Wiltshire College & University Centre: Full-Time Course Guide September 2023

Welcome to Wiltshire College & University Centre and our guide to the full-time courses we offer.

As you will see from the following pages, we offer a vast array of courses at a range of levels. This means there really is something for everyone and we are sure you will find something to set you off on the path to the career of your dreams.

Every year, thousands of people just like you come to the College and then progress into work, to university, or to further study with us. In fact, you can study with us all the way through to degree level, where the College works with a number of leading universities to offer Higher Education qualifications in a range of subjects.

The College is also a provider of T Levels and offered these exciting new courses for the first time in September 2022. T Levels combine classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience through a meaningful industry placement. To accomodate and support these courses, refurbishment work was undertaken across our campuses in order to create dynamic new facilities, and we’re already planning to launch additional new T Level courses in 2023.

We are also a major provider of apprenticeships and work closely with hundreds of employers across the region. More and more young people are choosing an apprenticeship as the next step in their education and are taking up this great opportunity to earn a salary while they learn.

The College has undergone extensive redevelopment work in recent years following more than £20million worth of investment at our Salisbury and Lackham campuses. Alongside our other campuses in Trowbridge and Chippenham – and our trackside motorsport facility at Castle Combe race circuit – the College is home to modern and inspiring education centres right across the county.

By choosing to study at Wiltshire College & University Centre you will benefit from expert teaching from our industry-trained staff, you will study in realistic environments within our excellent facilities, and you will have access to our comprehensive support network and strong links to an extensive range of employers, giving you everything you need to start your journey into the world of work.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our Open Days throughout the year when you can get a better understanding of the courses and facilities we offer and a real flavour of College life.

We Are Your Next Step.

Iain Hatt Principal and CEO

Our values

Respectful

We will continue to develop our safe and respectful culture; value our community, our environment, each other's opinions and embrace difference.

Collaborative

We will work together as a learning community on shared priorities and goals, through effective communication, raising aspirations and celebrating success.

Curious

We will lead, inspire and encourage everyone to explore, investigate and innovate.

Testimonials

“ “

I really enjoy the creativity and methodology behind the Civil Engineering course. The facilities at the campus provide a great insight into the resources we’ll be working with in the future.

Jess, Level 3 Civil Engineering

I have used a range of new technology and software in a range of sporting areas, including Virtual Reality equipment, which will be very useful as I look to pursue a career in sport.

Brett, HND Sport

During my work placement

I became more confident in completing treatments in the salon. I have now found a full-time role within the beauty industry and can’t wait to get started!

Nicola, Level 3 Beauty Therapy

“ “We have endless opportunities to create amazing and unique work in the studio. We use all the professional equipment, giving us a competitive edge over a lot of other students.

Ryley, BA (Hons) Commercial Photography

How to Apply

Research our courses and campuses

Take your time to explore what courses we offer and check entry criteria and locations. Come to an Open Day to view our facilities and talk to our staff to see why we’re such a great place to learn.

Apply for your course online

Once you’ve decided on the course you want to study, apply via our website. Make sure you add your predicted or achieved GCSE grades (or other qualifications) and your parent/guardian details if you’re under 18.

Visit us for a course interview

Once we have your application, you may be invited to an interview where you will learn more about your course. If you are unable to attend, please let us know so it can be re-arranged.

Receive your offer of study

If your interview has gone well, you will be given an offer for your course, which may be conditional on you achieving the required GCSE grades. If your chosen course is not conducting interviews and you are predicted to achieve the required GCSE grades, you will be offered a place conditional on achieving them.

Enrolment

Over the summer, we will email you to let you know how and when to enrol on your course. You will also receive additional information.

Grades check

You will receive information on what to do when you receive your GCSE results. If you didn’t achieve the required results to do your course, don’t worry, we can usually find a different course for you. If your GCSE grades are better than predicted, we may offer you a course at a higher level.

Start your course

Everything is in place and you are ready to begin your journey at the College. You will receive your course start date and time, and the timetable will be given to you on your first day.

Chippenham Campus

Our Chippenham campus opened in 2015 following a £21million redevelopment and provides students with a modern and inspiring environment in which to learn.

The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities throughout and is home to industry-based teaching within a diverse range of sectors. The site has a Construction Centre where our trade courses are based and various engineering and motorsport workshops. Alongside this, professional salons and an award-winning film production studio present a diverse and dynamic space for students to hone their craft in a wide array of fields.

The campus provides an ideal setting for balancing studies

everyday student

short walk from Chippenham town centre. Sitting directly across the road from

train station,

campus is ideally situated for transport links and a 10 minute walk from the bus station. Chippenham

Lackham Campus

Salisbury Campus

Trowbridge Campus

Courses at our Trowbridge campus are delivered in bespoke, industrystandard facilities in an environment designed to encourage every student to achieve their potential. Here, students will obtain the practical skills, technical knowledge and work-based experience to thrive as they set out on their career of choice.

There are a wide range of courses available, including catering in our student-run White Horse Restaurant which is open to the public, and the campus is home to a professional theatre, the Arc, used by touring companies as well as our students to put on musical and theatrical productions. Trade courses are delivered from our state-of-the-art

Construction Skills Centre, while hair and beauty salons and motor vehicle workshops are also open to the public.

The campus is located just a short walk from Trowbridge town centre and train station, while buses also stop directly outside the College.

Trowbridge Campus Frome

FromeRd

Wingfield Newtown

Newtown

Westbury & Warminster

Bath Bradford Trowbridge Town Centre Devizes Melksham West Ashton

Castle Combe Centre

Castle Combe is home to our purposebuilt motorsport learning centre where we deliver bespoke courses at an internationally renowned racetrack in the heart of Wiltshire, preparing students for a career in the exhilarating world of motorsport.

It is the first circuit-based motorsport engineering facility of its kind in the UK, offering students the opportunity to work in an industry-standard environment and experience the real-life thrills and pressures of a career in the motorsport arena by working on cars that compete on a regular basis.

Studying trackside gives our students a unique opportunity to put their learning into practice on a regular basis. They build, work on and test cars that go out on the track, and also spend time in the paddock on test and race days talking to race teams and gaining first-hand insights into their future careers.

Castle Combe Centre

Chippenham

Our Facilities

Following the completion of more than £20million worth of redevelopment work at multiple sites across the College in 2021, there has never been a more exciting time to enrol on one of our courses.

Alongside dedicated campuses featuring the very latest cutting-edge equipment for land-based study and motorsport engineering at Lackham and Castle Combe respectively, the College is also home to an array of highend resources and industry-standard facilities at our campuses at Chippenham, Salisbury and Trowbridge.

Whether it is in a performing arts rehearsal studio, a hair and beauty training salon, a teaching restaurant open to the public, our bespoke construction workshops or advanced IT and production suites, you will put your learning into practice in a realistic working environment.

Benefitting from the expertise of industrytrained staff who have years of professional experience in their field, you will develop the knowledge and skills to progress into work or further study and thrive in your chosen career.

Our Automotive Maintenance workshops are home to a range of tools and equipment, including a fleet of vehicles, hydraulic lifts, ramps, air conditioning machines and diagnostic equipment, as well as a brandnew electric vehicle training centre.

We also have workshops for our Engineering & Manufacturing courses, which boast a variety of resources, including a CNC workshop, lathes and mills, CAD and electronics equipment, PCB production tanks, programmable logic controllers, pneumatic and hydraulic rigs, a benchtop wind tunnel and more.

Check out our 3D tours of each campus

Walk through the corridors and see our facilities from the comfort of your own home!

wiltshire.ac.uk/the-college/3d-tours

Computing & IT students benefit from dedicated IT facilities, including modern PC and Mac suites and IT labs, and will also develop hardware and software programming skills. Every course is taught using a range of new technology, including virtual reality, virtualisation, CAVE (Computer Aided Virtual Environment) and more.

We have Media Production Suites for our Film & Media Production students. These include a range of specialist camera equipment and accessories, bespoke TV and green-screen studios, while students will also benefit from high-spec PCs and iMacs dedicated to editing and special effects.

Photography & Graphics courses are taught using state-of-the art Mac facilities and fullyequipped studios with access to a range of industry-standard equipment and traditional professional cameras.

Our Catering & Hospitality courses are taught in professional kitchens at our Trowbridge and Salisbury campuses. Each is home to a restaurant open to the public where students prepare and serve food – the White Horse and Wessex Restaurants respectively.

Our Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury sites are each home to an Aspire Academy of Hair and Beauty salon. Here, students undertake practical learning in professional salons open to the public.

Construction Centres allow our Construction & Trades students to learn skills such as carpentry, electrical maintenance, groundworks, bricklaying, and plumbing in industry-standard workshops.

Art & Design courses are taught by lecturers with relevant professional experience in industry-standard studios and workshops.

A brand-new hospital training ward was opened in September 2022 to support the introduction of our Health T Level course.

Following the recent redevelopment projects at both sites, our Lackham and Salisbury sites are home to new purpose-built Life Sciences study centres.

Music students have access to industrystandard equipment, software, studios and live performance settings.

The Arc Theatre in Trowbridge, along with dance and drama studios, provides an exciting space to train, explore and rehearse singing, dance and drama for Performing & Production Arts students. These courses are also available in Salisbury.

As well as access to gyms and sports halls, students on our Sport courses at Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge can make use of a Sport Science Lab.

Our Lackham campus is also dedicated to our variety of land-based courses and is home to numerous cutting-edge facilities and learning environments, such as a robotic dairy, AgriTech Centre, working farms, exotic greenhouses and an animal centre.

Work Experience & Student Support

Work experience and industry placements are an integral part of all full-time study programmes at the College. They are an exciting opportunity for you to develop your skills and knowledge as well as increase your industry and technical abilities to enhance your employability.

The College has positive relationships with an extensive network of local, national and international employers, who support our students in offering meaningful work placement opportunities.

You will have a dedicated Placement Officer, based in the Careers Hub on your campus. They will support you throughout the placement process to ensure each role is a rewarding and positive experience.

Student Support

Here at the College, we are ambitious for all of our students and are committed to ensuring everyone gets the support they need to succeed. Every student is allocated a dedicated tutor to support their progress and achieve their goals.

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all our students and our Safeguarding team is available to support you if you have any problems or concerns.

Our Inclusion & Support Team are dedicated to ensuring students have equal opportunities regardless of any disability or learning difficulty. Those who think they need additional support during their course can let us know on their course application form.

For those under 19, tuition for Further Education courses is free. Under 19 students who live in a household with a low income or receive means tested benefits may be eligible for a college bursary to help with costs such as travel, equipment, trips and uniform. Students who are entitled to a bursary may be eligible for free meals whilst at college.

Students on a Further Education course who are under the age of 19 and live more than three miles from campus in Wiltshire are usually entitled to subsidised transport from Wiltshire Council.

Entry Requirements & Qualifications

The College offers a wide range of subjects from entry level through to university level. Based on your qualifications, you can enrol on a course at a variety of levels. Enrolment on any course at Level 1 or above requires GCSEs in both English and maths.

If you don’t achieve the required GCSE results to do your course, don’t worry, we will support you to find the right course for you – this may be the same subject but at a different level or a different subject. If your GCSE grades are better than predicted, we may offer you a course at a higher level.

Listed are the College’s standard entry requirements, although some courses may have additional specific qualification entry criteria.

Entry Level

These courses are designed for a wide range of students and aim to provide support to encourage independence and enable progression onto further study or employment. There are no formal entry requirements but applicants are required to attend an interview and initial assessment.

Level 1

These courses are the first step towards a vocational qualification and are designed to help you develop knowledge of a specific job in industry. Entry requires 4 GCSEs at grade 2 or E (above or equivalent), including English and maths.

Level 2

These courses will expand on any existing knowledge or experience gained from your Level 1 course or GCSEs. The courses will include a range of activities and allow you to take responsibility for your own learning. Entry requires 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or D (above or equivalent), including English and maths, or successful completion of a relevant subject at Level 1.

Level 3

These courses will enable you to develop a broader knowledge of your chosen subject area and prepare you for employment or progression to university level study. The range of activities and level of study is more demanding. Entry requires 4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 or A*-C (or equivalent), including English and maths, or Merit or Distinction in a related subject at Level 2.

T Levels

These new courses are an alternative to A Levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. A T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships. Entry requires 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 or A*-C (or equivalent), including English, maths and science.

T Levels are new post-16 qualifications that the College offered for the first time in September 2022.

Designed by industry, endorsed by employers – they will help take your future to the next level. They offer a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience through a meaningful industry placement.

T Level qualifications are the equivalent of three A-Levels and offer invaluable and

work experience, with students spending at least 315 hours (roughly 45 days) in the workplace.

To support these courses, we have developed

campuses, ensuring you will hone your skills

industryready

These include the creation of a hospital training ward in Trowbridge and a nursery in Salisbury.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to gain a recognised qualification whilst getting paid for a job with structured training. At the College, we work with around 1,000 employers and deliver more than 70 different apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors and skill levels. Gaining an apprenticeship is subject to securing relevant English and maths qualifications.

As an apprentice, you will receive a wage and will need to work at least 30 hours per week, which can include studying at the College. By undertaking most of your study in the workplace, you will learn alongside experienced industry professionals and build real, transferrable skills of your own.

Every apprentice will complete high-quality ‘off-the-job’ training to help them gain the skills and knowledge required for their chosen occupation. Depending on your apprenticeship, you may attend College via day or block release.

Our apprenticeship growth has been phenomenal in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down.

Our dedicated Apprenticeship team, Student Recruitment Consultants and Careers Advisors are available to offer you the support you need to be a successful apprentice, as well as career advice and guidance to match you with appropriate employers.

Once you complete your apprenticeship, the next step is up to you. You can progress to the next apprenticeship level, study for additional qualifications, go onto university or work towards a promotion with your employer.

Many of our apprenticeships work with industry leading employers in a wide range of roles, including; the NHS, Center Parcs, Wessex Water Services, Babcock, Wiltshire Council, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Cross Manufacturing, Mander Duffill and Selwood Housing.

University Centre

Moving away to study at university isn’t the right choice for everyone. If you would like to study a university-level course but with the comfort of being closer to home, we offer a broad range of Higher Education courses at the College.

Many of our university-level courses are validated by top UK universities and awarding bodies, including Bournemouth, Oxford Brookes and Pearson, meaning you can be confident in the value of your qualification.

At the College, you are more than just a number. Our smaller class sizes give you more contact time with supportive and highly knowledgeable staff.

We focus on preparing you for your chosen career, providing industry-standard facilities, a range of assessments which include practical assignments and valuable work placements.

We offer university-level courses in the following areas:

• Animal Studies

• Business, Finance and Management

• Computing and IT

• Criminology

• Dairy Engineering

• Early Years

• Engineering

• Environmental Science and Sustainability

• Film, Media and Photography

• Social and Community Work

• Life Sciences

• Motorsport Engineering

• Sport

Accommodation at our Salisbury and Lackham campuses mean you can stay on site when studying and, on completion of your course, you’ll get to graduate at the stunning Salisbury Cathedral.

Some of our courses are available as parttime options too, enabling you to enhance your skillset without having to commit to full-time study.

Accommodation

Did you know we offer student accommodation at our Lackham and Salisbury campuses?

Living on campus offers a unique College experience and can be an ideal first step to moving away from home. You’ll gain confidence from a new-found independence and be surrounded by friends in the comfort of a safe environment. Our rooms are available to everyone, although students on our landbased and university-level courses in particular benefit from living on site.

Our Accommodation team work hard to provide a safe environment for students living on campus as well as organising regular enrichment projects and activities to ensure there is always something going on outside of timetabled College hours.

Students studying a post-16 land-based or motorsport course may also be eligible for a means-tested Residential Bursary to help with accommodation costs at our Lackham campus.

Lackham

We have 145 student rooms at Lackham open to everyone offered a place of study at the campus, split into separate sections for under18s and over-18s. There are plenty of communal spaces and facilities, including self-catering kitchens, a snack bar, common room, TV and games lounge and gym.

Salisbury

The St Mary’s Halls of Residence at Salisbury features 80 student rooms that are available to anyone enrolled on a course at Level 2 or above. You’ll have access to a range of communal areas and facilities, including selfcatering kitchens, a lounge, computer room, games room and a local gym.

Career Progression

When you choose to study at Wiltshire College & University Centre, know that we are here to help and support you every step of the way along your academic journey. We will provide all the training you need to ensure you have the knowledge and skills required to enter the workplace –at whatever stage that may be.

Everyone should follow the route which best suits them and we offer a wide range of options to allow students to progress. You can join the College right at the start of your post-16 education journey on an entry level course and as we offer a diverse variety of university courses you can stay with us all the way to achieving a degree level qualification.

Studying our post-16 provision can lead you to progress onto university courses around the UK and abroad and because of our strong links with a wide variety of local and national employers, we can also help you take a direct route into work through an apprenticeship or employment.

Whatever route you choose to take, we offer a range of opportunities to help you kick-start your career.

Access to HE

Our Access to Higher Education courses are aimed at over 19s who would like to study at university level but currently don’t have the right qualifications to get onto the course you want. These courses are suitable for adult learners from all backgrounds, enabling you to develop personally, academically and professionally.

Former students have gone on to study a wide variety of university or higher education courses, including medicine, nursing, midwifery and nutrition.

Studying locally is ideal for anyone returning to education but wanting or needing to work around family life and alongside current part-time employment.

Agriculture

Our courses are for students looking to work in the farming industry using the latest agri-technology techniques. Studying these courses, you will gain hands-on experience of all the latest equipment and will be provided with the skillset required to follow multiple career paths and opportunities.

Whether you’ve grown up on a farm or never set foot on one, our courses are accessible to everyone with an interest in land-based industries and rural issues.

Our vocational courses mix practical and hands-on skills with the knowledge and understanding you’ll need to further your professional career.

Our Facilities

New state-of-the-art ArgiTech Centre, including a Robotic Dairy featuring

Farm for dairy, livestock and

production and Notton Farm – home to our herd of

Our Courses

Entry to Land-based (Entry Level 3) Lackham - 1 year

Pathway to (Agriculture/Agricultural Engineering/Animal Care/Land-based) (Level 1) Lackham - 1 year

Agriculture (Level 2) Lackham - 1 year

General Farm

(Level 2) Flexible - 1 year

Agriculture (Level 3) Lackham - 2 years

Farm Mechanisation (Agriculture) (Level

Lackham - 2 years

Livestock

-

Animal

The industry-leading Animal Resource Centre at Lackham is a truly inspiring environment in which to learn. It houses an extensive range of domestic and exotic animals and provides students with a diverse learning experience.

As part of your course, you will combine academic study with practical duties, which provides valuable experience when it comes to seeking employment.

The centre is also equipped to deliver Vet Nursing and higher education qualifications, and students will also have access to the animal grooming parlour.

Our

Animal

Dedicated

Our

Entry

Art & Design

Our Art and Design courses give you the opportunity to experience a range of different methods and artistic approaches.

You’ll study with lecturers who are themselves practicing artists and whose broad and exploratory techniques allow you to find confidence in your talents and strengths as a creative practitioner, helping you develop an extensive range of design skills to enable you to progress on your chosen creative path.

Our well-equipped studios provide you with everything you need to unleash your creative flair. Students take part in regular visits and study tours, including trips to London galleries, and you will also get involved in College and public exhibitions and performances, and have the opportunity to undertake professional briefs. wiltshire.ac.uk

Our

Our

Automotive Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance is an exciting and hands-on career. Our industry-standard workshops are home to the extensive range of tools and equipment you will need to train as a mechanic, so you’ll feel like you are learning on the job.

Under the guidance of our experienced staff, you will put your learning into practice by working on a range of vehicles, solving various issues, carrying out maintenance and repairs and identifying and reporting faults, giving you real preparation for your career.

Alongside practical attributes, you’ll develop the ability to solve problems, think on your feet and gain the communication skills needed to speak confidently to customers, colleagues and suppliers.

Business, Finance & Management

Whether you are just starting out in the world of business or are looking to progress your career towards a management position, our courses are tailored to help you achieve your goals.

All subjects related to business, finance and management are among some of the most popular fields of study in the UK. Business touches almost every aspect of modern society, meaning associated careers are extremely diverse and are generally more highly paid. Studying a business course with us will provide you with the opportunity to learn from professionals in their fields through theory and practical sessions.

For finance students, we run a bespoke Mander Duffill academy, combining professional accountancy qualifications with work placements and masterclasses.

Our Facilities

Students have access to

books and magazines

Resources Centres,

the

IT suites,

Those

our bespoke Mander Duffill academy, including work placements

to provide a unique

to achieve Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications.

Our

Accounts/Financial

Trowbridge

Catering & Hospitality

The catering and hospitality industry is a fast-paced and demanding sector, with establishments including hotels, restaurants and bars as well as contract caterers. Roles range from front-ofhouse supervisor to head chef and a career in this industry could take you all over the world.

Our training kitchens are home to industry-standard equipment where you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed under the supervision of professionals with years of experience. You’ll learn how to prepare, cook and serve delicious, nutritious meals while maintaining rigorous hygiene standards and also gain experience in roles requiring customer service and professionalism.

Our Salisbury and Trowbridge campuses are home to restaurants open to the public, where students perform every role in producing food to order.

Civil Engineering

As a civil engineer, your work will influence everyday life, creating spaces and structures for work, relaxation and living. You’ll design, build and work on the large-scale infrastructures that make modern society possible, with our courses equipping you with the skills you need to enter this varied industry.

Thanks to our strong industry links, you’ll learn about building methods, construction technology and planning and design processes alongside developing practical skills, including safe working practices, excavation, plant and piling, laying domestic draining, levelling and setting out.

You’ll learn how to sustainably design, construct and build infrastructures, producing solutions to real problems in a safe and environmentally appropriate way.

Computing & Information Technology

Computing and IT form an essential part of every business in the growing digital age. A qualification in this area will open doors for you with employers both regionally and nationally, with a wide range of career opportunities available in this dynamic and expanding sector.

Learning from industry-qualified and experienced staff in a practical and supportive environment, students will benefit from the best educational tools, equipment and software in dedicated IT facilities on each campus.

Our teaching team offer the support needed to prepare you to work in the IT industries of the future and we work closely with local employers to provide work experience opportunities, live projects and professional briefs.

Construction & Trades

Construction and trade industries continue to grow rapidly in the region, meaning highly-skilled workers are always in demand. Our courses are developed with employers in mind to give you the skills and experience to start a career in a variety of trades, such as in construction, as an electrician, a plumber and more.

In our bespoke training workshops, you will learn from our qualified staff with experience across the sector. You will have access to industry-standard equipment and materials to help develop your skills through practical sessions covering a wide range of professional techniques.

Alongside our experienced staff, visits from local industry leaders and trips to local businesses will help you build your career as a skilled tradesperson.

Our Facilities

Our department includes Bench Joinery, Electrical Maintenance, Groundworks, Bricklaying, Painting & Decorating and Plumbing, and each campus features a construction centre with industry workshops.

Our Courses

Bricklaying (Level 1)

Chippenham, Salisbury & Trowbridge - 1 year

Carpentry and Joinery (Level 1)

Chippenham, Salisbury & Trowbridge - 1 year

Painting and Decorating (Level 1) Salisbury & Trowbridge - 1 year

Plumbing (Level 1)

Chippenham, Salisbury & Trowbridge - 1 year

Bench Joinery (Level 2)

Chippenham - 1 year

Bricklaying (Level 2)

Chippenham, Salisbury & Trowbridge - 1 year

Electrical Installation (Level 2) Salisbury & Trowbridge - 1 year

Painting and Decorating (Level 2) Salisbury & Trowbridge - 1 year

Plumbing (Level 2)

Chippenham, Salisbury & Trowbridge - 1 year

Site Carpentry (Level 2)

Chippenham, Salisbury & Trowbridge - 1 year

Construction (T Level)

Trowbridge - 2 years

Bricklayer Apprenticeship (Level 2) Flexible - 30 months

Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship (Level 2) Flexible - 2 years

Groundworker Apprenticeship (Level 2) Trowbridge - 21 months

Painter and Decorator Apprenticeship (Level 2) Flexible - 3 years

Property Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship (Level 2) Flexible - 18 months

Advanced Carpentry and Joinery Apprenticeship (Level 3) Flexible - 18 months

Gas Engineering Apprenticeship (Level 3) Flexible - 1 year

Installation Electrician/Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship (Level 3) Flexible - 4 years

Plumbing & Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) Flexible - 4 years

Scan

wiltshire.ac.uk

Countryside

Our Lackham estate spans over 1000 acres and is home to a range of typical lowland environments, from river frontage and wetlands to ancient woodland and farmland. This provides the perfect landscape for students to gain the necessary skills and experience needed to launch a career in this exciting and expanding market.

Students are actively involved in the development and management of the estate, creating and cultivating habitats for British wildlife, improving access to nature, and will explore a range of critical issues surrounding the environment and sustainability.

Working in the middle of the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, students will learn vital outdoor skills as well as undertake field projects and surveys for flora and fauna, including birds, fish, deer and other mammals all found on the estate.

Our

Criminology

Are you interested in the way our laws are made, where power comes from in our political system and how effective the criminal justice system is? Our Criminology course delivers a diverse programme covering why a person commits a crime, how punishment works, the application of law and a critical understanding of society and individuals.

The study of crime, law and either sociology or psychology will equip you with the knowledge and skills to enter into the criminal justice sector – from policing and investigation to law and government.

You will be encouraged to develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, engage in trips and benefit from guest speakers as well as partake in work experience within your chosen field.

Early Years

Working with babies, toddlers and young children is one of the most rewarding career options you can choose. Our courses are taught by experienced, supportive and knowledgeable staff, training you in the theory behind different elements of early years care and education and helping you to put your new knowledge and skills into practice.

You’ll learn how the early years workforce supports children to learn, play and develop, and an annual overseas trip provides an insight into how the sector operates in different countries.

You’ll benefit from our links with employers to gain experience on work placements as well as get involved in fundraising activities to develop your communication, planning, organisation and teamwork skills.

Engineering & Manufacturing

Engineers are responsible for developing and maintaining a whole host of important facilities and equipment. No two days are the same, with new problems to solve, challenges to overcome and products to create.

We offer a wide variety of courses in engineering and manufacturing and our campuses are home to dedicated workshops, where you will learn how to use industry-standard tools, equipment and materials, preparing you for an exciting career in this field.

The College has strong links with industry partners such as DSTL, Babcock, Knorr Bremse, REME and the MOD, allowing us to provide more than just academic experience. You’ll benefit from varied working environments and develop a real understanding of the standards and practices in industry-leading companies.

Our

Our

Engineering

Chippenham

Engineering

Chippenham

Engineering

Chippenham

Engineering

Chippenham

English, Maths & ESOL

We are committed to supporting all of our students, no matter which course or level, to continually improve their English and maths skills. Both subjects form an essential part of all College study programmes so when you enrol and start your course, we will use an initial assessment to discuss and determine how we can best help you to progress and succeed.

We offer courses for a range of student groups, including those who are native speakers of other languages.

English courses are designed to develop your core skills and knowledge in reading, writing, speaking, listening and communication. Maths courses develop your ability to perform numeric calculations, data handling, measurements, money management and awareness of shape and space.

Our Facilities

Our

Our Courses

ESOL

Equine

Our equine courses have established effective links with a significant number of professional local and national equine industry providers, resulting in an innovative practical experience. Students also have the opportunity to be involved in a number of blue-chip events such as West Wilts Equestrian Centre, Badminton Horse Trials, Olympia and more.

The courses offer a riding and non-riding route and students benefit from the best equestrian facilities in the area.

Students will take part in routine yard duties which supplement work experience and develop employability skills, as well as ensuring the horses students work with are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.

Fashion & Textiles

If you’ve got a creative mind and are passionate about fashion and textiles, our courses will allow you to develop your skills, hone your own style and learn new techniques, giving you a solid foundation to start a career in the fashion industry or progress onto university.

You’ll discover how to research and develop design ideas, cut commercial patterns and make your individual designs using industrial machines. You’ll learn about fabric and how to develop surface textile designs, as well learn how to work in the fashion industry.

You’ll understand how to draw well-proportioned fashion figures and how to illustrate your design ideas as well as produce technical drawings of your designs using CAD.

Film & Media Production

If you’re interested in becoming a filmmaker, creating special effects, developing documentaries, working on TV shows or running and promoting your own YouTube channel, our courses will give you the skills to produce professional video products.

You’ll develop camera skills and work with a range of equipment including gimbals, tracks and drones, and we are also one of the few institutions in the country teaching the use of celluloid film.

You’ll use the professional techniques acquired to develop a portfolio and students will also work towards professional briefs from organisations such as the British Army and Wiltshire Police, and benefit from industry speakers and study visits, such as to the London Film Museum and the British Board of Film Classification.

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Games Development

If you dream of designing and developing the next generation of games, becoming a 3D artist or an animator, our courses will give you the skills and knowledge to help turn that dream into a reality.

Our courses are taught in bespoke facilities and on our Higher National course you’ll be learning with industry-standard software including Autodesk 3DS Max, Maya, Unity Engine and Unreal Engine 4. You’ll work on live briefs, putting theory into practice and developing a portfolio that reflects your strengths and interests.

You will also get to take part in a study visit to the annual Eurogamer Expo, while masterclasses from the likes of Rockstar and Sony professionals will give real insight into your career opportunities.

Hair & Beauty

Whether you want to become a hairdresser or barber, specialise in amazing make-up or perform the latest beauty techniques and treatments, your career in the hair and beauty sector starts here.

Our campuses are home to the Aspire Academy of Hair and Beauty, which feature industrystandard training salons and provide the perfect environment to hone your craft. You will be taught by industry professionals who will pass on their wealth of skills, knowledge and experience, as well as their industry contacts.

You’ll benefit from strong industry links between the College and local employers for work experience and training, and take part in workshops and trips with well-known brands to enrich your experience and give you a solid foundation to start your career.

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Chippenham, Salisbury

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Health & Social Care

Are you a compassionate person who wants to make a real difference in the lives of others?

Careers in health and social care are amongst the most rewarding you can pursue and people who work in this sector truly care about helping other people. Our courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills to start a fulfilling career.

Our experienced lecturers provide insight into the challenges and rewards of a career in this field and you’ll understand how to support individuals and families across different stages of their lives.

You will take part in trips and visits, benefit from insightful guest speakers and harness close links with employers, as well as get involved in fundraising activities with care charities.

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Horticulture

Horticulture isn’t just about gardening, with a qualification you could be designing and landscaping parks, gardens and sports grounds or developing land for large businesses such as hotels and golf clubs. You could also work in production, growing and selling plants, producing new hybrid varieties and finding out how best to care for and grow plants for decoration and eating.

Students have access to the gardens at the Lackham estate, including manicured lawns, tropical glasshouses, polytunnels, 50 acres of woodlands and wetlands.

Students studying the full-time horticulture courses also have the opportunity to take part in educational visits, such as to Kew Gardens, and a study tour to Holland.

Land-based Engineering

Our courses are for students looking to work on or with industry-relevant machinery and equipment. Students will gain unrivalled hands-on experience and be provided with the tools to follow multiple career paths and opportunities.

Students will also benefit from purpose-built welding and fabrication workshops, machinery diagnostic equipment and a wide range of tractors and other large and small land-based machinery.

With a large arable farming area as part of the Lackham estate, students develop machinery and cultivation skills, and take part in ploughing, tillage, sowing and spreading amongst other farm duties.

Motorsport Engineering

For those interested in motorsport engineering, our trackside teaching centre at Castle Combe race circuit offers a unique experience. We’ll help you develop the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the exhilarating world of motorsports.

Our workshops boast a range of tools, materials and design software, providing you with a realistic working environment and the ideal preparation for entry into the motorsport industry. As an engineer in this field, you will be responsible for designing, building, testing and maintaining a variety of race vehicles.

We have strong links in the industry and you will have the chance to visit employers and events such as the International Autosport Show, as well as Castle Combe circuit on race days.

MusicIf you’re interested in becoming a producer, composer, sound engineer or performing artist, our courses in music will help you build the skills, knowledge and techniques essential to succeed.

Our music courses are designed to train and inspire more than just traditional musicians. If you’re interested in becoming a DJ, rapper, electronic music producer, game audio producer or event organiser, our qualifications offer the opportunity to specialise in various aspects of music technology, composition, performance and business.

You will take part in collaborative and individual project work, such as managing a student-based record label, organising and performing at live music events, producing an EP of electronic music, scoring a game or film sequence, or taking part in music festivals.

Pathways

Pathway courses are designed to enable students acquire meaningful qualifications and experience, helping them progress into further study or employment.

Taught by our supportive and experienced staff, these courses build independence in the classroom and real or simulated environments. You will also develop personal and social skills, prepare for further training and enhance your ability to make informed life choices, allowing you to succeed at a level that is right for you.

We also offer additional Land-based Pathways study options at our Lackham campus.

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Chippenham, Salisbury

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Trowbridge

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Pathway

Salisbury

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Pathways to Land-based Studies

Our Pathways to Land-based Studies courses are designed to enable students to acquire meaningful qualifications and experience, helping them progress into further study, employment or independent living.

A love of being outdoors and working with plants and animals is essential on these courses as you will be learning at Lackham, our specialist campus for land-based study.

Classes are taught by supportive and experienced staff and you will develop personal and social skills, prepare for further training and enhance your ability to make informed life choices, allowing you to succeed at a level that is right for you.

Performing & Production Arts

Whether you aspire for a career performing on stage or prefer to work behind the scenes in production, our courses provide an exciting and dynamic space for you to build your confidence, explore your talents and develop as a performer or producer.

Taught in our inspiring professional studios and theatre, you will learn from our talented performing arts staff who have a wealth of industry contacts and be provided with the stepping stones needed to progress in the industry.

The Arc Theatre at our Trowbridge campus provides an exciting space to train, while students at our Salisbury campus are trained in partnership with Wiltshire Creative, an organisation which comprises the Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Playhouse.

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Public Services

A role in Public Services offers a wide variety of career options. Taught by experts, our courses provide you with the skills and knowledge to develop a career in one of these sectors, including the armed forces (British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force), fire and ambulance services and the police.

You will develop practical and theory skills for leadership, discipline and navigation, as well as take part in a variety of physical activities, all while preparing for the physical assessment necessary to enter the uniformed services.

Planning and participating in an expedition and working as part of a team are key components of the course, and you will also study the social and political contexts of the work done by the public services.

Science

For those with an enquiring mind, attention to detail and a love of science, our courses are an excellent starting point for a career in a truly exciting field. Our range of courses allow you to specialise in a variety of dynamic scientific disciplines, ranging from Laboratory Science to Forensic Investigation.

You’ll learn how to think and work like a professional in a scientific field, transferring your knowledge of scientific concepts to real-life scenarios. Your detailed theoretical knowledge will be developed in a practical environment, preparing you to work in a constantly evolving industry.

You will also be supported to undertake an extended work placement in the form of a collaborative project with an industry-leading employer.

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SportDo you dream of working in elite sport or want to start a career in the leisure industry? There is an increasing demand for qualified sports professionals, whether that be to work with top-level athletes or the general public. Because of this, employment opportunities range from coaching and personal training through to nutrition, rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

Our sports department is renowned for its innovative approach to sport-based studies and our facilities ensure you will put your learning into action in a practical environment to build your knowledge in a realistic industry environment.

Thanks to the cutting-edge equipment available on campus, you will gain a unique industry insight while pushing yourself to develop your personal fitness and skills, and you will also take part in relevant trips and practical visits.

Our Facilities

As well as access to gyms, sports halls and outdoor arenas, students can make use of a state-of-the-art Sport Science Lab. We are also home to the Wiltshire College & University Centre Academy of Sport and have football, rugby and futsal teams open to any student enrolled on a programme of study at the College. These teams compete in a variety of competitions both regionally and nationally and receive expert training and coaching.

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Travel & Tourism

If you dream of being paid to travel the world, creating events, managing hotels or leading life-changing destination tours, our highly practical courses will prepare you for a career in one of the most rewarding and exciting industries imaginable.

You will take part in a wide range of trips, tours and experiences to learn about life in the industry, including a day at the British Airways cabin crew training facility at Heathrow, and also have the opportunity to take part in study tours in the UK and European tourist destinations.

These trips provide you with practical insights into working abroad, giving you the opportunity to learn about different cultures and develop your confidence to thrive in the sector.