School Leavers Taster Day Bridgwater & Cannington campuses - Bridgwater & Taunton College

More Information

What to bring with you
Some courses require you wear or bring certain items. This is really important because if you don’t bring the correct clothing, you may not be able to take part in your chosen taster.

Venue key
CAN    Cannington campus
BW      Bridgwater campus

Subjects
A Levels
– BW
With 31 A Levels available at the College, this taster give you the chance to experience three subjects. Please specify your choices when you register.

Agriculture – CAN
There is so much more to agriculture than early mornings. Many agricultural systems and practices are at the cutting edge of technology, using computers and GPS systems to record animal data and drive tractors. See how technology reduces the hard physical work of this exciting industry. Please wear old clothes/overalls, sturdy shoes/Wellington boots and appropriate outdoor clothing (waterproofs).

Animal Care – CAN
Are you are interested in a career working with animals? This taster gives you the opportunity to work in an area of our extensive animal collection, improve your handling skills and learn more about the available career opportunities. Please wear old clothes/overalls, sturdy shoes/Wellington boots and appropriate outdoor clothing (waterproofs).

Applied Science (Forensics) – BW
The applied science (analytical and forensic science) course is an ideal if you really enjoy biology, chemistry and physics. The taster focusses on delivering a Level 3 analytical approach to science experiments and will give you an idea of what to expect from this exciting course.

Arboriculture – CAN
Do you love the outdoors and have you thought about working with trees? Find out about this exciting subject, learn to climb trees using ropes and harnesses, develop your chainsaw skills and find out how you can have a positive impact on the countryside and the environment. Please wear old clothes/overalls, sturdy shoes and appropriate outdoor clothing (waterproofs).

Art & Design – BW
Drawing is the core skill for all Art & Design. This exciting workshop enables you to explore drawing in new and innovative ways to help stretch you skills and prepare you for the next steps in Art & Design.

Automotive – BW
This interesting taster based at the Bridgwater campus offers you the chance to work on race cars, trucks, modern vehicle technology and even try your hand at paint spraying. Closer to Taunton? Then come and join us at our Taunton campus, you will work in our state-of-the-art workshop learning how vehicles work and how to repair them. You may get messy so please dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes/boots.

Barbering – BW
If you’re interested in learning the art of being a professional barber, give this hands-on taster a try. By blending traditional skills with a modern approach, you’ll try your hand at head art and tram lines as well as beard cutting and styling using some of the coolest products in today’s barbering world. Please wear flat, closed toe shoes to comply with health and safety regulations.

Beauty Therapy – BW
Explore and experience the practical and theoretical aspects of beauty and the industry. Work alongside our professional therapists to gain hands-on experience in our industry standard salon environment. Please wear flat, closed toe shoes to comply with health and safety regulations.

Business – BW
Participate in a range of activities that are both fun and challenging. You’ll gain an insight into the world of business and the endless opportunities available to you in this global market.

Civil Engineering – CAN
Our Construction Live taster day at the Cannington campus gives you a unique opportunity to operate an excavator (even if you don’t have your driving licence yet), fix steel ready for concrete to be poured and try your hand at installing a water mains or managing a construction project. In Taunton, you’ll learn more about construction management, architecture and surveying, and use computer-aided drafting and modern surveying equipment. Please wear old clothes/overalls, sturdy shoes and appropriate outdoor clothing (waterproofs).

Computing & IT – BW
Join us to find out about this dynamic industry. Use our excellent computer resources to learn about a variety of computer applications, how to produce and publish a website and make you own MP3 player using programming skills and build a PC from scratch.

Construction: Brickwork – BW
If you enjoy hands-on tasks and like working outside, then being a bricklayer may be for you. Come and work alongside our Apprentices and experienced staff to learn how to build a small brick peer in our state-of-the-art workshop. Please wear old clothes and sturdy shoes/boots. Trainers will not be suitable.

Construction: Carpentry & Joinery – BW
If you enjoy woodwork, then carpentry may be for you. Learn how to mark out, saw, chisel and make a basic timber joint. Please wear old clothes and sturdy shoes/boots. Trainers will not be suitable.

Construction: Furniture Making – BW
Are you interested in fine wood working and design? If so, this taster is for you. Learn practical woodworking skills in our industry-standard workshop using quality materials to give you a kick-start in this exciting sector. Please wear old clothes and sturdy shoes/boots. Trainers will not be suitable.

Construction: Electrical – BW
Are you interested in working with the latest energy-saving equipment or do you just like making electrical items work? You could be a budding electrician. Learn how to connect a plug and socket and get a taste for the industry in our electrical workshop.

Construction: Plumbing – BW
Plumbing is different every day and no two jobs are ever the same. One day you could be repairing water pipes and the next installing eco-friendly systems. Join us for an introduction into the industry and learn how to solder and bend a copper tube. Please wear old clothes and sturdy shoes/boots. Trainers will not be suitable.

Countryside & Wildlife Management – CAN
Would you like a career where the great outdoors is your office? Get a flavour of this rewarding industry by taking part in an interesting practical morning that includes woodland management and wildlife surveying. Please wear old clothes/overalls, sturdy shoes/Wellington boots and appropriate outdoor clothing (waterproofs).

Dance – BW
This course is perfect for those that are looking for a career in dance. Experience a variety of styles including contemporary, jazz and ballet and learn all about the professional industry and ways to get on the stage. Please bring loose fitting clothing with you that you can dance in that allow you to move freely ie. leggings/tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt.

Digital Media Design – BW
Come and experience a taster in design for digital products such as games, 3D models and websites, and get a feel for the sort of things we offer in this dynamic and growing games development industry.

Engineering – BW
Would you like to work in one of the UK’s most important industries? Join us and learn about Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM), aerospace engineering, communications technology and electronics. Engage in activities that will give you a flavour of the type of skills and hi-tech technology required by modern industry.

Equine Studies – CAN
If you are interested in working with horses, please come and spend some time in the College’s equine yard. It comprises an indoor arena, outdoor ménage, two stable blocks and a wide range of horses. You’ll have the opportunity to spend some time on our commercially run yard and learn valuable stable management skills. Please wear old clothes/overalls, sturdy shoes and appropriate outdoor clothing (waterproofs).

Fashion – BW
Join us to experience a taste of the fashion industry. This taster will explore everything from design and marketing through to buying and retail display.

Floristry – CAN
During this session you get an understanding of what the floristry industry has to offer by taking part in a practical session in which you will create your own floral designs.

Food Science – CAN
Have you ever wondered how food products are designed, made and tested? Pop on a lab coat and learn more about this exciting and innovative industry.

Hairdressing – BW
If you enjoy working with hair, this taster gives you the opportunity to explore and experience the practical and theoretical aspects of hairdressing. Work alongside our professional stylists to gain hands-on experience in our industry standard salon environment. Please wear flat, closed toe shoes to comply with health and safety regulations.

Health, Care & Education Studies – BW
Are you thinking of working in disability care, early years, health or elderly care? Come and participate in fun, interactive and hands-on activities to learn new skills and discover what it could be like to work in the industry.

Horticulture – CAN
Careers in horticulture are full of variety and range from caring for historic landscapes, designing gardens such as the Olympic park, growing food for restaurants and producing specimen plants. Find out more in this practical taster session. Please wear old clothes/overalls, sturdy shoes/Wellington boots and appropriate outdoor clothing (waterproofs).

Media Make-up – BW
In this session you learn how theatrical make-up is used within the industry and have the opportunity to create scars and bruises using scar wax and latex to construct a realistic casualty simulation. You’ll be taught by one of our media make-up team who will give you course information and careers guidance for progressing into this exciting industry.

Media Production – BW
Let us introduce you to the production process, from the initial idea to the finished product and the variety of technologies such as TV, film and animation. Work alongside industry professionals in our excellent facilities.

Music – BW
Do you like the idea of producing a mini-gig? You will explore a variety of rock songs, look at rehearsal techniques and analyse your own performance. Please bring an instrument with you (not drums or keyboards – the College will supply these, as well as microphones and amps). Obviously if you’re a singer, your voice is your instrument.

Music Technology – BW
This course is perfect for anyone interested in computer-based music production, sound recording and audio editing. Come and have a go, and work within our professional-standard recording studios.

Performing Arts – BW
Do you love being centre stage and enjoy performing? This taster gives you the chance to gain practical experience of our dance, drama and singing courses. Bring lots of energy and enthusiasm with you. Please wear clothing that allows you to move freely ie. leggings/tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt.

Production Arts – BW
This taster gives you a chance to look at the technical support and backstage elements of live performances including lighting, live sound, scenic construction and stage management. This is perfect for anyone thinking of working in the production industry or wanting to support live performances. Please wear old clothes and sturdy shoes/boots. Trainers will not be suitable.

Public Services – CAN/
This taster session includes practical team leadership skills and encourages you to problem solve. Working in small groups, you will look at the aspects needed in the Public and Emergency Services. Please bring sports kit and trainers.

Sport Science/Sport Coaching/Fitness Instructing – BW
Are you interested in a career in sport science, physical education, health and fitness or coaching? Come and experience what it would be like to study the theoretical and practical elements of our national award winning sports curriculum. Please bring sports kit and trainers.

Travel & Tourism – BW
Find out what working in this rapidly growing industry is all about. Discover the range of career opportunities available to you throughout a variety of industries and gain an insight into some of the exciting activities related to the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

If you require any further information, please contact the Information & Guidance Team on 01278 441234 or email info@btc.ac.uk

Getting here

Our taster day will be held at our Bridgwater and Cannington campuses.

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