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 lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b08fd696-7373-45d9-9495-eea16767ac19}{92}" paraid="319147216" xml:lang="EN-GB">Local attractions have teamed up with respected local music producers and artists to bring a night of entertainment and competition to our seaside town this June. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{4d5513ac-8cf5-4cdf-86d3-bc9f1c56e88f}{35}" paraid="147456716" xml:lang="EN-GB">Summerfest, a one-night event curated by the Lipinski Brothers in collaboration with the Pier, is set to take place in Weston-super-Mare on Saturday June 30th. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{1a60fcbc-6c3c-4dc8-b7e0-e6f97fc9c7ff}{34}" paraid="1396955009" xml:lang="EN-GB">The spectacular show is expected to draw a crowd of two thousand paying customers, and will feature a selection of well-known local performers, including Senna Weeks. Senna, a former FE learner, has performed alongside many high-end professional Blues artists such as Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0e23037e-d485-4bd1-8877-052fc8d78fd0}{96}" paraid="1744643063" xml:lang="EN-GB">As well as the live acts, Summerfest will also include a competition open to Weston College learners. Participating acts must perform two live tracks to a respected panel of local guests, who will review the performance and critique it. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0e23037e-d485-4bd1-8877-052fc8d78fd0}{120}" paraid="2004163860" xml:lang="EN-GB">The successful act will be awarded the opening slot at the prestigious event, as well as a cash prize. Organising the competition, alongside the Lipinski Brothers, is Weston College’s Music Instructor and Technician, Oz. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{72b26892-1ba7-4e32-bb80-e0cfbcfe9b80}{169}" paraid="844507997" xml:lang="EN-GB">Oz told us “This is a great opportunity for our Music learners. The Music Industry is notoriously tough to break into, so having the chance to audition in front of the panel is an invaluable experience. As well as the technical and performance skills, learners will also develop their resilience and determination – crucial transferrable life skills, which will support them in future ventures.” </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{72b26892-1ba7-4e32-bb80-e0cfbcfe9b80}{237}" paraid="1763059597" xml:lang="EN-GB">Summerfest promises to be a highlight event of Weston-super-Mare’s summer season. Lipinski will be headlining centre stage this year at the Grand Pier, supported by a host of wonderfully talented musicians throughout a fun-filled evening of entertainment. With the opportunity for local learners to also take part in the festivities, this truly is an event not to be missed. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0ddcf363-fc82-4dba-ba18-196d3c69d5b7}{105}" paraid="1582794661" xml:lang="EN-GB">Tickets are on sale <a href="https://www.grandpier.co.uk/whatson/summerfest23/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a> now, so be sure to get yours soon and guarantee yourself a place at this exciting event. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{1a60fcbc-6c3c-4dc8-b7e0-e6f97fc9c7ff}{85}" paraid="1725762862" xml:lang="EN-GB">To find out more about Music at Weston College, click <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/music…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>It’s our T Level Takeover Week! To kick things off, we thought we would take a look into the top 5 reasons why you should consider studying T Levels!</p>
<p>If you’re not sure what T Levels are, they are innovative courses designed to bridge the gap between academic and vocational education, and they will offer you a practical and industry-focused learning experience.</p>
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<p>Here are our top 5 reasons to study T Levels:</p>
<p><strong>1. They are a Direct Pathway to Employment</strong></p>
<p>One of the most significant advantages of pursuing T Levels is the direct pathway they offer to employment. T Levels are designed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring that the skills and knowledge acquired during the course align with the demands of the job market. By studying a T Level, you gain valuable practical experience and expertise in a specific industry sector, making you highly employable upon completion. Employers often value T Level qualifications due to their practical nature, making them a great choice for individuals seeking immediate career opportunities.</p>
<p><strong>2. Extensive Industry Placement Opportunities</strong></p>
<p>T Levels provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain real-world work experience through industry placements. These placements, lasting for a minimum of 315 hours, allow you to apply the skills and knowledge you've learned in the classroom to a professional setting. These hands-on experiences enable you to develop a deeper understanding of the industry, establish valuable connections, and enhance your employability. Industry placements also help you make informed decisions about your future career path, allowing you to explore different roles and industries before committing to a specific job.</p>
<p>We work with some amazing local employers that offer T Level learners placements too, from Hydrock to Suez – they are a fantastic way of developing your skills and CV, ready for your career.</p>
<p><strong>3. Higher Education Progression</strong></p>
<p>While T Levels are a fantastic option for students seeking direct entry into the workforce, they also provide a pathway to higher education. T Level qualifications are recognised by universities, and many institutions offer specific progression routes for T Level students. By completing a T Level, you can accumulate UCAS points, making you eligible for higher education courses. Whether you choose to pursue a degree related to your T Level or explore other fields, T Levels serve as a solid foundation, equipping you with practical skills and knowledge that can greatly enhance your university studies – especially if you are looking at degree apprenticeships.</p>
<p><strong>4. Enhanced Career Prospects</strong></p>
<p>In today's competitive job market, having a qualification that sets you apart is crucial. T Levels offer a unique opportunity to gain industry-recognised skills and qualifications, setting you up for long-term career success. Employers value the practical skills developed through T Levels, as they demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. With T Levels in your arsenal, you'll have a competitive edge over others in the job market, opening doors to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.</p>
<p><strong>5. Personal and Professional Development</strong></p>
<p>Studying T Levels not only equips you with practical skills but also fosters personal and professional development. T Level courses are designed to nurture transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. These skills are highly sought after in today's dynamic work environments, and T Levels provide an excellent platform to develop and showcase them. Moreover, T Levels instill confidence, independence, and a strong work ethic, preparing you to thrive in your chosen career and face the challenges of the ever-evolving job market.</p>
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<p>T Levels offer a refreshing and effective alternative to traditional academic pathways, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the workplace. Whether you're eager to jumpstart your career, gain valuable work experience, or progress to higher education, T Levels provide a versatile and future-ready qualification.</p>
<p>By choosing to study T Levels, you open the doors to a world of opportunities, enhancing your employability and setting the stage for a fulfilling and prosperous professional journey.</p>
<p>Embrace the chance to build practical skills, gain industry recognition, and be prepared for the demands of the modern workforce with T Levels.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… out more about our available T Levels, by clicking here.</a></p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{11748385-d7d6-4c4f-9063-5dc225e543e9}{63}" paraid="983586981" xml:lang="EN-GB">Weston College learners have returned triumphant after a successful day at the <a href="https://www.young-enterprise.org.uk/">Young Enterprise</a> Awards. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{11748385-d7d6-4c4f-9063-5dc225e543e9}{158}" paraid="1965349881" xml:lang="EN-GB">This month, some of our fantastic Sixth Form learners attended the Young Enterprise Awards. One of our teams, ‘Crystals on a String’, secured an impressive three achievements, including the prestigious Award for Best Customer Service. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{c2d8e61a-5021-417f-83e8-5c4dbc23b11f}{52}" paraid="820056269" xml:lang="EN-GB">All our learners worked incredibly hard throughout the competition to deliver carefully crafted presentations to a large audience. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9eade6b4-9f6c-4db2-a2ab-119f88f57b73}{192}" paraid="1189214915" xml:lang="EN-GB">We would like to give a special mention to Economics Lecturer, Aaron Wilson, who lead the team through the competition. His expertise, perseverance, and mentorship of the learners throughout the process ensured their success on the day. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{839f3f9b-2306-4424-a1d0-5f64755ee1c9}{199}" paraid="100209216" xml:lang="EN-GB">We are so proud of our learners for what they have achieved. This experience has been invaluable for all teams taking part, and it is a great example of where hard work and dedication can get you. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b897876d-0223-4df0-8774-b3a3a6442510}{28}" paraid="1582794661" xml:lang="EN-GB">Congratulations to ‘Crystals on a String’ and the rest of our participating students on their well-deserved success. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b897876d-0223-4df0-8774-b3a3a6442510}{216}" paraid="1836860748" xml:lang="EN-GB">To find out more about opportunities at our Sixth Form, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… here</a>. </p>
