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 paraeid="{0fd146e8-4a02-4bc4-942a-61f0217f7234}{189}" paraid="793730016">Wez is a talented makeup artist and esteemed alumnus of Weston College. Graduating from his studies in Hair, Makeup & SFX for TV and Film in 2020, Wez has since achieved an outstanding career in the industry, making waves with his creativity and skills. Most notably, he recently appeared on season 5 of the hit TV show "<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p071fs3c/glow-up-britains-next-m… Up</a>," where makeup professionals compete for the prestigious title of ‘Britain's Next Make-Up Star’. We recently caught up with Wez to discuss his journey, experiences, and advice for aspiring makeup artists. </p>
<p paraeid="{0fd146e8-4a02-4bc4-942a-61f0217f7234}{247}" paraid="773236579">Reflecting on his experience on "Glow Up," Wez describes it as one of the most amazing experiences of his life. Competing with incredibly talented individuals from all over the UK pushed his creativity to new heights. While many people expected glam makeup from him, Wez seized the opportunity to showcase his versatility and explore different creative aspects. “Working under pressure was a constant challenge” Wez told us, “both in terms of the competition itself and the need to remain professional and positively represent myself to industry experts.” </p>
<p paraeid="{287b72e9-00d2-42d6-969e-db5f45f6060e}{36}" paraid="1657984421">Wez went on to tell us "my time at Weston College definitely helped prepare me for what it’s like to work in this very competitive industry. My course and teachers taught me how to be professional when working on a client or a model. This knowledge allowed me to understand what I needed to have in my kit as a freelance MUA and how to keep it sanitised, organised and clean. It taught me about the anatomy of the face, colour theory, skin types, tones and textures, as well as how to apply prosthetics to a professional level. Not forgetting the most important thing of them all, time management. All of these skills translated heavily into the competition as these are the simple expectations of what it is to be a good makeup artist.” </p>
<p paraeid="{287b72e9-00d2-42d6-969e-db5f45f6060e}{80}" paraid="367392922"> </p>
<p>The Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Councillor Ciaran Cronnelly, visited South West Skills Campus this morning to greet and give well wishes to the brand-new learners in for their Welcome Day!</p>
<p>His presence at the college symbolised the town's commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive educational environment for its students.</p>
<p>The Welcome Day gave the new learners the opportunity to meet their classmates, their teachers, and see the facilities ahead of their start date in September. Subject areas including Engineering, Motor Vehicle, Construction and more held a series of activities for the learners, to engage them in the topics and give a taste of what’s to come.</p>
<p>Following a short introduction from Richard Hanney, the Head of Construction, the Mayor spoke to the learners about the opportunities that lie ahead while studying at Weston College, the benefits of working in the Construction, Engineering or Motor Vehicle industry, and how he got to where he is now since his college days.</p>
<p>He was then given a tour of the fantastic facilities throughout South West Skills Campus, and immersed himself in the activities taking place, engaging with the learners as he made his way round the campus.</p>
<p>Richard Hanney told us after: “We were so grateful the Mayor could take the time out of his busy schedule to visit us on Welcome Day. His words were very inspiring, and his presence was very much appreciated on such an important day. We look forward to seeing the learners begin their courses in September, and having the Mayor at the college again in the future!”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… out about our Construction courses, here.</a></p>
<p>The service sectors faculty recently held their end of year celebration in the Knightstone Bistro at Weston College, to award the achievements of learners’ outstanding performance and dedication throughout the academic year.</p>
<p>The Service Sector Department at Weston College encompasses a diverse range of courses, including <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… & Hospitality,</a> <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… & Early Years</a>, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… </a>& <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;. These programs aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the dynamic and ever-expanding service industry.</p>
<p>Over 160 learners attended the event in support of their peers and the event was hosted by Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, who praised the students for their unwavering commitment and perseverance. She emphasized the importance of their chosen fields and highlighted the immense opportunities awaiting them in the service sector.</p>
<p>Each of the four subject areas presented the ‘Employer of the Year’, ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and ‘Learner of the Year’ award, based on nominations from teachers and peers across the faculty. Reasons for nominations and winners ranged from exemplary academic performance, strong work ethic, leadership skills, and contributions to their courses.</p>
<p>The winners were:</p>
<p><strong>Digital Employer Nomination</strong>- Maple from SenseIT</p>
<p><strong>Digital Apprentice of the year</strong>- Rion</p>
<p><strong>Digital Full-time learner of the year</strong> – Luke</p>
<p><strong>Hair and Beauty Employer Nomination</strong>- Ellie from Aesthetica</p>
<p><strong>Hair and Beauty Apprentice of the year</strong>- Kate</p>
<p><strong>Hair and Beauty Full-time learner of the year</strong> – Kiera</p>
<p><strong>Education and Early Years Employer Nomination</strong>- Ruby from Little Bears</p>
<p><strong>Education and Early Years Apprentice of the year</strong>- Amy</p>
<p><strong>Education and Early Years Full-time learner of the year</strong> – Callie</p>
<p><strong>Hospitality Employer Nomination</strong>- Anthony from The Rising Sun</p>
<p><strong>Hospitality Apprentice of the year</strong>- Owen</p>
<p><strong>Hospitality Full-time learner of the year</strong> – Sophie</p>
<p>Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, commented on the success of the event: “I am so proud of all the learners and their achievements from the past year. It has been an absolute pleasure watching everyone develop their skills in their chosen industry, and I cannot wait to see what they go on to achieve following their time at the college.”</p>
<p>The end-of-year celebration at Weston College's Service Sector Department not only recognized the exceptional achievements of its students but also served as a reminder of the college's commitment to nurturing talent and preparing individuals for success in their chosen fields. The event left everyone inspired and eager to embark on their professional journeys, armed with the knowledge and recognition they had gained during their time at Weston College.</p>
