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="{10745b3a-0a68-44e3-baab-b1aee9933597}{186}" paraid="1136364232" xml:lang="EN-GB">We LOVE hearing about the amazing journeys to success from our past students. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{437ddd1f-fc87-4bea-a0a3-455dfc0d000b}{53}" paraid="1688210779" xml:lang="EN-GB">We recently caught up with <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… 3 Health and Social Care</a> alumni Josh Bell, who has had an incredible journey so far. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{2a83cf71-7a5e-49d3-8ccb-2e8ff49a4a46}{219}" paraid="1139322914" xml:lang="EN-GB">Since being at Weston College, Josh previously worked in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) & Sleep Service at Bristol Royal Hospital For Children. Now studying for his degree, Josh is now working for University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) as a Nursing Assistant and Healthcare Assistant in Portsmouth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{07d88b34-fbe1-428f-8b69-7f3724b34ee4}{235}" paraid="1245549110" xml:lang="EN-GB">As well as gaining this fantastic wealth of knowledge and experience from these roles, Josh also received an <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/nhs-parliamentary-awards/">NHS Parliamentary Award</a> and was named “The NHS Rising Star”, South West Regional Champion! </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{99fab765-b31f-4a31-b170-5057c7e2f0c3}{92}" paraid="293150060" xml:lang="EN-GB">Ahead of their clinical placements, Josh recently visited the <a href="www.weston.ac.uk/HALSC">Health and Active Living Skills Centre</a> to teach current Level 2 & 3 learners about Sepsis as a volunteer for UK charity: <a href="http://sepsistrust.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Sepsis Trust.</a></p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{6897235e-6e90-441e-a560-313e935060ba}{77}" paraid="435053839" xml:lang="EN-GB">Josh commented: “Sepsis (also known as blood poisoning) is the immune system’s overreaction to an infection or injury. Having an understanding of Sepsis and its symptoms is paramount when spotting the first signs which can lead to early detection, intervention and treatment. Asking the question ‘Just Ask Could It Be Sepsis?’ does save lives and getting that message out there in the community is essential.” </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{21ef5a42-6cd9-4fed-b155-38a1a678d14e}{50}" paraid="684225991" xml:lang="EN-GB">The class covered the signs and symptoms and treatment of Sepsis, practiced clinical skills, including taking Manual Blood Pressures and completed a NEWS2 (National Early Warning Score 2). </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{21ef5a42-6cd9-4fed-b155-38a1a678d14e}{50}" paraid="684225991" xml:lang="EN-GB">Guest lectures such as this are one of the career-boosting benefits that stem from the college’s newly formed <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Health and Social Care Career Excellence Hub</a>. These innovative subject specific hubs allow for students at Weston College to have access to exclusive opportunities. Endorsed by industry, such as UHBW, this enables for better integration with the sector to make sure class content is relative and opens doors for learners so they leave college with more than just a qualification.</p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{45329dc3-3706-4f53-b94b-aa0eb21347ec}{227}" paraid="561531486" xml:lang="EN-GB">Josh continued: “I was delighted at the welcome I had back into the college, and I was very impressed with a particular I class I taught! Sarah-Jane, who was my previous Health & Social Care Lecturer, was great and I am so pleased that the students are still learning Health and Social Care as it’s one of the best careers to be part of! </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{0270525f-5bce-424e-9136-c0275d49c3a9}{58}" paraid="1033781115" xml:lang="EN-GB">I thought the new facilities were fantastic. It's great to see that current students have an area to study and practice clinical skills which can highly relate to a clinical environment within a hospital or an acute setting, which is paramount for essential clinical learning!” </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{beec264b-60be-4c2b-b27f-44cf375e1de9}{194}" paraid="1434393607" xml:lang="EN-GB">Josh is currently studying a Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) Degree Course at the University of Portsmouth. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{2f64a0f2-d136-4d30-b2f5-43934926a09a}{48}" paraid="476451793" xml:lang="EN-GB">“I am loving my Paramedic Science BSc (Hons) Degree Course at the University, I have always been inspired to work in the NHS, but especially to become a Paramedic. The best part of the course so far is our clinical placements where we are based in an Ambulance Station and working with Paramedics out on the road to get experience and learning on the job!” </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{e2c141f5-49e7-4550-a45b-c9839a2cc446}{194}" paraid="1934806350" xml:lang="EN-GB">Moving forward, Josh is hoping to go on to do a Critical Care Masters degree in the future, aiming to one day work for the Air Ambulance or specialising in Critical / Acute Care. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{e2c141f5-49e7-4550-a45b-c9839a2cc446}{188}" paraid="1936139474" xml:lang="EN-GB">On Saturday 11th June 2022, he will be taking part in the Great North Swim to raise funds for The UK’s Sepsis Trust. The Great North Swim is the largest open water swimming event in the UK. Held in the stunning surroundings of Lake Windermere, England's largest lake at 10.5 miles long (17km), stretching from Ambleside in the North to Newby Bridge in the South. Click here to learn more. </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{e2c141f5-49e7-4550-a45b-c9839a2cc446}{188}" paraid="1936139474" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{e2c141f5-49e7-4550-a45b-c9839a2cc446}{188}" paraid="1936139474" xml:lang="EN-GB">We'd like to say a huge thank-you to Josh for returning to the College to pass on his knowledge - An incredibly bright future ahead for this young professional!</p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5383cb87-5f1d-40a8-ac1d-f2153862b334}{73}" paraid="1983197997" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5383cb87-5f1d-40a8-ac1d-f2153862b334}{73}" paraid="1983197997" xml:lang="EN-GB"><strong>Click to find out more on:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5383cb87-5f1d-40a8-ac1d-f2153862b334}{73}" paraid="1983197997" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/healt… and Social Care College courses</a></li>
<li lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5383cb87-5f1d-40a8-ac1d-f2153862b334}{73}" paraid="1983197997" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/health-and-social-care-practice-fdsc/">He… and Social Care degree course</a></li>
<li lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5383cb87-5f1d-40a8-ac1d-f2153862b334}{73}" paraid="1983197997" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-01/84501_Weston%20Col… and Social Care Career Excellence Hub</a></li>
<li lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{5383cb87-5f1d-40a8-ac1d-f2153862b334}{73}" paraid="1983197997" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://sepsistrust.org/">UK Sepsis Trust</a></li>
</ul>
<p>As part of their module around documentaries, 1st year Photography students at UCW have published their own magazine!</p>
<p>The documentary and editorial magazine titled “The Unfamiliar” features work from nine degree students studying Photography and Visual Cultures, BA (Hons)</p>
<p>Students were tasked with focusing on photographing something which may feel unfamiliar. This could be different angles of something seen everyday or a completely unfamiliar subject which may not be represented or seen often. Once photographed, each student was given complete creative freedom to design a double page spread using Adobe inDesign.</p>
<p>Zoe Harris, whose work features as the front cover of the magazine, visited Lacock Abbey to capture old windows in historic buildings; creating a link between the old and the new by applying modern day photography skills.</p>
<p>Zoe added: “Photography lets you show others how you see the world. You may photograph something which everyone else might think is ugly or boring, but end up taking the most beautiful photo in the world – it’s about the way you look at things.</p>
<p>“I recommend this degree course because almost every brief we have had so far has been so interesting. We get a lot of freedom with the kind of photos we take, combined with the guidance from lecturers to know what to do.</p>
<p>“Working on this magazine has been a really fun project!”</p>
<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-02/Final%202022%20Edi… here to see the online version of the magazine</a></p>
<p>Click here to read more about our Photography degree: <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/photography-and-visual-cultures-ba-hons/"… and Visual Cultures, BA (Hons)</a></p>
<p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3a859296-bbd8-47a1-8827-479f742450cc}{123}" paraid="2098962334" xml:lang="EN-GB">Level 3 Automotive apprentice Luke Merchant has been recognised with an award from the Institute of Motors Industry</p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{3a859296-bbd8-47a1-8827-479f742450cc}{123}" paraid="2098962334" xml:lang="EN-GB">(IMI) for his outstanding success as a WorldSkills Silver Medallist as he now accelerates into his career working as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes! </p><drupal-entity alt=""Luke Merchant motor vehicle apprentice with award"" data-align="right" data-langcode="en" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97bf7b57-b25b-4007-85e7-a0942fa7e855" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":""}"> </drupal-entity><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{9b187397-97b1-478e-8532-22a485128119}{72}" paraid="1208974252" xml:lang="EN-GB">WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education, and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’. Over 3,000 learners registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021. Luke was awarded the prestigious silver medal at the 2021 automotive technologies finals where he has to compete as one of the top learners in the country. </p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{147}" paraid="632116090" xml:lang="EN-GB">After Luke finished his apprenticeship, he then went on to work as a Vehicle Technician at Mercedes Benz, Weston-Super-Mare where he continues his career in automotive technology. </p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{232}" paraid="1715772793" xml:lang="EN-GB">Luke states: "Working for Mercedes has been great so far. I am really enjoying getting to know all their systems and processes. </p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b5bfa74a-dd01-4c35-8cb9-6d397b51fbf2}{105}" paraid="482070947" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Winning the silver medal at WorldSkills and my time at Weston College has helped me massively. I'm now more confident in myself and always trying my best to develop and grow my skills." </p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{80}" paraid="2092104593" xml:lang="EN-GB">Steve Harvey, Head of Business at Mercedes Sytner comments: "Since joining the team here at Mercedes Benz W-s-M, Luke has been doing a fantastic job! </p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{229a9fec-0eed-4076-ac0c-e3c9582474b4}{102}" paraid="1159978829" xml:lang="EN-GB">Firstly, working alongside an experienced Mercedes-Benz technician, so he could understand how the workshop work flows, regarding health and safety, use of the diagnostic equipment and of course meeting the rest of the team. Luke has also got involved with looking at all process’s which are involved when working on our customers cars.” </p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{136}" paraid="654450139" xml:lang="EN-GB">Steve continues: "Luke is now working on his own, and we are really pleased with the progress he is making. At present with all the new product coming through from new electric to diesel and petrol and of course the awesome AMG range, it is an exciting time to be joining Mercedes-Benz and the Sytner Group! </p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{85bb760a-469c-44e0-94a9-1b461a6001a1}{194}" paraid="972418085" xml:lang="EN-GB">Some of the electric cars which will be coming through are outstanding and have the latest high-tech equipment, safety, and performance packages available, for example the new EQS with the hyper screen.” </p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{15eef8b7-d2b9-4f3a-9638-0414344bb4d4}{164}" paraid="975241476" xml:lang="EN-GB">“Luke will now be able to have the full training on these types of vehicles, it is definitely a great time to join our team of very skilled technicians. We will certainly be looking for more aspiring talent to join our team. Luke is an example of what can happen with a tremendous attitude and drive to further his potential during and after completing his NVQ3." </p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{7c81eb9c-5810-4ffa-88f2-cf011e6eb9ce}{245}" paraid="1882477818" xml:lang="EN-GB">Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills is just one of the exclusive opportunities available to learners through their newly launched Career Excellence Hubs. At the College, each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, which include WorldSkills competing opportunities. </p><p lang="EN-GB" paraeid="{b34342ef-d8d5-49a8-a368-66df3e6737c7}{152}" paraid="661974729" xml:lang="EN-GB">Congratulations Luke! </p>
