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>We caught up with ESOL learner Mohammed, to share his story and ask him about the impact that the course has had on him.</p>
<p>"When I first moved to England, I couldn’t really speak much English, with Arabic being my first language. However, my desire to learn the English language brought me to Weston College, where I could learn, grow, and connect with the community and people from diverse backgrounds.</p>
<p>"The ESOL course at Weston College has really supported me. It has provided me with the tools and resources to improve my English skills. The classes are well-structured, and the teachers are dedicated to helping students succeed.</p>
<p>"We have a lot of fun in college, and I always look forward to coming to class.</p>
<p>"One of the best bits is the great trips we go on. We have done several different things and experienced different industries to help me pick the right course after this one – we even went to the police station.</p>
<p>"The teachers at Weston College are incredible. They are not only knowledgeable and skilled, but they teach everything in an easy and understandable way. They are super helpful too, even with things outside of college.</p>
<p>"This course has helped me to build my skills and grow my confidence with speaking English too. In September I want to start my career in marketing and will be looking for an apprenticeship.</p>
<p>"If English isn’t your first language, and you want to improve, then I think you should definitely study this course. It is a great course and has been the best choice for me to settle into the community and offer my skills to an employer."</p>
<p><em>Mohammed, ESOL Learner</em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/english-maths-… you would like to find out about our ESOL course, or apply for the course, click here.</a><em> </em></p>
<p>AICO, the European market leader in home safety, came to Weston College recently to deliver industry Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training to our apprentices and full-time learners in electrical. The CPD training session delivered by Peter Price-Higgott at Weston College was met with enthusiasm from learners, who were eager to learn more.</p>
<p>The interactive presentation showcased AICO's range of home safety products, highlighting their advanced features and functionality. Through practical demonstrations and informative discussions, our learners gained valuable insights into integrating these devices effectively into electrical systems.</p>
<p>Alex Jackson, Electrical Lecturer at Weston College, said: “It was great to welcome Peter to South West Skills Campus, who delivered a fantastic session for our learners.</p>
<p>“Our learners relished the opportunity of hearing from an industry leader, gaining insights into real-world applications of safety products and solutions. This exposure to cutting-edge technology and best practices has enhanced their skills and improved employability prospects.</p>
<p>“Working in partnership with local and national companies is a key part of the student journey at Weston College, and we look forward to working closely with AICO over the coming months.”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/i-wan… out more about our Electrical courses, by clicking here.</a></p>
<p>A group of talented learners have achieved a national qualification for the prestigious <a href="https://www.worldskillsuk.org/">WorldSkills Competition</a> in the digital category. This remarkable accomplishment showcases the College's dedication to nurturing exceptional talent and preparing students for the dynamic and competitive digital landscape.</p><p>WorldSkills is the largest international skills competition, bringing together young professionals from around the world to showcase their expertise in various vocational fields. The digital category encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including web development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and software engineering. Competitors are judged based on their technical skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and their capacity to deliver high-quality results under pressure.</p><p>Weston College's learners have demonstrated their exceptional aptitude and proficiency in the digital field. Their outstanding performance in rigorous competitions and assessments has qualified them to represent both the College and their country at the esteemed WorldSkills Competition, where they will compete against the best young talents from across the globe.</p><p>Jason Hill, the Subject Area Manager for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;, expressed his immense pride in the learners' achievements, stating, "The qualification of our learners for the WorldSkills Competition in the digital category is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the exceptional guidance provided by our talented faculty. Weston College is committed to equipping our learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen careers, and this achievement is a validation of our educational approach."</p><p>Participation in the WorldSkills Competition presents learners with a unique opportunity to showcase their abilities on an international stage, gain valuable experience, and network with industry professionals and experts. It offers a platform for learners to enhance their skills, broaden their horizons, and raise awareness of the excellence fostered at Weston College.</p><p>The learners' success also reflects the College's commitment to staying at the forefront of digital education, ensuring that its curriculum aligns with industry demands and evolving technologies. By providing learners with access to state-of-the-art facilities, industry-standard tools, and expert guidance, Weston College empowers its students to thrive in the digital age and make meaningful contributions to the global workforce.</p>
