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 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Last week our Sixth Form learners got the opportunity to meet their Career Ready mentors. </p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Career Ready is a programme delivered by the social mobility charity, <a href="https://careerready.org.uk/">Career Ready</a>, that is at the heart of a network of educators and employers who believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to kickstart a rewarding future!</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The workshop was hugely successful, with mentors from businesses like <a href="https://www.thatcherscider.co.uk/">Thatchers</a>, <a href="https://abatec.co.uk/">Abatec</a>, <a href="https://www.turnerandtownsend.com/">Turner & Townsend</a>, Epic Beers limited, <a href="https://www.otho.uk/">Otho UK</a>, and <a href="https://westcotts.uk/">Westcotts </a>in attendance.</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Emma Cox, from Thatchers said "Through our nationally recognised Young Talent Programme, Thatchers regularly engage with the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs?utm_source=main-menu&am… Excellence Hubs</a> at Weston College to engage and inspire students. We really enjoyed the session at the Sixth Form and look forward to future activities."</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Mentors delivered interesting talks on their companies and what they do, as well as engaging in 1-1 sessions with their learner mentees to offer advice and guidance on how they can progress post-college.</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Richard, from <a href="https://abatec.co.uk/">Abatec Recruitment</a> told us “It was a pleasure to have been invited to the Career Ready icebreaker and I am looking forward to working with our allocated student over the duration of the course.”</p>
<p>10 of our Sixth Form learners are currently signed up to the programme, with plans to expand to more areas across college like Computer Science and SEND.</p>
<p>Learners had this to say:</p>
<p>"I found it very useful. The group environment when first meeting our mentors was very good as it eased some nervousness. It was well organised and I really enjoyed it as I got to learn the next steps with my mentor."</p>
<p>"My first meeting with my mentor went really well and she was easy to talk to. I hope to be clearer about my career aspirations by the end of the programme."</p>
<p>Career Ready is a fantastic opportunity for our Further Education learners to really invest into their futures and make proactive steps to achieve their hopes and aspirations for their careers!</p>
<p>Thank you to all of the wonderful mentors that attended!</p>
<p>To find out more about the Career Ready Programme, <a href="https://careerready.org.uk/">click here</a>.</p>
<p>To find out more about A Levels, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… here</a>.</p>
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<p>Weston College’s Construction Career Excellence Hub launched BACE Talks this week, which went down very successfully with learners.</p>
<p>The idea, which took inspiration from the very popular online series, TED Talks, allows learners to hear from industry professionals, who share their story and give top tips for the industry.</p>
<p>The first event was headlined by Pete Greene, the Deputy Branch Manager at Bradfords Building Supplies. He shared his personal story, which really connected with the learners, and inspired them.</p>
<p>Richard Hanney, the Subject Area Manager for Construction Trades at Weston College, said: “BACE Talks are a fantastic new initiative, which is bringing our Career Excellence Hub to life.</p>
<p>“We work with a range of fantastic employers, who all have so much knowledge and experience to share with our learners, and we are looking forward to creating this platform which will benefit all involved.</p>
<p>“The team have worked on a fantastic setting for BACE Talks as well, which combines the industry we’re working in with the type of backdrop you would expect to see in a TED Talk.</p>
<p>“We have some excellent guest speakers lined up for the rest of the term, and I know that the learners are just as excited as I am, for what is going to be shared.”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… you’re interested in starting a career in construction, you can find out about our courses for 16-19 year olds by clicking here.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/Free-BACE-courses">Or, if you’re an adult looking to either gain some new skills or change career, please click here.</a></p>
<p>A vibrant public artwork celebrating Weston-super-Mare’s community, and co-created by internationally acclaimed public realm artist Morag Myerscough with local artists and residents, has taken pride of place in the town’s High Street.</p>
<p>‘Super Wonder Shrine’ was officially opened on Friday 9 December at a launch event attended by the artist, community members involved in the project, local councillors and the general public. Alongside speeches, ribbon cutting and live music, there was a ‘pooch parade’ with pet and people portraits, to mark the town’s love of dogs – a central theme that emerged from engagement sessions with the community.</p>
<p>Following Morag Myerscough’s trademark timber-built style, and adorned with bold and colourful patterns and words from the community, Super Wonder Shrine is animating pedestrianised space on the corner of the High Street and Regent Street, an area known locally as Big Lamp Corner.</p>
<p>This is part of ‘21st Century super Shrines’, a pioneering heritage project launched in May 2021 that is managed by Culture Weston. It is part of a four-year High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) cultural programme, funded by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.</p>
<p>There are plans to develop a curated programme of free, outdoor ‘happenings’ presented by Culture Weston at the temporary Shrine in the months ahead. These will include music, spoken word and art, alongside a regular people’s platform of community activities.</p>
<p>The project is the culmination of months of community collaboration and activity led locally by visual artist and social maker Megan Clark-Bagnall, through which Morag Myerscough engaged with local people in a series of public sessions. From online discussion forums to in-person workshops, a creatively led exploration of what makes Weston town special resulted in an array of vibrant patterns, warm sentiments and a love of dogs!</p>
<p>The final painting and pattern application of the structure was undertaken by local creatives, together with over 45 students from Weston College with hands-on guidance from Morag Myerscough in what was a genuine skills and community-building process.</p>
<p>Crafted and built by Weston-based master joiner Simon Birtwistle and local maker Shelley Jane, the temporary bandstand shaped structure was constructed from sustainably sourced timber approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and features sheltered seating, a small performance area, words of wonder from local people and an interior roof that bursts with dog names, including Morag’s dog ‘Elvis’. The exterior roof tiles give new life to a recycled dance floor.</p>
<p>Morag Myerscough said: “I have enjoyed every moment of this project. Weston-super-Mare community are incredible and work so closely together with a true sense of belonging, fun and joy. I am grateful to have been invited in and to be able to co-create the ’Super Wonder Shrine' with such an amazing group of humans.”</p>
<p>The project has also created a new YouTube series of ‘Chip Chat’ conversations led by Megan Clark-Bagnall and featuring Morag Myerscough chatting about culture over chips.</p>
<p>Fiona Matthews, creative director at Culture Weston, said: “Involving over 100 community members of all ages in its design and fabrication, this project has radiated joy from first workshop to final polka dot! Morag Myerscough’s fantastic vision stems from working with local communities to co-create artistic landmarks that instill a sense of belonging. The project has also importantly provided employment opportunities for the town’s creatives and offered an unforgettable educational experience to Weston College students.</p>
<p>“Super Wonder Shrine is a multi-faceted and vibrant testament to Weston’s energy and positivity right at the heart of the high street.”</p>
<p>Ellen Harrison, Head of Public Programming at Historic England, said: “The Super Wonder Shrine is a brilliant new landmark in the heart of Weston and a wonderful example of the role culture and creativity play in the regeneration of our high streets. It’ll be the focal point for inspiring events in the coming months and bring even more colour and character to the historic town centre.”</p>
<p>‘Super Wonder Shrine’ has brought together support from local and national organisations, including Weston College, Cuppa Architects, the Sovereign for providing the painting space, YesColours for supplying eco-friendly paints, Faithful+Gould for Construction, Design and Management consultancy, Hydrock for structural engineering support, plus donations from Burges Salmon, Alun Griffiths and Kier.</p>
