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
<p>Weston College recently hosted a ‘Careers in Law’ event, as part of the Career Excellence Hub, for students at Loxton Campus. The College’s legal courses continue to see growth with a large number of A Level Law students at its Sixth Form and Paralegal Apprenticeships providing routes into legal careers. </p><p>The College has exciting plans to offer a brand new Legal Services T Level course for school leavers from September 2024, the first Legal T Level in the region.</p><p>The legal and professional services sector, employs over 65,000 people in the region according to research by the West of England Combined Authority. Recognising the breadth of careers in the sector for learners and the College’s ‘careers not courses’ ethos, the event provided an opportunity to collaborate with employers to showcase careers to learners. Employers including Burges Salmon, Simmons and Simmons, CMS, Foot Anstey, Womble Bond Dickinson, RPC, Irwin Mitchell and VWV attended, meeting students during the event.</p><p>Dave Crew, Head of Business Growth & Employer Partnerships at Weston College said “Thank you to our employer partners for supporting our ‘careers not courses’ ethos. Our region has a large legal sector which is evolving at pace through its use of technology and various pathways for learners to join the sector. This creates exciting career opportunities on our doorstep for learners. It was fantastic to see our students engaging with potential future employers and discovering the breadth of careers available. We’re look forward to collaborating with employers as we create our new Legal Services T Level launching in September 2024.”</p><p>Employers commented on the enthusiastic engagement from College students.</p><p>Lauren Gardener, Early Talent Executive at RPC said “We thoroughly enjoyed connecting with students from Weston College, it was great to meet so many engaged individuals with a genuine passion about working in a law firm. We hope that after sharing our Legal and Claims Handling apprenticeship opportunities, we have inspired the students to continue their pursuit in a career within law."</p><p>Keith Mitchelhill, Early Talent Recruitment Advisor at Womble Bond Dickinson said “It was a pleasure to speak with the students of Weston College, they all came incredibly well prepared and we had some very insightful conversations regarding how to best display their experience and the different routes into law.”</p><p>Harry Keaveney, Legal Apprentice at Burges Salmon said “The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the students was remarkable. This reflects the excellent work that the college is doing to prepare them for their future careers. It’s clear that Weston College is dedicated to creating valuable opportunities for students and we look forward to working with them in the future."</p><p>If you would like to find out more about Weston College's A Level courses, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… click here. </a></p><p>Employers looking to upskill staff through the College’s legal courses or access future talent can contact employers@weston.ac.uk</p>
<p>Learners studying A Level Fashion went on a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum, in Knightsbridge, London last Friday. </p><p>44 learners in total went on the trip, where they had the opportunity to visit an array of exhibitions, including DIVA, which is running until April 2024.</p><p>DIVA celebrates the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining the role of 'diva' and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film.</p><p>There was a spectacular collection of costumers which were worn by icons including Maria Callas, CHER, Rihanna, Elton John and Marilyn Monroe.</p><p>Lecturer in Textiles, Nicola Stent, who ran the trip, said: “At Weston College we are passionate about giving our learners the opportunity to broaden their horizons, which is a critical part of our Career Excellence Hubs.</p><p>“This trip allowed learners to not only expand their knowledge, but also cultivate the skills and maturity necessary for their future endeavours.</p><p>“Witnessing the passion and enthusiasm of our learners, I was deeply impressed by their attitude towards learning. Many exhibited a keen attention to detail, thoroughly engaging with the exhibits and displaying a remarkable level of maturity within the museum setting.</p><p>“The magic of Knightsbridge became a backdrop to the growth and enrichment of our students, and it was truly a pleasure to be part of this transformative journey."</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… you would like to find out more about our A Level Fashion courses, please click here.</a></p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dress%202%20Web_1.png" data-entity-uuid="4fdee783-86d1-4010-b754-562bb9ed5e0e" data-entity-type="file" alt="3 dresses on display at DIVA exhibition" width="300" height="400"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dress%204%20Web%20a_0.png" data-entity-uuid="ba28262b-7ea5-4a52-ab3a-4686b22b3c55" data-entity-type="file" alt="dress on display at DIVA exhibition" width="300" height="400"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dress%205%20Web_1.png" data-entity-uuid="c6a77835-7771-415c-9c98-980ee13997ea" data-entity-type="file" alt="Dress on display in V&A Museum" width="300" height="400"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Students%20by%20dress%201%20Web.png" data-entity-uuid="8c8d591d-17f1-4326-8379-c58466db709d" data-entity-type="file" alt="Students standing by dress at DIVA" width="300" height="400"><p> </p>
<p paraeid="{49de4cae-fe41-44b2-a745-3ccfb0813a53}{187}" paraid="385857061">Recently our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners took part in an exciting exercise hosted by our LibraryPlus team. The class was given an immersive demonstration of the latest virtual reality (VR) technology, opening a gateway to a new dimension of learning. The students, many of whom had never experienced VR before, eagerly donned headsets to explore innovative tools that could one day revolutionise their educational journey. </p><p paraeid="{49de4cae-fe41-44b2-a745-3ccfb0813a53}{205}" paraid="1882773131">Weston College aims to integrate VR into its curriculum, recognising its potential to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The initiative reflects our commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the modern workforce, where technology plays an increasingly vital role. The students enthusiastically embraced this cutting-edge technology. </p><p paraeid="{49de4cae-fe41-44b2-a745-3ccfb0813a53}{233}" paraid="1907290390">The VR experience was a hit with the ESOL learners. Student Mohammed said: “It was amazing! Very different, and a strange feeling but something very new.” Learner Tony particularly enjoyed the experience saying: “I really enjoyed it; it was super fun!” </p><p paraeid="{49de4cae-fe41-44b2-a745-3ccfb0813a53}{251}" paraid="1139757022">ESOL lecturer John said: “It was an amazing immersive experience. Students were able to explore with focus.” </p><p paraeid="{49de4cae-fe41-44b2-a745-3ccfb0813a53}{251}" paraid="1139757022"> </p><drupal-entity alt=""Learner using VR technology"" data-align="center" data-langcode="en" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a0ad876-135c-47dc-8c3f-a3e85fd7e9fe" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_750x750","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity>
