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>In partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue (AF&RS), Weston College has launched the Operational Fire Fighter apprenticeship.</p><p>The new programme launched in January, with 24 people training to become fire fighters, at Severn Park in Avonmouth.</p><p>As part of the apprenticeship, the new recruits will work on everything from fitness, fire safety and practical skills such as breathing apparatus procedures, ladder training, hose management and road traffic collision operations.</p><p>Simon Shilton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Avon Fire and Rescue said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome 24 new recruits to AF&RS to begin what I hope will be a prosperous fire service career.</p><p>“These new recruits have already undergone a rigorous selection process, and their next stage of training will see them put through their paces and prepared for life as a fire fighter.</p><p>“Modern firefighting is about so much more than fires, encompassing elements such as complex rescues, prevention work and community engagement. AF&RS truly works to prevent and protect before all else, working to keep the community safe in all that we do.</p><p>“As they move through this process, I give the new recruits my best wishes and can assure them that is truly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers.”</p><p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, added: “We are delighted to be working with Avon Fire and Rescue on this brilliant initiative, and providing opportunities to people that want to become fire fighters.</p><p>“If you think this will be a good career for you, join us at our Apprenticeship Open Evening on 10th February, at South West Skills Campus, 4pm-7pm where we can tell you about the next intake of Fire Fighting apprentices and how you can apply – <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/event/apprenticeship-open-evening-0">register here</a>.”</p><p>You can contact Weston College’s apprenticeship team on 01934 411 594, or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">We love a good progression story!</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Studying degree programmes has never been more convenient with higher education provider <a href="www.ucw.ac.uk">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> on our doorstep. This means learners can study all the way up to degree level whilst staying at home, saving money and still getting an outstanding qualification.</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Early Years student Lacey progressed from her Level 3 course at Weston College to the<a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/early-years-fda/"> Early Years and Education FdA</a> at UCW in September 2021. She told us all about her journey so far:</p>
<p><em>"I studied Level 3 in Children’s Play, Learning and Development at Weston College. I was inspired to study at HE due to my love of learning and wanting to push myself further to succeed. </em></p>
<p><em>"I decided to stay at UCW to gain this further knowledge as many people recommended it to me including friends, it also meant I could stay at home to complete my studies which has been great.</em></p>
<p>Since Lacey studied at Weston College, the Level 3 programme she studied has since been replaced by a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Level qualification</a>. As well as brand new facilities, the has department has also benefitted from the introduction of the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-01/84501_Weston%20Col… Careers Excellence Hub</a>, endorsed by employers to ensure the courses are relevant to the industry and to maximise opportunities!</p>
<p>Lacey continues:</p>
<p><em>"So far, I am loving the course at UCW, the methods of teaching vary, and I think that is really good. There is a nice balance of discussion, lectures, and guest lecturers throughout the course. </em></p>
<p><em>"I am hoping to go on to do the full BA honours degree and search for work within the family support sector as a long-term career, I am hoping to have a placement based in this area to help me gain experience."</em></p>
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<p>Thanks for sharing Lacey, we can't wait to hear more about your future successes! </p>
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<p>The adventure never stops for <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/publi… Public Services</a>!</p>
<p>10 Level 3 students demonstrated resilience and impressive physical capabilities by successfully navigating an arduous 18 mile route through the Brecon Beacon Mountains followed by an overnight camp! ?⛺️</p>
<p>Trips such as this help to immerse our learners in the environment and grow their understanding of the local landscape and the impact they can have. Whilst camping and walking, leaners ensured that no litter or evidence of people was left behind. As well as reducing our carbon footprint, Weston College is committed to creating brighter and greener future for our community.</p>
<p>Trekking through challenging conditions, the team finished at 9pm in the dark with students tired but elated with their achievement!</p>
<p>Our Public Services Career Excellence Hub supports learners in developing key skills, that employers are looking for, such as discipline, communication and team work.</p>
<p>? Faculty Dean Helen George commended the group on their achievement recognising it as "monumental" - A HUGE well done everyone!</p>
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<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/publi… here to discover our full time courses and apprenticeships in Uniformed Public Services</strong></a></p>
