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>Civil Engineers play a critical role in our community; they design and manage construction projects, including roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways.</p>
<p>Civil engineering is also one of the most in demand construction roles in the UK, with demand due to grow by 10% in the next 10 years.</p>
<p>We asked Paul Nethercott from the sustainable civil engineering contractor, <a href="https://griffiths.co.uk/">Alun Griffiths</a>, about life in the industry, to give an insight into a career in civils: “Civil engineering is a rewarding, creative and fun job.</p>
<p>"The projects we undertake are critical to the evolution of humanity and our constant ability to adapt and thrive.</p>
<p>"No day is ever the same, it's a team effort with good pay - and lots of fantastic progression opportunities as there simply aren't enough engineers to go around.</p>
<p>"There are lots of different roles that you can take in civil engineering too, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Design</li>
<li>Surveying</li>
<li>Civil/Site Engineering</li>
<li>Building Control</li>
<li>Buying</li>
<li>Estimating</li>
<li>Planning</li>
<li>Site Technical Support.”</li>
</ul>
<p>You might be wondering how exactly to become a Civil Engineer – well, you’ve come to the right place!</p>
<p>There are several different routes into the industry, which can be chosen if they suit your learning style:</p>
<p><u><strong>Apprenticeships </strong></u></p>
<p>An apprenticeship is a fantastic way of entering the industry, and provides an opportunity to meet local organisations that are wanting to invest in and develop their future workforce.</p>
<p>Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16, so you could be a school leaver, or someone that wants to turn their passion into a career. As an apprentice you will be employed by the company, and complete training at college – you will be expected to work at least 30 hours a week, with the rest of your hours being training.</p>
<p>You can complete apprenticeships at a number of Levels, depending on your experience and skill level. We currently offer two apprenticeships in Civil Engineering, click the course below to find out more:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/construction-m… Engineering Level 3</a> – 36 months</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/construction-m… Engineering Senior Technician Level 4</a> – 12 months</p>
<p>Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you can either further your development by studying the next Level, or go into full-time work.</p>
<p><u><strong>T Levels </strong></u></p>
<p>T Levels are a great way to start your journey into becoming a Civil Engineer.</p>
<p>T Levels are the new ‘Gold Standard’ in technical qualifications and are designed to ensure that learners are more employable – with a mix of classroom based learning and practical experience.</p>
<p>Our two-year <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning</a>, is a Level 3 standard, and can lead on to either a Degree Apprenticeship, or a Degree.</p>
<p>You can also complete other <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… based courses</a>, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… courses </a>or <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… Levels</a>, which can lead you on to one of our <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/subject/engineering-and-construction/">Degree Level courses</a>, taught through University Centre Weston.</p>
<p>Paul Nethercott from Alun Griffiths, also told us about some of the key skills that you will need for working in civil engineering: “The industry is really welcoming to graduates and new starters, but there are certain skills that will really help you to have a long and successful career. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Attention to detail</li>
<li>Being a team player</li>
<li>Possessing problem-solving skills</li>
<li>Being a strong communicator</li>
<li>Punctuality and reliability</li>
<li>Having commercial awareness.”</li>
</ul>
<p>A big thank you to Paul Nethercott.</p>
<p>If you would like to find out more about our courses, join us at our next Open Evening, taking place on the 29th March, across all campuses. <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/march-open-evening-adults-courses-and-sc… here to book your spot</a>.</p>
<p>My name is Leigh-Anne and I am the General Manager for OCS at Bristol Airport, looking after the Airside Coaching and PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) Contracts.</p>
<p>We support customers every day, and we provide as much or as little assistance through the airport journey as passengers require. We aim to make travelling through the airport and onto the aircraft as smooth and stress free as possible.</p>
<p>We are an organisation that is passionate about providing opportunities to people looking to enter the industry, and we have worked closely with Weston College over a number of years to support this agenda.</p>
<p>I have always found Weston College to be approachable and helpful. The staff are always positive and flexible where needed. A great team of people that want the best for their students.</p>
<p>Recently we have started offering industry placements to learners at the college, and we have been really impressed. The learners have all been eager to learn and can help support the operation especially at peak times when lots of staff are required to provide the necessary assistance to passengers.</p>
<p>They were all of such a high standard, that we have offered them paid employment within OCS, which has been fantastic to see. Learners have become Customer Care Agents and also one is a Banks person.</p>
<p>Seeing the learners grow has been a real highlight for me. They have learnt new skills, progressed in so many ways and we have provided them with a stepping-stone into the world of aviation.</p>
<p>Working with Weston College has been a great opportunity to expand our network and create new opportunities for learners and OCS.</p>
<p><em>Leigh-Anne Borkar, General Manager</em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/students/industry-placements-and-work-experien… out more about our industry placement opportunities, by clicking here.</a></p>
<p>Our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism</a> and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; students were fortunate to receive a guest lecture from Lindsey Williams, who is the Head of Sales at Mollie's - a dynamic Motel and Diner that operates in Oxfordshire, Manchester, and Bristol. Recently awarded as the 'Best Budget Hotel' in the Sunday Times Best Places to Stay, Mollie's is currently seeking to expand into new markets, which our learners learned about during the lecture.</p>
<p>Lindsey provided our students with valuable insights into the hospitality industry, sharing her personal journey and experiences working at Mollie's. The Travel and Tourism and Business courses at Weston College cover a broad range of topics, including accommodation and marketing within the industry, and Lindsey shared her practical advice for those seeking to pursue careers in these areas.</p>
<p>Mollie's is an innovative company that is constantly seeking new ways to enhance their services. Our students were privileged to gain a sneak peek into some of the exciting initiatives on the horizon, from Sunday Sleepovers to Staycations.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds?utm_s… can find out more about our courses for 16-19 year olds, by clicking here</a>.</p>
