also offers learners the opportunity to gain valuable experience through industry placements which lasts for at least 45 days.

T Levels are also popular amongst employers, who see the new qualification as a way of accessing future talent for their business. To prove their worth to open doors to employment each of Weston College’s T Levels are endorsed by employers, such as Belcan, Willmott Dixon, Eloquent Technologies and many more.

Learners that wish to go down the university route after completing their T Level are also catered for, with UCAS points on offer. Universities are recognising the importance of the skills on offer from T Levels, with UWE Bristol, endorsing Weston College’s T Level programmes.

Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Officer, at UWE Bristol, Professor Steve West, said: “We have been engaging with employers to try and gain a better understanding of what they are looking for as we progress learners through the education system. Working together has allowed us to think about different routes into higher education and higher education skills – and I am delighted to be able to support Weston College in their development of T Levels.

“T Levels are bringing together theory and practice, and engaging students in very different ways. It allows students to work closely with employers, and gives real life experiences outside of the curriculum, where students can apply knowledge and learn to adapt.

“As a university we will work with Weston College, through T Levels, by providing opportunities for students to come to the university and experience our facilities, and the opportunities that can flow as a result of them taking T Levels and progressing into the university.”

You can watch Professor Steve West’s full video, here.

To find out more about T Levels, and the opportunities on offer to you, click here.