Qualifications Explained
Extra Support
Pathways
Pathways courses are designed to enable students of varying abilities, and those who have been out of formal education for some time, to acquire meaningful qualifications and experience, helping them progress into further study or employment.
These courses build independence in the classroom or simulated environments. The focus is on a holistic approach with learners at the centre of each programme. You will also develop personal and social skills and enhance your ability to make informed life choices, allowing you to succeed at a level that is right for you.
Entry requirements – There are no formal entry requirements, but applicants are required to attend an interview.
What next – Previous students have successfully progressed on to Level 1 courses of vocational subjects at the College.
Supported Internships
Wiltshire Supported internships are a partnership between Wiltshire College and Wiltshire Council. They are individualised study programmes offered by the college and supported by Wiltshire Employment Support Team job coaches. They help young people gain practical experience and work skills to give them a realistic chance of getting paid employment.
The programme includes on-the-job training, with the support and expertise of experienced job coaches, and college-based learning with access to any relevant qualifications needed for the job you would like to do. This is a course for learners aged 18 – 24 who have an EHCP, and need more support than would normally be available through the Wiltshire Employment Support Team (WEST). Applicants should have completed some work experience and ideally should be able to provide a reference.
Work-based Education
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are the only way of gaining a recognised qualification and making money at the same time.
They start at Level 2, and are available all the way up to Level 7 (equivalent to a master’s degree).
Your time will be split between working as an employee with a business/employer (gaining practical skills and experience), and studying (gaining theory knowledge). The most common split for this is four days a week with the business/employer, and one day a week studying.
Where you complete the studying portion of an apprenticeship varies. Many apprentices attend a college, such as Wiltshire College, on their study days, but others might study online or attend a specialist apprenticeship provider.
Each different type of apprenticeship is known as an ‘apprenticeship standard’.
Traineeships
Traineeships are a work-based education and training programme with work experience for young people who want to find an apprenticeship or job but lack the skills, experience, and behaviours to make that next step.
Traineeships are for 16 to 24-year-olds and are a fantastic way for young, motivated individuals to show employers that they are an ideal candidate.
Vocational Qualificaitons
Entry Level Study Programmes
Entry Requirements – There are no formal entry requirements, but applicants are required to attend an interview.
What Next – Previous students have successfully progressed on to Level 1 courses of vocational subjects at the College.
Level 1 Study Programmes
Entry Requirements – Typically, four GCSEs at grade 1 or 2.
What Next – This is your first step towards a Level 2 course or an Apprenticeship.
Level 2 Study Programmes
Entry Requirements – Four GCSEs at grade 3 including English & maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 1 Course.
What Next – Students can progress onto a Level 3 course, T Level, an Apprenticeship or into skilled employment.
Level 3 Study Programmes
Entry Requirements – Four GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English & maths, or Merit or Distinction in a related Level 2 Course.
What Next – Successful completion of a Level 3 programme could lead to skilled employment or further study at university level which is known as Higher Education (HE).
T Levels
Information & Entry Requirements
T Levels are the newest post-16 qualification and will help take your career to the next level. T Levels are knowledge rich and develop technical skills that employers need. They offer a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience through an industry placement. T Levels are the equivalent of three A Levels and offer invaluable and meaningful wok experience, with students spending 20% of their time in the workplace.
Entry Requirements – Five GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English, maths and science, or Merit or Distinction in a related Level 2 Course.
What Next – Successful completion of a T Level could lead you straight into skilled employment or further study at university level which is known as Higher Education (HE).
Apprenticeships
Information & Entry Requirements
An apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity for you to gain a recognised qualification whilst getting paid. At WCUC, we work with around 700 employers and deliver more that 70 different apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors and skill levels.
As an apprentice, you will receive a wage and will need to work at least 30 hours per week, including study at WCUC. Apprentices working under 30 hours per week are considered part time, and this may mean that their apprenticeship is extended. Whatever weekly hours are agreed, 20% of them must still be spent in off-the-job training. You will learn alongside experienced industry professionals and build real industry-ready skills of your own.
Entry Requirements – Some apprenticeships require certain qualifications, for example GCSE English and maths. You may be given extra training to meet these qualifications.
What Next – A Higher Apprenticeship or permanent skilled employment in your chosen industry.
Access To Higher Education Courses
Information & Entry Requirements
Our Access to Higher Education course help pave the way for higher education opportunities. It is designed for adults who do not yet meet the entry requirements for their desired university level course but could with an access qualification.
The pathways on offer are biology, chemistry, psychology, sociology, history and English. You will also have the opportunity to enhance your critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, which are vital for success in higher education.
Entry Requirements – Four GCSE’s at grade 4 (C) or equivalent, including English and maths.
What Next – Further study at university level which is known as Higher Education (HE).
Higher Education
Higher National Certificates
This is a highly practical qualification, normally studied over one year full-time or two years part-time, and can be used as entry to the second year of a degree course – or, more commonly, topped up to a Higher National Diploma with a further year of study.
Higher National Diploma
A Higher National Diploma is usually studied over two years full-time or three years part-time and, like Foundation Degrees, can be converted to a full degree by topping up with a final year.
Higher Technical Qualification
Higher Technical Qualifications have been developed by employers and awarding bodies, so you will get the right training, knowledge and skills to succeed in the workplace. They are usually studied over one or two years full-time, with part-time options available, and can be converted to a full degree buy topping up with a final year.
Foundation Degree
A Foundation Degree qualification is equivalent to the first two years of a degree course. Usually designed with input from employers, these courses ensure that, on completion, students can make an immediate contribution to their workplace. Students often then chose to top up their qualifications by either joining the third year of a degree or a specially designed ‘top-up’ qualification.
Top-Up Year Or ‘Integrated Degree’
A top-up year is normally one year of study at Level 6, which is the final year of a full degree programme and follows either a Foundation Degree or an HND in the same or similar subject.
Degrees
A full degree is a three-year programme which includes research projects in the final year. The course will lead to a Bachelor’s Degree. Students may also have the option to undertake a placement year.
Higher/ Degree Apprenticeships
These are a great alternative to university, with many now offering training to degree and postgraduate degree level. You will receive training both on and off the job, a salary and the opportunity to move your career forward – all without tuition fees.
Contact Us
Can’t find the answer to your question? Want to speak to someone about college 16-19 courses?
Contact the admissions team and we’ll get you started.