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 paraeid="{8edfab7f-3d08-415b-ab5d-04d662f62898}{154}" paraid="1582794661">From dealing with A-list celebrities to live national broadcasts, our media learners recently had the fantastic opportunity to learn all about the dynamic world of daytime TV from the Head of Film at ITV, Nick Rylance – a Weston College alumni! </p>
<p paraeid="{8edfab7f-3d08-415b-ab5d-04d662f62898}{199}" paraid="732072635">With a long history of working in the media industry, including acting, radio, film and live TV, Nick kindly hosted a 1 hour zoom call with our<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/media"> Media Production</a> classes. </p>
<p paraeid="{8edfab7f-3d08-415b-ab5d-04d662f62898}{211}" paraid="65600127">The learners were in for a treat, hearing all about Nick’s journey to get to where he is today, starting in Weston-super-Mare. The learners, who’s modules include live TV production, were able to hear first-hand what it’s really like to work within mainstream broadcasting and dealing with world famous celebrities such as Tom Cruise, George Clooney and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to name a few. </p>
<p paraeid="{8edfab7f-3d08-415b-ab5d-04d662f62898}{249}" paraid="1471432113">Having researched Nick’s background in acting and regular work with Lorraine Kelly, Philip Schofield <br />
Ben Shephard, Kate Garraway, Alison Hammond and more household names, the learners then had the chance to ask questions. Nick was able to give incredibly inciteful answers and advice around making contacts, the importance of work experience and how to operate professionally in stressful situations. </p>
<p paraeid="{2b95362e-56d4-4009-a2b2-2fd263f7dad3}{14}" paraid="2139723585">Learners form the class added: </p>
<p paraeid="{2b95362e-56d4-4009-a2b2-2fd263f7dad3}{20}" paraid="357335264">“I’ve learnt that believing in myself is so important to success. The talk made me want to get out there and get even more work experience so that I can meet more people and make the most of every opportunity.” </p>
<p paraeid="{2b95362e-56d4-4009-a2b2-2fd263f7dad3}{40}" paraid="1242363625">“It was very inspirational. It was amazing to hear about all of the different roles and changes in Nick’s career as I’m not sure which path to follow at the moment. I feel more confident about getting a job and that being nice and just being myself is important” </p>
<p paraeid="{2b95362e-56d4-4009-a2b2-2fd263f7dad3}{64}" paraid="1040651788">High-profile guest speakers and lecturers are just one of the career-boosting benefits that stem from the college’s newly formed <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2021-10/84501_Weston%20Col… Arts Career Excellence Hub</a>. These innovative subject specific hubs allow for students at Weston College to have access to exclusive career-boosting benefits. Endorsed by employers from within the industry, 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 paraeid="{2b95362e-56d4-4009-a2b2-2fd263f7dad3}{92}" paraid="107150655">Lecturer in Media, Richard Simms commented: “Having guest speakers from the media industry is an essential part of the course. It allows learners to meet professionals and see their career journeys. </p>
<p paraeid="{2b95362e-56d4-4009-a2b2-2fd263f7dad3}{102}" paraid="473597086">“Nick gave a fascinating and fabulous talk about his career, which reinforced the skills and development we champion on the Level 3 media production course. His journey from Weston College to ITV is not only inspiring, but it also makes it real for our learners. His advice, enthusiasm and knowledge engaged the learners and will only benefit them as they progress through the course and beyond.” </p>
<p paraeid="{2b95362e-56d4-4009-a2b2-2fd263f7dad3}{116}" paraid="743488910">We’d like to say a huge thank-you to Nick for taking the time to inspire our Media learners through his years of industry knowledge and experience! </p>
<p paraeid="{2b95362e-56d4-4009-a2b2-2fd263f7dad3}{116}" paraid="743488910"> </p>
<p paraeid="{2b95362e-56d4-4009-a2b2-2fd263f7dad3}{116}" paraid="743488910"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Click here to read more about our Career Excellence Hubs</a></p>
<p paraeid="{2b95362e-56d4-4009-a2b2-2fd263f7dad3}{116}" paraid="743488910"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/media">Click here to discover our courses in Media Production, Film and TV.</a></p>
<p paraeid="{9f539a15-e306-4532-b02d-2b9ab5f7ec30}{154}" paraid="2129286135"><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/">University Centre Weston (UCW)</a> computing learner, Jack Kimmins, will be representing the UK after recently being announced as the gold medal winner at the national WorldSkills Web Design finals. </p>
<p paraeid="{9f539a15-e306-4532-b02d-2b9ab5f7ec30}{208}" paraid="744553904"><a href="https://www.worldskillsuk.org/">WorldSkills UK</a> 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’. </p>
<p paraeid="{9f539a15-e306-4532-b02d-2b9ab5f7ec30}{214}" paraid="1350750527">Over 3,000 learners registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021 and Jack was just one of four hundred who made it into the finals, which was split into 64 disciplines. </p>
<p paraeid="{9f539a15-e306-4532-b02d-2b9ab5f7ec30}{244}" paraid="631212351">The Web Design category finals, hosted by the Weston College Group at <a href="https://www.westonwintergardens.co.uk/">The Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare</a>, was between nine competitors from across the country and took place over two days. The finalists were tasked with building a website, employing their skills of html, JavaScript and front/back-end coding to bring the detailed brief to fruition. The final products were then anonymously judged by a panel of digital experts from renown organisation Jisc, Airbus and the UK Hydrographic Office. </p>
<p paraeid="{7b9ec851-d063-49c6-a1b5-32de6bd364dd}{51}" paraid="1354010774">After the challenging finals were completed, the winners were announced at a <a href="https://www.worldskillsuk.org/news/congratulations-to-all-our-finalists… ceremony</a> hosted by TV presenter Steph McGovern from her Channel 4 “Packed Lunch” studio on Friday 26 November. It was here that Jack was announced as the national gold medallist. Also Level 3 Apprentice Luke Merchant a Weston College student was named as the Silver medallist in the Automotive Technology finals. </p>
<p paraeid="{7b9ec851-d063-49c6-a1b5-32de6bd364dd}{101}" paraid="151229628">Congratulations also goes to Weston College students Mircea Ionescu and Amelia Lee who also competed in the Web Design and Beauty Practitioner finals respectively. </p>
<p paraeid="{7b9ec851-d063-49c6-a1b5-32de6bd364dd}{101}" paraid="151229628">Currently in his third year, Jack is studying <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/applied-computing-bsc-hons/">Applied Computing BSc (Hons)</a> at UCW. This degree level course is part of the <a href="https://www.weiot.ac.uk/">West of England Institute of Technology</a>, a collaborative partnership between education providers and businesses from across the West of England,<strong> </strong>collaborating to design and deliver flexible, higher-level technical learning.</p>
<p paraeid="{7b9ec851-d063-49c6-a1b5-32de6bd364dd}{111}" paraid="318809884">Jack commented: “I feel very proud, I was really shocked when my name was read out! My web development knowledge has grown throughout doing this project as well as my time management skills. </p>
<p paraeid="{7b9ec851-d063-49c6-a1b5-32de6bd364dd}{147}" paraid="1398143447">“The finals were a really memorable occasion and I’m looking forward to training for the next stage.” </p>
<p paraeid="{7b9ec851-d063-49c6-a1b5-32de6bd364dd}{153}" paraid="1020292732">Learners that achieve the gold medals at the national finals then get invited to join the UK WorldSkills Squad. Not dissimilar to Team GB for the Olympics, the gold medallists will be then go on to compete in the international finals which will take place in France in 2022.</p>
<p paraeid="{7b9ec851-d063-49c6-a1b5-32de6bd364dd}{187}" paraid="1981815977">Jack continues: “I will be now representing the country in the field of Web Design. I feel very proud doing so and I’m going to try my absolute hardest. </p>
<p paraeid="{7b9ec851-d063-49c6-a1b5-32de6bd364dd}{201}" paraid="1058763096">“The staff at UCW have helped me immeasurably. I’d like to thank my tutor Jason Hill for all his hard work and help. I’d recommend everyone gives it a go and tries to push themselves with this opportunity.” </p>
<p paraeid="{7b9ec851-d063-49c6-a1b5-32de6bd364dd}{229}" paraid="1041645576">Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills is just one of the exclusive opportunities available to learners through their newly launched <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwesto…; rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Career Excellence Hubs.</a> </p>
<p paraeid="{152bad5e-d2e9-45f0-acdf-a7b299f62f53}{13}" paraid="329265915">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, including WorldSkills competing opportunities. </p>
<p paraeid="{152bad5e-d2e9-45f0-acdf-a7b299f62f53}{23}" paraid="1500131203">Weston College Group Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips CBE added: “Many congratulations to all of our WorldSkills winners. I am so proud of all of you, representing our college and confirming your amazing talents. We wish Jack the very best of luck with the international stages, it truly is a fantastic achievement.” </p>
<p paraeid="{152bad5e-d2e9-45f0-acdf-a7b299f62f53}{43}" paraid="1955587570">Deputy CEO of WorldSkills UK, Ben Blackledge, says that success in UK-wide finals is a litmus test for the future of the economy. </p>
<p paraeid="{152bad5e-d2e9-45f0-acdf-a7b299f62f53}{49}" paraid="1460574395">“These young people are a real inspiration. They are an example to us all and are to be congratulated. To have excelled after such a difficult year shows their dedication and drive is second to none. </p>
<p paraeid="{152bad5e-d2e9-45f0-acdf-a7b299f62f53}{55}" paraid="1289988791">“Skills are the lifeblood of every economy, creating high quality jobs, rewarding careers, inward investment and growth.” </p>
<p paraeid="{152bad5e-d2e9-45f0-acdf-a7b299f62f53}{61}" paraid="1890023431">A huge congratulations to all of our WorldSkills finalists and medal winners. We are so excited to follow Jack’s journey to represent the UK in France for the WorldSkills finals!</p>
<p>Today members of local council, ESFA, ETF, schools and nurseries, all joined Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College and the Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Councillor James Clayton, who together, officially opened the new Education and Early Years facilities at Weston College.</p>
<p>This new hub will meet the growing demand from employers both locally and regionally to train staff of the future, preparing them ready to join a growing industry.</p>
<p>The Education and Early Years facilities have been developed in conjunction with the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Career Excellence Hub</a> employers: Busy Buddies, Little Bears, DaisyChain, Mendip Green, YMCA and Storal Learning, who ensure not only that the course content includes insights of industry leaders, but also that the new facilities will be industry standard to give them real-life experience.</p>
<p>The grand opening included a tour of the brand new £600k Education and Early Years hub that includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>Community Room – to allow us to host stay and play and other community sessions.</li>
<li>Child and Healthcare Room – a multi-functional space for food prep and mid-session naps.</li>
<li>Primary School Room – an engaging environment full of multi-curricular activities.</li>
<li>Creative and Exploratory Atelier – a non-traditional learning environment to host messy-play, science activities and more.</li>
<li>Observation room – includes one-way mirrors so learners do not influence a child’s play.</li>
</ul>
<p>Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty said: “The new hub is really impressive, I’m so pleased it’s come to fruition. It’s really important for us that all learners get real-life experience to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to get ahead in the modern jobs market.”</p>
<p>These new facilities are matched with an exciting portfolio of study programmes. For school leavers there will be full-time college-based courses, apprenticeships plus the new flagship T Level – the gold-standard in qualifications where learners can follow a college-based programme and gain sector experience through an industry placement. Plus, a range of options for adults for those who would like to upskill or re-train as an early years practitioner or teaching assistant.</p>
<p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive, Weston College added: “It was a privilege to officially open the new facilities today. This is just one element of a College-wide initiative to ensure we are making aspirational careers a reality for all our learners regardless of their starting point in life.”</p>
<p>The build is co-funded by T Level Capital funding, awarded by the Department for Education.</p>
<p>Find out more</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… for school leavers starting in September</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/course-finder?… for adults starting in January</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events">Next open event</a></li>
</ul>
