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>Yesterday, a group of dedicated ESOL learners gathered in the Weston College kitchens, to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments with a delightful cooking session.</p>
<p>The event, organised by their tutor, provided a fun and interactive experience for the students after their exams and a year of dedicated study.</p>
<p>The cooking session served as a platform for the students to share their culinary expertise, representing the diverse cultures and cuisines from where they come from.</p>
<p>Their tutor, Liam O’Callaghan, said: "We wanted to do something fun for the students after their exams and a long year of working so hard.</p>
<p>"They're always talking about their food from their respective countries, and although the class is very close, we've never actually broken bread together. So, we thought it would be a good chance for them to showcase their talents and strengthen our bonds as a class.</p>
<p>"We're always looking for things that empower our learners and put them in the driving seat in terms of knowing what to do and how to do it. Cooking is another way of doing that.”</p>
<p>Throughout the term, the learners had been working on various language skills related to food and cooking. They explored vocabulary such as names of foods, adjectives to describe flavours, cooking verbs, and quantifiers.</p>
<p>Liam added: “Combining their linguistic prowess with their culinary expertise, the students created a cookbook as a testament to their hard work. It is worth noting that English is the second, third, or even fifth language for some of these learners, making their achievements all the more remarkable.</p>
<p>“As unaccompanied refugees, the learners possess few sentimental souvenirs. To commemorate the day and strengthen their bonds further, a section was dedicated in the cookbook for each student to sign for one another. This heartfelt gesture served as a meaningful reminder of the friendships formed and the support they have received throughout their journey.”</p>
<p>The cooking session not only showcased the students' talent and cultural diversity but also fostered a sense of camaraderie within the class.</p>
<p>It exemplified the inclusive and supportive environment fostered by the ESOL program, highlighting the transformative power of education and the value of celebrating achievements collectively.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/english-maths-… more information about the ESOL programme, click here. </a></p>
<p>In a heart-warming gesture, Level 2 Hair and Beauty learners provided a range of mini treatments for the dedicated NHS staff at the Wellbeing Centre in <a href="https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/">Weston Hospital</a>.</p>
<p>The learners wanted to express their gratitude for the workers’ tireless efforts and provide a well-deserved moment of relaxation and pampering.</p>
<p>The Wellbeing Centre at Weston Hospital has been the perfect spot for NHS staff to unwind, de-stress, and recharge. Recognizing the immense dedication and selflessness exhibited by healthcare professionals, the hair and beauty learners wanted to contribute to their wellbeing by providing a series of indulgent treatments.</p>
<p>Under the guidance of skilled instructors, the learners skilfully carried out an array of mini treatments, including hand massages, file and polish services, and expertly applied makeup. These treatments were specifically designed to uplift the spirits of NHS staff and give them a much-needed respite from their demanding roles on the front lines.</p>
<p>The event was a resounding success, with NHS staff members expressing their gratitude for the thoughtful initiative. Many shared that the experience not only helped them relax but also boosted their morale, reminding them of the unwavering support they receive from their local community.</p>
<p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Divisional Lead of Service Sectors, expressed her pride in the learners' dedication and commitment to making a positive impact. She stated, "Our learners were thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the incredible NHS staff who have been working tirelessly to keep us safe. This event allowed them to showcase their skills and demonstrate the power of beauty and self-care in promoting overall well-being."</p>
<p>Jodie Alden, HR and Management Assistant at Weston Hospital, commented: “It was a real treat to have the beauty students join Weston General Hospital to provide mini hand treatments and make-up. I opted for the hand massage, which was excellent, but all of the treatments looked fantastic! It was lovely to see the Hospital staff taking time to relax and chatting away with all of the students.”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut… you would like to find out about Beauty Therapy courses, click here!</a></p>
<p>My name is Sam Matthews and I’m an Accounts manager at Brooking Ruse. My role consists of running my own client portfolio which includes a wide range of businesses, as well as assisting the directors with their more complex clients. I also line manage our accounting apprentices.<img alt="Sam smiling at camera outside" data-align="right" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64556280-0558-4b5d-904d-b43fee6ab2c9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sam%20Smaller.jpg" /></p>
<p>I decided to become an accountant during my second year at university. I had visited Brooking Ruse on work experience whilst at school, which evolved into some paid seasonal work during the summer holidays – so it was a no-brainer when I was offered a graduate trainee role.</p>
<p>Accountancy involves a lot of maths, and this wasn’t something that I was initially interested in, or considered pursuing until I sat my GCSESs when I surprised myself with good grades! My interest in maths certainly developed over time after that.</p>
<p>Being an accountant is challenging but rewarding.</p>
<p>Becoming an accountant gives you access to a wide range of industry sectors and job roles. I knew that if I didn’t enjoy working in general practice then I could look to move into industry as a management accountant. I could also have chosen to specialise within a particular area such as audit, tax, or insolvency, etc.</p>
<p>Once you’ve done your bit it’s then time to communicate with the client. This can be a great opportunity to build professional relationships and meet people you’d have otherwise never met.</p>
<p>There are lots of great things about the job – I really enjoy meeting with clients to understand their goals and working with them to ensure they’re achieved. I’ve taken on a couple of clients recently who found themselves in a spot of bother – seeing the relief on their faces when the matters were resolved was a great feeling.</p>
<p>If you’re thinking of becoming an accountant, my advice is to go for it!</p>
<p>Accountancy qualifications are a passport to anywhere – every business needs someone financially-minded so there are infinite possibilities.</p>
<p>I also think there’s a myth that you need A Level or degree standard maths skills; you really don’t. What’s more important is being able to approach problems with logical and structured thinking…. our calculators do the sums for us!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… like Sam you’d like to become an accountant, you can start your journey with our T Level in accountancy, click here to find out more.</a></p>
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