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>The automotive industry is a vast and exciting field that offers numerous opportunities for individuals who are passionate about cars and have the drive to succeed.</p><p>Five lucky students, from Weston College’s Automotive Career Excellence Hub, have been given the opportunity to gain paid work experience with Weston based company, ATS Euromaster.</p><p>ATS Euromaster offer a wide range of services, to help customers keep their car in peak, roadworthy condition.</p><p>The learners, who are studying Level 2 and Level 3 Motor Vehicle courses, have been impressing throughout staff at Weston College, throughout their studies.</p><p>Subject Area Manager for Automotive at Weston College, Chris Priest, said: “At Weston College we specialise in creating careers, not courses, and this will give our learners superb experience.</p><p>“Our learners are really excited to apply their knowledge that they have gained in their studies to real-world situations and gain practical experience that will help them in their future careers.”</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor… you would like to find out more information about Automotive courses at Weston College, you can click here.</a></p>
<p>This week, Weston College have hosted two events focusing on sustainability; a Community Beach Clean on Monday 24th April and a Sustainability Conference on Thursday 26th April.</p>
<p>Both events’ main aim was to educate those in attendance on the importance of sustainability, through interactivity, guest talks and informative resources.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/community-beach-clean-event">Beach Clean</a> was open to staff and students, but also to members of the community to work towards a cleaner environment. This event was very kindly funded by <a href="https://www.burnhamandwestonenergy.co.uk/">Burnham & Weston Energy</a>, meaning all necessary equipment could be provided to help make this event as accessible as possible! The clean was a huge team effort of volunteers from the college and community, to help with the restoration and preservation of our coastlines, and acting as a fun and engaging way to raise awareness about environmental issues.</p>
<p>Alongside the actual beach clean element of this event, there were also several stands set up in the Tropicana where students and the public could learn more. <a href="https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/">North Somerset Council</a>’s Waste and Recycling team, as well as their Energy team had stands at the <a href="http://tropicanaweston.co.uk/">Tropicana</a>, on hand and ready to inform and engage in meaningful conversations with the community.</p>
<p>Following the theme throughout the week, the Weston College Sustainability Conference took place at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, with learners from the college and UCW, as well as employers in attendance. Burnham & Weston Energy’s Lynda Wookey provided the keynote speech, focused on Community Energy to contribute towards the development of the college’s sustainability strategy for the future.</p>
<p>Employers who work closely with the college also dotted stalls throughout the ballroom, including North Somerset Council, <a href="https://www.chillicharity.org.uk/">Uncle Paul’s Chilli Charity</a> and <a href="https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/">Garden Organic</a>. The stalls, similar to the beach clean, were able to bring interactive games and resources to engage the attendees in learning about environmental issues. Our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</a> learners had their own stall on the Future of Sustainable Transport in Weston, which acted as fantastic experience in interacting with new people and presenting their own ideas.</p>
<p>Following this, the attendees were treated to an insightful Q&A session with panellists including Lynda Wookey (<a href="https://www.burnhamandwestonenergy.co.uk/">Burnham & Weston Energy</a>) Kate Eastment (<a href="https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/">Garden Organic</a>), Joe Tristram (<a href="https://www.cse.org.uk/">Centre for Sustainable Energy</a>), Alexandra Watson (<a href="https://www.michelmores.com/">Michelmores</a>) and Amelia Cruz (<a href="https://www.younity.coop/">Younity</a>), before a student discussion to conclude the event.</p>
<p>Jo Philpott, Vice Principal – Curriculum Delivery & Technical Innovation, commented on the success of the week: “Here at Weston College, we are very committed to our Sustainability and Social Action Framework. This framework, in turn, will help us in building a green, lean and socially responsible culture to create a sustainable and community focused College of the Future.</p>
<p>“Through implementing initiatives such as the Beach Clean and the Conference this week, we are able to engage a huge number of our learners, staff, and the wider community of North Somerset, and play a part in an agile and responsive approach to our community. I am thrilled with the outcome of both events, and look forward to the impact they each have for the future.”</p>
<p paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{167}" paraid="1825612440">Are you a lover of languages, eager to gain a qualification in Spanish? </p>
<p paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{173}" paraid="1619643588">We have some good news! </p>
<p paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{179}" paraid="1724123815">We are extremely pleased to announce that Spanish A Level will soon be introduced into the curriculum at Weston College Sixth Form. </p>
<p paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{185}" paraid="504984657">The new subject will offer students a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of Spanish. </p>
<p paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{193}" paraid="625376439">You will develop confident and effective communication skills in Spanish and a thorough understanding of the social issues, trends and politics as well as artistic culture in the Spanish speaking world. </p>
<p paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{207}" paraid="339270716">This course is part of our Sixth Form <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs?utm_source=main-menu&am…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Career Excellence Hubs</a>, which brings you closer to industry than ever before! You will hear from people within the industry, who will equip you with the latest skills, to enhance your future career opportunities. </p>
<h3 paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{222}" paraid="1574824494"><strong>What does the course involve? </strong></h3>
<p paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{228}" paraid="1237473654">Study subjects include understanding native speakers in spoken and written materials; developing your confidence in self-expression and essay writing and cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking society such as modern-day idols, Spanish regional identity and cultural heritage. </p>
<h3 paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{238}" paraid="963123977"><strong>How will the course be assessed? </strong></h3>
<p paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{244}" paraid="1985987466">Exams in your second year. </p>
<h3 paraeid="{6009faf6-8569-4c03-a985-26d305bf4089}{250}" paraid="1809264456"><strong>What future study opportunities and careers are there? </strong></h3>
<p paraeid="{3e3b3072-ac44-499e-beef-80c9fea54a88}{1}" paraid="1993646587">The ability to speak more than one language is highly valued by many universities and employers and can be combined with a number of subjects, leading to careers such as business, tourism, international law, journalism, media or engineering. </p>
<p paraeid="{3e3b3072-ac44-499e-beef-80c9fea54a88}{11}" paraid="1229100525">More information to follow. </p>
<p paraeid="{3e3b3072-ac44-499e-beef-80c9fea54a88}{17}" paraid="1139262573">To find out more about our Careers Excellence Hubs (CEH), <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs?utm_source=main-menu&am…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">click here</a>. </p>
