PART-TIME BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE COURSES FOR ADULTS

A business qualification can take you anywhere!

Business and management is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Bristol and Somerset. The skills you develop are all transferable and will assist in your future employability, even if you are unsure what career path you want to take. We offer over 40 courses at the Knightstone Campus - from Level 1 to degree-level.

Find out about the qualifications for adults that we can offer to start your business, management and/or leadership career - there is still time to apply now for September!

Here’s what we can offer:

Classes taught by lecturers with industry experience
Links with local employers, who are looking to give people like you a route into their organisation
Support available via your own tutor to help you succeed
All the benefits of studying at Weston College - including exclusive student discounts
Fantastic facilities including new industry standard boardroom, refurbished classrooms and more ...

Careers in Business, Management and/or Leadership

Here are just a few examples of job titles that have shown to be the most popular listings in the South West region within the last year.

We have a friendly team ready to guide you through the process - it all starts with you making the choice to create a brighter future …

We've bundled the best education in the area with career boosted benefits - and are leveraging our contacts as one of the largest Colleges in the country to give you the best possible chance of success.

Available Business and Management courses

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The business sector is full of opportunities for those with the right qualifications...

Your Future Career in Business

The Business sector is bursting with variety in jobs you could find yourself in, and which you opt for will depend on which area you feel best suits your skills, and which match up with your qualifications. While being one of the most competitive fields, it is also one of the fastest growing too.

By studying Business with Weston College, you’ll be able to progress through the levels until you’re fully qualified (even up to degree level with University Centre Weston!) and can have a successful career in your chosen sector of the industry. We offer a huge range of courses, so you can find the perfect one for you, including Apprenticeships for a more hands-on teaching experience, and Certificates or Diplomas for those who prefer classroom learning.

Our courses could lead to:

Business Sales Executives: £19,453 - £61,874
Project Management Professional: £23,528 - £82,804
Business, Research and Administrative Professional: £18,218 - £57,778
Customer Service Manager: £14,259 - £39,490
Legal Associate Professional: £14,780 - £46,342

Facts

Important skills needed within a business include; marketing, ICT and project management
The legal sector is highly competitive and over the next few years it is predicted that there will be an increasing demand for legal services in energy and natural resources
Business and management is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Bristol and Somerset area

It's easy to apply...

You can apply for any of our Business and Management courses online by using the blue drop-down menu at the top of this page, or by filling in an application form in the back of our prospectus. Applying online is quick and easy, and will secure your place on the course.

It's better to apply as soon as you can so that you reserve your place - it only takes a few minutes to apply and you are able to withdraw your application at a later date if you change your mind.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

Vernetta

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.

Studied:

Level 3 Leadership and Management

LATEST NEWS

10 Dec 2024

Hi, I’m Nick, and I am a Maintenance Controller in the Operational Engineering Department at <a href="https://www.bristolport.co.uk/">The Bristol Port Company</a>.I joined <a href="https://www.bristolport.co.uk/">The Bristol Port Company</a> in 2015 as a mechanical engineer. I was employed primarily as a crane engineer but also maintained and repaired other kit such as conveyors, blenders and roller/hammer mills. After years of working as a production engineer on FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) production lines this was my first foray into heavy engineering, but I relished the new challenge.After approximately 5 years as an engineer, I applied for the role of Maintenance Controller and was successful! I have now been in this role for over five years. My responsibilities now include managing a team of engineers, planning maintenance, sourcing spares, liaising with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) suppliers, issuing permits-to-work and writing risk assessments and method statements.This was my first experience as a manager, so the head of Operational Engineering (my boss) told me about the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/leadership-and-management">ILM Leadership and Management apprenticeship</a>, then encouraged me to do it, as he felt it would be beneficial to me in my new role as a manager.The apprenticeship has helped me in the workplace significantly. I am now better equipped to deal with all the trials and tribulations that are thrown at you as a manager. During my apprenticeship I learnt many new methods and was given proven models to use in my everyday life at work. These help me manage people, my time and my tasks more efficiently and enable me to be more emotionally intelligent when dealing with personnel issues.An example of a standout moments from your apprenticeship was the outward-bound course in the Lake District. It was fun and challenging at the same time. Also, spending time with employees from other departments of the company really improved our working relationships. I was able to learn about effective leadership in a hands-on environment.Weston College provided robust support throughout the apprenticeship. Before starting, they guided me through the enrolment process and outlined what to expect. During the program, I had access to a dedicated mentor, regular check-ins, and resources tailored to my role. After completing the apprenticeship, they continued to offer workshops and networking opportunities to ensure I stayed updated with best practices.After my apprenticeship, transitioning fully into my Maintenance Controller role felt seamless. The knowledge and skills I had gained during the programme gave me confidence in managing my team, planning maintenance tasks, and handling supplier negotiations. I felt more prepared to take ownership of my responsibilities and lead effectively.My time at Bristol Port has brought unexpected opportunities, such as being invited to participate in high-level strategic planning sessions. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to mentor newer engineers and apprentices.Working at Bristol Port comes with several benefits, including job stability, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive work culture. The company also provides competitive pay, training programmes, and access to resources that help in both personal and professional development.My future aspirations are to continue learning, and to shadow the Head of Operational Engineering to enable me to effectively stand in for him in his absence. I also hope to play a more significant role in shaping long-term maintenance strategies and mentoring young engineers and apprentices at Bristol Port.I would highly recommend doing a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/leadership-and-management">leadership apprenticeship</a>! The apprenticeship not only equips you with practical skills but also builds your confidence and emotional intelligence as a manager. It’s a worthwhile investment in your career and offers tools that can be applied immediately to improve your professional performance. <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs"><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(97, 97, 97);font-family:"Hco Gotham", "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">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.</a>

My Apprenticeship Journey at The Bristol Port Company

28 Sep 2022

My name is Beth, and I completed the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/business-and-m… Leadership and Management Diploma</a> course through the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/bristol-courses">partnership </a>of Weston College and the <a href="https://www.uwe.ac.uk/">University of the West of England (UWE)</a>.

I had been looking at courses to support progression, and decided a leadership/management course could help me achieve that, and gain the knowledge and confidence to begin applying for a management role. I researched many different courses and colleges, but finding an Instagram advert for Weston College was ultimately what led me to choose them.

Working with Weston College and UWE was ideal due to both being known for their wonderful teaching and facilities, plus studying at UWE was very convenient due to the close proximity to where I live. This partnership is so great, as it provides more accessibility to the course, as it is held across both sites, maximising the facilities and teaching that are available.

My favourite part of how the course is run was the mix of face-to-face and online. I really enjoyed the face-to-face lessons as it gave me the opportunity to meet other people, and for us to share and discuss elements of the topics being taught. On the other hand, some being held online made it easier to fit into work and life schedules.

My advice to someone considering the course is to do it! It's perfect if you’re aiming to build confidence and develop skills surrounding management, it will provide you with the tools, techniques and skills. You will need to carefully manage your time as there are lots of assignments, but the support you’ll receive from tutors is unmatched!

Completing this course allowed me to secure a senior role within my team, and given me the skills and knowledge to confidently run the project team. The course enabled me to approach tasks with more structure and organisation. I was also able to apply this logic to my assignments and personal life too, which has helped me out loads. My goal now is to step into a management role.

Overall, the support I received, particularly from my tutor, was second to none. I couldn’t have stepped into the senior role I’m in now without the confidence that completing this course gave me!

<blockquote>
Beth, Senior Operations Administrator, Atomos
</blockquote>

The course that Beth studied is part of the National Skills Fund, which provides learners aged 19+ an opportunity to access their first full Level 3 qualification (equivalent to an A Level) for free. This fund provides access to qualifications that will help support people back into work.

<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/bristol-courses">If you are interested in studying with Weston College and UWE, view the courses available, here!</a>

BLOG: How Studying with Weston College and UWE has Benefitted my Career!

12 Jul 2022

We really feel accountancy is a great career path for a huge range of people, but many won’t give it the time of day!

Read our top ten reasons why being an accountant could be the perfect aspiration for you:

1. A Job That Is In-Demand: Accountants are a highly in-demand job, so you could walk straight into a job after gaining the relevant qualifications. As technology revolutionises, more jobs will be created than destroyed.

2. Job Security: There will therefore be job security in the field, meaning you won’t have to worry about losing and finding a new job. This could be because…

3. Everyone Needs An Accountant! There is a huge variety of sectors and industries you can work in as an accountant, including entertainment, business, STEM, and many other fields

4. Be Your Own Boss: Alternatively, you could decide to set up your own accountancy business, and be your own boss, spend the days doing what you love, off your own accord.

5. Love To Travel? Accountancy even includes the chance to travel! The opportunities will be endless when you’re fully qualified!

6. Accountancy Is Great For Any Age! From starting training at 16-18, or gaining your qualifications as an adult, we offer the course for you! 16-18s will benefit hugely from the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… T Level</a>, with industry placements throughout, and meeting employers and providers to help prepare you for the world of work. Alternatively, 16-18s could choose to learn in the workplace on an <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/business-and-m…;, giving the opportunity to earn a wage while learning.

<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/course-finder?… courses</a> are a great option for over 19s, with a choice of 6 courses in accounting so you can choose the perfect level for you, all including the opportunity to gain valuable workplace skills.

7. Varied Responsibilities: Accountants have many different responsibilities, not just crunching numbers, so your days will be varied and you can guarantee you won’t get bored on the job! Roles may involve dealing with important financial reports, create solutions to financial issues, help organisations run smoothly, and how to effectively manage their money.

8. Development Of Skills: You will also acquire and develop great personal skills that can be transferred to other contexts outside the workplace, and can be carried with you for life – these can include good communication, solid advisory and guidance skills.

9. Financial Benefits: Alongside great skills for both in and out the workplace, accountancy also has huge financial benefits. According to the <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/sites/default/files/documents_not_indexed/20… Accounting and Finance Salary Guide compiled by Robert Half,</a> accountants with one to three years of experience can earn between $51,500 (£43,516) and $96,500 (£81,541) annually. Those with five or more years of experience can earn as much as $129,250 (£109,214) per year.

10. Make A Real Difference: Accountants are huge assets to businesses and are extremely helpful when monitoring important aspects of businesses, including cash flow and taxes. Your work will be highly valued, and you’ll be a crucial member of the team.

Check out our different accountancy courses (<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… Levels </a>and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/course-finder?… Courses</a>) if this is the perfect role for you!

10 Reasons Why Becoming an Accountant is a Great Career Aspiration