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Programmes for School Leavers
Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds
COURSES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS
With hundreds of unique, exciting and inspiring programmes to choose from, everything you need to create your brighter future is waiting for you at Weston College.
From the minute you walk through the door, the experience and the environment that we create is all about maximising your potential. It’s about preparing and motivating you for a fresh and focused career pathway.
Every Weston College student becomes part of one of our exciting new Career Excellence Hubs. This means you will take part in a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of help you to go further, giving you the opportunity to become career ready with the skills, knowledge and expertise you need to be successful in your next step and reach your ultimate goal - whatever that may be!
Whether you are looking for the next step after school or the next step in your career, we're bound to have a programme for you. Take a look below at the different types of qualifications available for school leavers and young people between 16 and 18 years old.
Did you know we also run English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)?
Start your brighter future by selecting a subject you're interested in below, and don't forget - you can apply online and it only takes 5 minutes!
Discover our range of courses for school leavers aged 16-18 using the search options below...
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Qualifications Explained
At Weston College we know that everyone learns differently. That’s why we deliver a variety of different qualification types - to give you the chance to learn in the way that suits you the most.
A Levels
A Levels develop the knowledge, skills and study habits to excel at university, as well as the attributes recognised by employers. Your academic studies will be complemented with enrichment opportunities such as trips, mentoring and work experience, providing the perfect springboard for your future career. A Levels are assessed through exams at the end of two years of study. Most learners study three subjects - some choose four.
Apprenticeships
With an apprenticeship you’ll go straight into the workplace and be shown clear routes to progress straight into employment within a specific occupation. You can achieve nationally recognised qualifications, earn a wage, and gain skills that will see you get ahead. On average you will spend 20% of your learning time in the college and 80% within the workplace..
Professional and Technical Qualifications
Professional and technical qualifications are designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to gain employment within specific industries or occupations. They provide a balance between theory and practical skills development. They are suited to those who want to get hands-on experience within a particular vocational area. These programmes include work placements. Assessment is more varied and will include exams, coursework and practical work.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a great way for 16 to 24-year-olds who haven’t yet gained the skills and experiences necessary to apply for jobs and apprenticeships. They are taught mostly in the workplace and include a mixture of personal and social development, and employability skills. The aim of a traineeship is to train you within a company so that you are more likely to be offered an apprenticeship or a job.
T Levels give you the chance to learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies. T Levels have been designed with leading businesses and employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need, including a minimum of 45 days on an industry placement – this means you will spend 80% of your learning time in College and 20% within the workplace.
CHOOSING WHAT TO STUDY
We are all about CAREERS NOT COURSES and pride ourselves on being able to offer a huge range of programmes to ensure you develop the skills and knowledge employers and universities are looking for. As the only education provider in North Somerset that enables you to work your way up from an entrylevel programme to a degree, we’re here to help you choose the right programme for you.
We can help you choose your study programme or apprenticeship by accessing the following support:
School Liaison Team
Working with local schools we help you find out about college life and programmes of study, and we provide you with advice and guidance about what programmes will best suit you. We will either visit your school, attend careers fairs and parents’ evenings or coordinate campus and virtual events such as our taster days, holiday workshops and tours.
Events
We put on a number of events over the year, which will be a mixture of face-to-face and virtual events. These provide you and your family with the opportunity to explore our facilities, speak to our lecturers, find out about the support on offer and choose the right programme for you. Our events also give you the opportunity to engage with a number of employers to find out about careers in their industry and why they value the calibre of candidates that come from Weston College.
CAREERS ADVICE
- On our website you can access a wealth of career guidance, such as:
- All the programmes you can study.
- What our alumni have gone on to achieve.
- Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) that will help explain what relevant careers and jobs are available, including salaries.
- NEW – Subject careers roadmaps, so you can map your journey with us and ensure it will get you into your chosen career. Also, check out Career Coach - this provides you with the opportunity to:
- Take an assessment that matches you with careers.
- Explore broad career pathways that match your strengths and interests.
- Compare careers within a pathway - including salaries, required education and more.
- Explore our programmes that will set you on the path to your desired career.
- Take a career assessment - and receive an in-depth report that can help you identify the best programme and career path for you!
We’re here and happy to help – if you would like more advice and guidance, contact our school liaison team by emailing schoolteam@weston.ac.uk. - they you can arrange a one-to-one careers appointment with our specialist staff.
LATEST NEWS
![T Levels Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-06/T%20Level%20Subject%20Header_0.png?itok=JFQSEZOR)
<p>Just a few years ago, we launched the exciting <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Level</a> provision, designed to seamlessly integrate classroom learning with invaluable real-world experience.</p><p>As <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Levels</a> continue to transform vocational training across the UK, you're likely brimming with questions about what these qualifications truly entail for you and how the industry placement works – from finding the placement to the types of tasks you will complete.</p><p>To give you the inside scoop, we spoke with Sandra Bull (<strong>SB</strong>), Assistant Principal and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Level</a> Lead at Weston College, and Paul Korb (<strong>PK</strong>), Health and Safety, Compliance and Sustainability Manager at Rotamec, who welcomes <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Level</a> learners each year.</p><p>Together, they delve into the details, highlighting the immense benefits and diverse opportunities that <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Levels</a> offer.</p><p> </p><p><em><strong>How does the Industry Placement fit into the overall T Level programme?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: Each curriculum area designs their delivery with several selected employers as part of our Career Excellence Hub. They use them and the qualification spec to ensure that the placement is built in at the most appropriate time for that industry sector.</p><p>This may alter with each curriculum, for example Education and Early years have a national shortage of room staff so our learners assist via weekly placements.</p><p>In Digital we have employers happier to give projects so this specific division offer placements in blocks so that learners can see a project move from its start to completion.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: Bringing T Level students into the Rotamec business gives our staff a great opportunity to practise their mentoring skills.</p><p>Young people bring fresh ideas and new ways of thinking that can help our existing staff think differently about the way they do things. In addition to this, it allows the business to assess suitable candidates for an apprenticeship position, a try before we buy scenario.</p><p><em><strong>How will my child find an employer to complete an Industry Placement with – do they need to apply and complete an interview?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: We have a team of experienced staff to assist when finding the correct placement. This team will make contact with your child once they are enrolled to the course and between them and the tutor you will have all the guidance and advice required to select the best option.</p><p>Most industry placement will require the learner to have an interview, and this is a great way to find out their expectations and if that fits your child’s career aspiration.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: Going into any workplace for the first time can be very daunting, especially for youngsters.</p><p>Rotamec has a robust partnership with Weston College. Because of this, Rotamec wishes to ensure that your child feels at ease coming into our workplace and settles into the business in no time.</p><p>The college will arrange everything for your child and will communicate its plan for the placement with us. Prior to attending the workplace, the college will ensure that your child is ready for the placement.</p><p><em><strong>Can you provide an overview of the type of tasks my child will be doing during their Industry Placement?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: The Placement Officer and Tutor attached to your industry will explain what tasks may be required to complete and how this will fit into the overall qualification specification leading to the achievement.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: Each placement will be different depending on the course your child is on. Rotamec ensures that the activities undertaken during the placement, under pins the course.</p><p>Therefore, we will ensure that the placement has a blended learning outcome for your child. There may be some tasks that your child will undertake, but this is essential to give the child the chance to experience a normal working day that may be varied.</p><p><em><strong>How many hours per week/term will my child be expected to work during their Industry Placement?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: The overall expectation generally is around 315 hours over the year (for some sectors this will be higher for example Engineering and Early years) so this can be split into even blocks across the two years or their will be an expectation to attend weekly. During your child’s interview for a T Level this will be explained to them linked to their pathway and sector.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: The placement could vary for each cohort. For T Levels, the work placement will be a minimum of 45 days. However, if your child wishes to attend additional days, we will ensure arrangements are made with the college to accommodate this. School holidays are very popular for the learners to do extra days.</p><p><em><strong>What are the benefits for my son/daughter in completing an Industry Placement?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: Placements give valuable work experience, which are very important when it comes to building up a CV. It reflects the learner’s ambition, their work ethic and reliability.</p><p>On top of this, several T Level learners in the past have gained degree apprenticeships with the organisation that they completed their placement with, so this is certainly a big benefit of the T Level.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: Focusing on professional skills, T Levels have been designed with leading employers to give you the knowledge and skills you need to progress into work, further study or an apprenticeship.</p><p>T Levels combine class-based learning with an industry placement, giving you the chance to get hands-on experience and learn what a real career is like while you continue your studies.</p><p><em><strong>What kind of supervision and support will be provided to my child during their Industry Placement?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: Each placement has a dedicated manager or mentor who will be involved with regular reviews between the learner and the college tracking progression and areas to develop.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: Each candidate is assigned a mentor during their placement. We offer a variety of experience across all departments within the business, and each of the mentors will ensure the safeguarding of the students and support them in the learning, experience and safety.</p><p><em><strong>How will my child's progress be monitored and evaluated during their Industry Placement?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: Targets will be set by the learner and the tutor, but also with the mentor and our placement team as required, to ensure progression is measured and at a level that suits their abilities and assessment schedule.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: As a business, we have created a learning plan that will support the students during their placement with us.</p><p>The learning plan not only assists the mentor in ensuring that the student gets the most out of their experience, but it further ensures that the business covers all the relevant subjects covered on the student’s course.</p><p><em><strong>Are there opportunities for my child to continue working with the company after completing their Industry Placement?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: Absolutely and for many this is why they have chosen the T Level route. The programme gives you time and the employer time to find out what options would best fit you into the company as your skills and work behaviours develop. It also gives learners the time to work out if the company is the right fit for them, once they have completed their course.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: The placement not only benefits the student during their experience with us, but it further allows the business to assess and find the ideal candidate who wishes to pursue a career in our industry. It allows us to “try before we buy” and we will offer an apprenticeship at the completion of their course.</p><p>Not only does this benefit the business, but it also allows the student to sample our business and decide if this is a career path they wish to pursue.</p><p><em><strong>What safety measures are in place to ensure my child's wellbeing during their Industry Placement?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: Each placement is required to work with the Placement Officer providing insurance and safety measures. The placement will provide learners with an induction to the environment and their placement officer will be the main contact if something is not correct.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: The safeguarding of all our staff and especially your child is paramount to us. As a business we have a rigorous Safety Management System to ensure that the students and staff are kept safe. Every staff member and student have a safety induction on their first day in the business. Further safety briefings and training will be provided during their placement. No student is left unattended, during the working hours.</p><p><em><strong>Will my child have the opportunity to work on real projects or tasks relevant to their T Level course during their Industry Placement?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: Yes, most placements work on projects that are happening in the workplace now, so it gives the learner a true reflection on what the expectations are if they were to join them as a team after completing the T level.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: Initially in the first few days, the business will supply training units for the candidates to train on. After a few sessions with the mentor, if they deem the candidates competent enough, they will allow the candidates to work on live projects.</p><p><em><strong>Will my child have a designated mentor or point of contact at the company during their Industry Placement?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: Yes, a designated Placement Officer and a Personal Tutor who they will see very regularly.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: Every student is assigned a mentor that will oversee their work placement. They will also provide feedback to the students and college on their progress. This will identify their strengths and weaknesses that will help the student to develop.</p><p><em><strong>How does the Industry Placement align with the specific pathway or specialisation my child is pursuing within their T Level?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: For most T Level routes, you can have two placements in the programme. For many this may result in one for the first year linked to core elements of delivery, with a change over the summer period (as you enter into the second year) to a placement more specific to the chosen pathway.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: Our business ensures that the lesson plan aligns itself to the specific pathway that the student is on. Sometimes the student may learn additional skills. This is modelled to give the student the maximum experience during their placement.</p><p><em><strong>Can you provide examples of past successful Industry Placements and the impact they've had on students' education and career paths?</strong></em></p><p><strong>SB</strong>: We have had a lot of success stories from across our T Level provision. We have seen learners gain scholarships for university, gain their dream degree apprenticeship, and have the doors opened to an exciting career.</p><p>A few success stories include:</p><p>Lauren studied our Health T Level and found her placement really challenging initially but she was supported throughout her placement, where she impressed so much that on completion she gained a job with that employer.</p><p>Maria studied a Digital T Level and completed her placement with Zig Zag Education, where she was working on developing websites. Since completing her T Level, she has gone on to gain a role with Hinkley Point as a Delivery Management System Coordinator.</p><p>Ben completed his construction T Level last year, and on the back of his success was offered a degree apprenticeship with the organisation he completed his placement with.</p><p>Alex was on our Digital T Level programme where he completed his placement with SenseIT, and he has now progressed on to a Digital Technology Degree Apprenticeship with Airbus.</p><p><strong>PK</strong>: Rotamec has some staff who started their placements with us, and applied for an apprenticeship after they left school. Once they had completed their studies, they spent 3 years developing their skills and are now managers of their departments.</p><p>The business has also been recognised within our industry and the various colleges for the contributions to the skills and training of the students and has won various awards. This was all based on the successful accomplishments and the positive impact the students have had on our business.</p><p><em><strong>As an employer, what is the best thing about Industry Placements from your point of view?</strong></em></p><p><strong>PK</strong>: Every student that attends our business, could be the future engineer for our industry. They could also be the next supervisor, foreman, or manager. If the student has the attitude for the job, we will assist the student to develop their skills and development. The students assist with the day to day running of the business and has really had a positive impact.</p><p> </p><p>A big thank you to Sandra and Paul for their contribution.</p><p>If you would like to find out more about T Levels, then please <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… here</a>.</p>
![Learners and employers in simulation suite.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-06/BANNER%208_0.jpg?itok=BEcYAjtj)
<p>Over 20 enthusiastic Level 2 Health & Social Care learners and industry employers met at our Health and Social Care careers event on Wednesday.</p><p>The event was designed not only to showcase the learners' skills and aspirations but also to foster meaningful interactions between learners and potential employers, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and employment opportunities!</p><p>The day began with a unique reverse careers fair, where learners presented their skills, experiences, and career ambitions directly to visiting employers through their creative work stands and CVs.</p><p>Employers engaged in one-on-one conversations, gaining firsthand insights into what the learners get up to and their future aspirations, learners were also able to speak with people within the industry to find out about their career journeys.</p><p>Participants then moved to the simulation suite, where learners demonstrated their practical skills in a controlled, real-world healthcare setting. Employers also experienced an interactive virtual reality (VR) session, showcasing the high standards of the Health & Social Care program.</p><p>The students conducted themselves in a professional manner, were eager to speak with the employers, and were especially proud to show off the incredible simulation suite. It was an all-round great event with learning opportunities for both employers and learners!</p><p>If you want to find out more about our Health and Social Care courses, click here: <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt…;
![Tom on laptop.](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-06/WC%20Student%20Profiles%202024-137_0.jpg?itok=XnnI5cp6)
<p>Our very own Tom Collier has been awarded Regional <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Level</a> Student of the year at Lloyds Banking Group in the South West and is off to London this July where the national winner will be announced!</p><p>Tom is studying one of our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… T Levels</a> and conducted his 315-hour industry placement at Lloyds Bank, which he says has been the highlight of his T Level experience as he gained real life industry knowledge.</p><p>One of Tom’s most accomplishing moments of his placement was presenting his work to data colleagues within Lloyd's bank. Before beginning his placement, Tom says he would never have thought he was capable of doing this. However, with his increased industry confidence and enhanced digital skills in areas like data visualisation, he has been able to do things he never would have imagined being able to.</p><p>Following his work placement, Tom has been offered a degree apprenticeship at Lloyds Bank. He says he feels optimistic about the opportunity because he will be working within the team that he has already built up a rapport with and will have the knowledge necessary to complete the tasks assigned to him.</p><p>Tom's future aspiration is to progress into a Master's degree for data science - which is his passion. He would love to work with Lloyds Bank for this and will be building strong connections to the data science team and other colleagues beforehand.</p><p>Whilst in London this summer, Tom is excited about networking, getting to know other company members, and talking about the work he will be doing next year as a degree apprentice at Lloyds Bank.</p><p>The combination of completing an industry work placement and the theory covered in the course has been really helpful in setting Tom in the right direction with his digital career journey – therefore he highly recommends <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Levels</a>!</p>