Apprenticeships

1. How long does it take?
   The length of an Apprenticeship varies depending on prior skills levels of the apprentice, the qualification being obtained and the industry sector. Generally Apprenticeships take between one and four years to complete.
2. What are the advantages of an Apprenticeship?
   Getting qualified while on the job can also mean:

   • You work better and more effectively
   • It can set you up to move into new and better jobs.
   • You get better pay.
   • You get to experience new and different challenges.
   • Your existing skills and knowledge are recognised and can help you gain a qualification faster.
   • You learn at your own pace and get support when you need it.
   • Better job security.
   • You gain skills and knowledge which can be used across a range of jobs and industries.

3. What is an Apprenticeship?
   Apprenticeships are designed for people to get hands on experience in the workplace whilst studying part time towards a nationally recognised qualification.
4. What subjects can I study?
   West Thames College delivers apprenticeships in Health & Social Care, Childcare Learning & Development, Food Preparation & Cooking, Customer Service and Business and Administration.

Building Works

1. How much is the building project costing? Who is paying?
   The total cost of the Isleworth building project is £70 million. Most of this money is provided by the Learning and Skills Council - the Government funding body for Further Education [A course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications, full-time and part-time for all ages.].
2. Is the College fully open during the building works?
   Yes. We are open for business as usual and all our excellent facilities are available to students whilst the building work progresses. We will continue to run all our courses on site and have done everything possible to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum.
3. Is the College safe whilst building work goes on?
   Yes. We work closely with our building contractors to make sure they work to very high standards. The building site is completely closed off from the rest of the college so that staff, students and visitors have a safe and clean environment.
4. What is happening at the Feltham Skills Centre?
   The Feltham Skills Centre (where our construction, catering and motor vehicle courses are based) will remain at its current location in the de Brome Building on Boundaries Road in Feltham for the foreseeable future.
5. What is happening on the college building site?
   The college is rebuilding or refurbishing most of the Isleworth Campus. The first new building, our college Nursery opened in October 2008. Our hairdressing and beauty therapy salons and makeup studios were also completely refurbished in 2008. The spectacular new Atium building opened in April 2010, complete with state-of-the-art facilities including: a new theatre and performance spaces, sports hall, fitness gym, media and music centre, cafe and canteen, student common room and a Learning Resource Centre over three floors. The whole project will be completed by September 2011 with the opening of the new Sir Joseph Banks Building, consisting mainly of classrooms and learning facilities, and the landscaping of all our grounds. Our grade II listed Spring Grove House is also being restored and refurbished.
6. When will the Isleworth campus building work be completed?
   The Atrium Building opened in April 2010. The whole campus redevelopment will be fully completed in September 2011 when the new Sir Joseph Banks building opens.
7. Who is doing the building work?
   The main contractor is Geoffrey Osborne Ltd.

Childcare

1. Can I guarantee my child's Nursery place when I apply?
   No. Though we recommend that you apply early, as applications for Nursery places are dealt with on a first-come first-served basis.
2. Do I have to pay for my child's Nursery place?
   That is dependant on a number of criteria. Please call the Nursery on 020 8326 2318 to discuss your situation.
3. Do you offer emergency Nursery places or drop-in sessions?
   No. The Nursery is for allocated places only.
4. How much does the Nursery charge?
   The Nursery charges £50 per day, though you may be eligible for funding. Please ask for details.
5. Is the Nursery Ofsted registered?
   Yes. The Nursery received a 'Good' rating at its recent Ofsted inspection.
6. What age children does the Nursery accept?
   From three months to four years.
7. What are your Nursery's opening times?
   The college nursery is open from 8.45am to 5pm during term time. The time that your child will spend there however, is dependant upon the requirements of your course.
8. When will I find out if my child has a place in the Nursery?
   Applicants are informed during the Summer term as to whether they have been successful in getting their child a place.

Disability Support

1. Can I join the Disability Student Forum?
   Yes, please call Julie Bennett on 020 8326 2103
2. Is the College fully accessible?
   Almost all our campus is accessible and arrangements can be made to change classrooms if they are unsuitable for specific needs.
3. Is there a college counsellor?
   Yes. Students can visit them in the student common room, or call them on 020 8326 2484/2429.
4. Is there any help with funding if you are disabled?
   Various types of funding are available depending on your circumstances. Call our Disability Support Manager on 020 8326 2103, or our Student Welfare and Support Offier on 020 8326 2412.
5. What specialist equipment or software is available?
   There is a wide range of equipment that is constantly changing and improving. Contact our Disability Support Manager on 020 8326 2103, or consult our Disability Matters booklet (available from this website or at the college reception areas).
6. What support can I get?
   Support is tailored to each individual and agreed at a confidential meeting between the student and the Disability Suppor Manager.
7. Who do I contact for dyslexia support?
   Lia Fernandez on 020 8326 2228
8. Will you supply a laptop (specialist equipment) if I need it?
   Yes, usually, but this would be kept at the college, not at your home.

Enrolment

1. Can I enrol by telephone?
   Yes, for some part-time courses that do not require an interview, you may be able to enrol by telephone using your credit/debit card. Call 020 8326 2446 between 10am and 4pm. Please ensure you have the correct entry requirements for the course. If you are not sure and you need advice, please call 020 8326 2020 before you enrol.
2. Can I enrol online?
   You can apply online for most courses, but we regret you cannot enrol online yet. However, we are planning towards an online enrolment service in 2011 for a small selection of part-time courses that do not require an interview. Watch this space!
3. How do I enrol for a full-time course?
   We will write to all students who have already been offered a place during the summer telling you when to come to the college to enrol. If you have not yet been offered a place or had an interview by late August, please turn up during our main enrolment week when you will be able to have an interview and enrol at the same time. Please call us on 020 8326 2020 to make sure places are still available before you come.
4. How do I enrol for a part-time course?
   Each course is different. Please check the 'How to apply' information on the individual course factsheet on this website. Some courses will require you to have an interview, some courses require you to have an informal chat with us first before you enrol in person, whilst you can enrol over the telephone with a credit/debit card for other courses.
5. I'm already a West Thames student. Do I have to re-enrol in September?
   Yes, all students must enrol for each year of their course. Providing you have the entry requirements for your next course/level, you may be able to enrol earlier in the summer (from June) to avoid the queues during the busy main enrolment period.
6. I'm an HE student returning for my 2nd year. When should I enrol?
   We will contact you telling you when to re-enrol. You will be able to enrol until late September before your course re-commences.
7. I've already been offered a place. Do I still need to come in to enrol?
   Yes. All students who have been offered either a Conditional or Unconditional place still need to come to the college to enrol. If you do not come to enrol we will assume you no longer wish to study at the college and will offer your place to someone else on the waiting list.
   Students with unconditional places can usually enrol in July/August to avoid the queues during our main enrolment week.
   Students with conditional places can usually enrol from GCSE results day in August.
8. I've already taken my AS Levels. When can I re-enrol onto my A2s?
   We need to know your AS level results before you can re-enrol onto the A2 (year 2 of the programme). We will let you know when to enrol. This is usually during A Level results week.
9. When can I enrol for a part-time course?
   You can enrol from the first week of July onwards for part-time courses starting in September (provided you meet the entry requirements and/or have been offered an unconditional place on the course).
   For courses starting at other times of the year e.g. January or April, you can enrol at any time from September onwards.
   
10. When do I enrol for HE courses?
    You will be able to enrol for HE [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] courses until late September (subject to places being available). Please call our HE [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] Administrator on 020 8326 2032 for further information and specific enrolment times.

Fees

1. Am I entitled to a college bursary?
   All Home students on West Thames College Higher Education [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] courses* will receive a college bursary of £480.50 (2010-11) to help towards general costs. This is usually given out to students during the Spring term after their course has begun provided they have a good attendance record and are progressing well with their studies.
   Please note: If you course is accredited by a partner university (TVU, Kingston, St Mary's) then you will receive your bursary from the respective university (if eligible). International students are not eligible to receive a bursary.
2. Do I qualify for fee remission?

   You do not have to pay fees if you are:

   • A Home student [To be classed as a home student, you must have been a UK/EU resident for the last 3 years.] under 19 years at the start of your course;
   • Aged 19+ applying to study on your first full Level 2 qualification [A full-time or major Level 2 qualification such as: 5 GCSEs at grades A-C, NVQ Level 2, BTEC First Diploma or equivalent.];
   • Aged 19-25 years applying to study on your first full Level 3 qualification [A major or full-time Level 3 qualification such as: an A level programme, Access course, BTEC National Diploma, GNVQ Advanced, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.];
   • Studying on a basic skills course;
   • In receipt of (or a dependent of someone in receipt of) any of the following income-related benefits: Job Seekers' Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, or Working Tax Credit/Pension Guarantee Credit with a household income of less than £15,050 (figure correct for 2010-11 but subject to change). However you may still have to pay the College Registration Fee.

   Please note: On many part-time courses no concessions apply. This will be stated on individual course factsheets.

3. How much are international fees for 2010-11?
   Further Education [A course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications, full-time and part-time for all ages.] (Level 3 courses: £4,750
   Higher Education [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] (Level 4-6 courses): £6,000
   All fees are for one year of study and are subject to change.
   Please note: fees for courses accredited by partner universities are set by the university and not West Thames College. Please call 020 8326 2020 or the accrediting university for further information.
4. What are your Higher Education fees for 2010-11?
   The 2010-11 fee for West Thames College HNDs (for Home students) is £3,000. The international student [International students are usually from outside the EU/EAA and have not been a UK resident for the last 3 years.] fee is £6,000. This fee is for one year of study.
   Please note: Some of our HNDs, Foundation Degrees and BA Hons Degrees are accredited by our partner universities and the respective university sets these fees.
   Your fees will usually be covered by your student loan which you should not usually have to pay back until after you have completed your studies and you are earning in excess of £15,000 per year.
5. When will FE course fees be set for 2010-11?
   Our fees for further education [A course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications, full-time and part-time for all ages.] courses starting in 2010-11 have now been set and should be displayed on the specific course factsheet page. If you have any fees-related queries, please contact Registry on 020 8326 2301.

Financial Support

1. Am I entitled to a college bursary?
   All Home students on West Thames College Higher Education [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] courses* will receive a college bursary of £480.50 (2010-11) to help towards general costs. This is usually given out to students during the Spring term after their course has begun provided they have a good attendance record and are progressing well with their studies.
   Please note: If you course is accredited by a partner university (TVU, Kingston, St Mary's) then you will receive your bursary from the respective university (if eligible). International students are not eligible to receive a bursary.

How to apply - Further Education

1. Do you interview during the summer?
   We only offer a limited number of interviews over the summer vacation period subject to the availability of staff. We will write to you (or call you) about when to come for an interview. If you are applying in late August/early September you should turn up in person during our main enrolment week when you will be able to have an interview and enrol at the same time (subject to places being available on the course).
2. How do I apply for a course?
   Every course is different. When you've found a course that you'd like to study, check the 'How to Apply' information on the course factsheet for instructions. Not all courses require you to complete an application form.
3. Is there a deadline for applications?
   There are deadlines for international applications and applications for HE [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] courses through UCAS, but not for Home Students applying for FE [A further education course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications, full-time and part-time for all ages.] courses. However, we advise students to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment - our courses are popular and fill very quickly. It is best to apply by January (for courses starting the following September), but we accept applications and continue interviewing until June. If places are still available, it may be possible to apply during enrolment week (August-September).
4. When do you start accepting applications?
   From October for courses starting the following September.

How to apply - Higher Education

1. When do you start accepting applications?
   From October for courses starting the following September.
2. When is the deadline for HE applications?
   The initial UCAS deadline is 15 January.
   The late application deadline is 30 June. If you apply after this date you will need to apply through Clearing. Alternatively, please call the college on 020 8326 2020 for advice.
   Please visit www.ucas.com for further advice or information.

How to apply - international students

1. When do you start accepting applications?
   From October for courses starting the following September.
2. When is the application deadline for international students?
   The deadline for Further Education [A course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications, full-time and part-time for all ages.] (Level 3) courses is 15 May.
   The deadline for Higher Education [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] courses is 15 June.
   The deadlines are to allow you enough time to apply for your visa. If you are already in the UK and have a valid visa you can apply (subject to places being available) up until September. Please email or call +44 (0)20 8326 2246 for further information.

How to apply - part-time courses

1. Can I enrol by telephone?
   Yes, for some part-time courses that do not require an interview, you may be able to enrol by telephone using your credit/debit card. Call 020 8326 2446 between 10am and 4pm. Please ensure you have the correct entry requirements for the course. If you are not sure and you need advice, please call 020 8326 2020 before you enrol.
2. Can I enrol online?
   You can apply online for most courses, but we regret you cannot enrol online yet. However, we are planning towards an online enrolment service in 2011 for a small selection of part-time courses that do not require an interview. Watch this space!
3. How do I enrol for a part-time course?
   Each course is different. Please check the 'How to apply' information on the individual course factsheet on this website. Some courses will require you to have an interview, some courses require you to have an informal chat with us first before you enrol in person, whilst you can enrol over the telephone with a credit/debit card for other courses.
4. When can I enrol for a part-time course?
   You can enrol from the first week of July onwards for part-time courses starting in September (provided you meet the entry requirements and/or have been offered an unconditional place on the course).
   For courses starting at other times of the year e.g. January or April, you can enrol at any time from September onwards.
   

International Fees

1. Am I entitled to a college bursary?
   All Home students on West Thames College Higher Education [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] courses* will receive a college bursary of £480.50 (2010-11) to help towards general costs. This is usually given out to students during the Spring term after their course has begun provided they have a good attendance record and are progressing well with their studies.
   Please note: If you course is accredited by a partner university (TVU, Kingston, St Mary's) then you will receive your bursary from the respective university (if eligible). International students are not eligible to receive a bursary.
2. How much are international fees for 2010-11?
   Further Education [A course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications, full-time and part-time for all ages.] (Level 3 courses: £4,750
   Higher Education [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] (Level 4-6 courses): £6,000
   All fees are for one year of study and are subject to change.
   Please note: fees for courses accredited by partner universities are set by the university and not West Thames College. Please call 020 8326 2020 or the accrediting university for further information.

Interviews

1. When do interviews take place?
   Interviews take place between December and June for full-time [Full-time courses consist of 12-16 hours study per week. International students on full-time courses must study a minimum of 15 hours per week.] courses which start the following September. If places are still available, limited interviews may take place during the summer or during enrolment week in late August/early September.
2. When will I hear about an interview?
   We usually write to you about an interview within 4 weeks of receiving your application form. If you have not heard anything from the college after 4 weeks, please email or call Registry on 020 8326 2367.

Job Applications

1. Can I hand-deliver my application?
   Yes, please bring your application to the main college reception in Isleworth, between 10am and 4pm.
2. Do you accept CVs in place of an application form?
   No. Please complete the West Thames College job application form.
3. Do you accept speculative CVs?
   Not usually. Please check our current job vacancies.
4. Help, I can't save my application form!
   At present you are unable to save your application form whilst working online. If you have started filling out the form and wish to save your work for completion later, you need to save the form to your local drive, print it off once completed and send via surface mail.
5. How do I apply for a job?
   You can either apply online via our Current Vacancies, or contact our Personnel department to be sent a paper-based application pack.
6. How will I find out if my job application has been successful?
   We write to all candidates after the closing date, informing them of the outcome of their application - usually within a fortnight of the closing date.
7. I am having problems completing the online application form.
   Please contact the Personnel Team on 020 8326 2638 between 8.30am and 5pm.
8. I have a disability. Can I access support to complete my application form?
   Yes, please contact a member of the Personnel Team to discuss this in more detail.
9. What benefits does the college offer its staff?
   West Thames Staff Benefits
10. What is the latest time that my job application form will be accepted?

    If you are applying online, the link closes at midnight on the published closing date.

    If you are applying by post, we accept applications received by 12 noon on the first working day after the closing date.

11. Will my application be considered if I don't meet the Person Specification criteria?
    Please contact a member of the Personnel Team to discuss this in more detail.

Job Seekers' Allowance

1. Can I still claim Job Seekers' Allowance if I study?
   Yes, almost all our full-time [Full-time courses consist of 12-16 hours study per week. International students on full-time courses must study a minimum of 15 hours per week.] FE [A further education course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications, full-time and part-time for all ages.] courses consist of less than 16 hours study per week. This means that you can still claim Job Seekers' Allowance whilst you study, provided you are still actively seeking work and you are prepared to give up your studies if a job comes along.
2. How many hours do you study on a "Full-time" course?
   For UK/EU students, most of our full-time [Full-time courses consist of 12-16 hours study per week. International students on full-time courses must study a minimum of 15 hours per week.] further education [A course at Entry level, Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Includes pre-university and vocational qualifications, full-time and part-time for all ages.] courses (except some supported learning courses) consist of less than 16 hours study per week.
   International students however, will do a minimum of 15 hours daytime study per week on a full-time [Full-time courses consist of 12-16 hours study per week. International students on full-time courses must study a minimum of 15 hours per week.] course.

Open Days

1. Do I need an invitation to come to an Open Day?
   No, just come along at any time, but please try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the end so you have chance to see the facilities and talk to our staff before we close.
2. Is parking available for visitors?
   Limited car parking is available in our car parks at both our Isleworth campus and our Feltham Skills Centre. However, the car parks are often full between 9am and 5pm. If the Isleworth Campus car park is full, there are parking meters on Harvard Road. The nearest free parking is in Osterley Road (5 mins walk north of college). There are parking meters on Harvard Road and The Grove (Isleworth Campus). The nearest free parking is on Osterley Road. In some circumstances a visitor's parking space may be pre-arranged in advance, but this cannot be guaranteed.
3. Should my parents come with me to an Open Day?
   We welcome parents at our Open Days, but this is not compulsory. You are welcome to come with your friends or come on your own if you wish.
4. When is your next Open Day?
   Feltham Skills Centre (for catering, construction and motor vehicle): Wednesday 17 Novemeber 2010, 4-7pm.
   Isleworth Campus (for all other courses): Thursday 25 November 2010, 3-7pm. If you don't want to wait until the next open day, we may be able to arrange a visit for you. Please call us on 020 8326 2020.

Opening Times

1. What are the college's opening hours?

   Term Time
   Monday to Thursday: 9am to 5pm
   Friday: 9am to 4.30pm

   Holiday Periods
   Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

   The college is closed at weekends, on Public and Bank Holidays and the period between Christmas and the New Year.

Parking

1. Can I park at the Isleworth Campus?
   Parking is very limited. Staff and students require a permit to park in our car park (available from Registry). The car park is usually full between 9am and 5pm. Visitors may request a parking space, but this cannot be guaranteed. There are parking meters on Harvard Road and The Grove. The nearest free parking is in Osterley Road (5 mins walk north of the college).
2. Is parking available at the Feltham Skills Centre?
   Limited car parking is available in our staff/student car park at the Feltham Skills Centre (de Brome Building).

Prospectus

1. When will your new prospectus be available?
   All prospectuses for 2010-11 are available now. Our main prospectus and our HE [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] Creative Arts prospectus for 2011-12 will be available in October/November 2010.