Below is lots of information that we hope you will find useful if you are thinking of applying to study at College, as well as updates for our current learners.
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please contact our Admissions Team on 0800 9 776 788 or email admissions@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Before Starting College
I'm not sure which career I want?
The careers advice and guidance service is delivered in partnership with Careers Wales. If you are unsure which career path you would like to follow, prospective learners are able to book an impartial guidance appointment with our friendly Admissions team, this can be face-to-face, via the telephone or online. Just call them on 0800 9 776 788 or email admissions@pembrokeshire.ac.uk to find out more and book an appointment.
The College also has extensive links with UCAS and all UK universities. A full range of events and workshops providing guidance on the UCAS process is available throughout the academic year as well as organised visits to universities and higher education fairs. Learners looking to progress to higher education are also able to seek individual UCAS guidance.
What level course can I do?
We offer a huge range of courses at varying levels. The level you study will depend on your previous achievements and qualifications.
For example, if you have no formal qualifications, an entry or Level 1 course is likely to be most appropriate. Or, if you’re coming to College after gaining five GCSEs at grade C and above, a Level 3 course – such as A Levels, an Extended Diploma or an apprenticeship – will be a natural progression.
If you’re unsure what level is right for you, what qualifications you require for a particular level of study, and what skill level you can expect to gain, then please use the guide below.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of getting a nationally-recognised qualification whilst gaining on-the-job work experience and getting paid.
An Apprenticeship is a programme of learning (also known as a Framework), containing a number of different qualifications which are achieved in the workplace with the support of an employer, you may also be required to attend College for specific occupational routes.
Learners will be required to complete a review with their assessor every 1-2 months, a review will require input and comments from the learner, employer and assessor/reviewer. Reviews may take place in person or online, authenticated with either signatures or emails from each party.
See the full range of apprenticeships offered at the College.
The Welsh Government website also has lots of useful information about apprenticeships.
I'd like to start an Apprenticeship!
If you’d like to become an apprentice, here are the next steps…
Employment
You must be employed for 16 hours per week to become an apprentice, or employed or volunteering for 16 hours per week to start a work-based qualification. If you require help with finding an apprenticeship or employment, please contact our Employment Bureau on recruit@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Application
Visit the course information pages to find the right subject for you and the apprenticeship route you would like to complete. Complete an online application via the link on the course information page and an assessor or course specialist will then be in touch to confirm your employment status and to check that your skills and experience are suited to the qualification you have applied for.
You will also be required to complete initial assessments in Essential Skills at this stage.
You will be asked to provide your latest qualification certificates, or results slip if you are still awaiting the certificate.
Induction & Enrolment
Once your application has been successfully processed, you will be invited to attend an induction, this may be online or in the College. You will be required to produce the evidence requirements to prove you are eligible to be an apprentice. Our assessors will be in touch with your employer to complete the final part of the enrolment process and then you will be ready to start.
Completing your Qualification
You may be required to attend College and/or workshops to complete elements of your programme, this is dependent upon which qualification you are completing. Reviews with your assessor and employer will take place every 1-2 months and you will be expected to have developed your skills and knowledge between each review.
My first language is Welsh, can I study in Welsh?
Pembrokeshire College is committed to developing its bilingual provision and ethos. We promote bilingualism and encourage all our students to develop and use their Welsh language skills.
Bilingual opportunities
Students are welcome to access tutorials in Welsh, to complete assessments or assignments through the medium of Welsh and there are many units that you can study in Welsh or bilingually too.
Studying your vocational course bilingually will help you develop valuable skills for the workplace and will give you a wider range options when you leave College.
Will I need to study additional English & Maths skills?
You may need to study an additional skills course depending on:
- the course you are taking at College
- what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
Click below to find out what skills course you may be taking at College.
Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST) in upskilling / Lessons in Financial Education
A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course
A one year GCSE START upskilling course
I'm a parent/carer/guardian how can I support my child?
We believe parents have a vital part to play in ensuring that their child does well at the College. We ask parents to support their child by ensuring that they are punctual and aim for 100% attendance; regularly discussing College life and work; staying in touch with their tutors and highlighting anything they think might be affecting their child’s studies.
As a parent we know you will have lots of questions about your child starting at College. You can find out more on our Parent Information page.
What are the term dates for next year?
Please view our academic College Calendar for term dates. Please note that next year’s dates may change slightly, but we will endeavour to keep the website up to date.
Financial Support?
We have a dedicated Student Finance Officer who can assist learners in applying for an Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), to help with the costs of studying, or accessing the Financial Contingency Fund (FCF) which can help with a contribution towards essential course costs such as books, equipment or uniform. Both awards are means-tested.
You can find out more about all the financial support available on our Student Finance page.
What are UCAS Tariff points?
UCAS Tariff points are normally used by universities for entry onto degree courses and translate your qualifications and grades into a numerical value. Many qualifications (but not all) have a UCAS Tariff value, which will vary dependent on the qualification size, and the grade you achieved.
Three key things to know about the UCAS Tariff:
- The Tariff simply uses a different set of numbers, which some course providers use to describe qualifications and grades in their entry requirements. But only one third of university courses use the Tariff, most use qualifications and grades.
- Just because a qualification is on the Tariff, doesn’t mean a course provider will accept it. Therefore, it’s really important to check the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in, don’t just rely on your number of points.
- There are only a certain number of qualifications on the Tariff. A university, college, or conservatoire may accept a qualification even if it isn’t on the Tariff, so it’s best to check with them to see if they will accept your qualification. Remember, lots of course providers do not use Tariff points.
How are UCAS Tariff points used?
Some universities, colleges, and conservatoires refer to UCAS Tariff points in their course entry requirements, but this doesn’t mean they won’t consider qualifications that don’t appear on the Tariff – so make sure you check the course entry requirements carefully!
Find out what your qualifications are worth
You can use the UCAS tariff point calculator.
Not all qualifications are on the Tariff, so don’t worry if you can’t find your qualification, as a university, college, or conservatoire may still accept it. It’s a good idea to read the guidance notes in the Tariff calculator to understand how the Tariff works.
If you have any questions, speak to your tutor or adviser about your qualifications, grades, and higher education entry requirements. They will be able to advise you, as they understand how the Tariff points system works. If not, you can contact UCAS directly, and they can help you.
Already applied and starting in September?
If you’ve already applied, from the summer onwards you’ll find lots of useful information in our Enrolment Hub as well as answers to the most commonly asked questions: Enrolment Hub.
If you can’t find the answer here, please email: admissions@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
How to Apply Online
How do I complete the application form?
To apply to College you’ll need to complete an online application form via the College website. Just find the course you’re interested in and click the ‘Apply Now’ button.
You will need to create an account which will allow you to track your application.
Please use a personal email address and not a school one.
When creating an account, you will create your own password reminder question, in case you forget your password in the future.
The form is divided into sections:
- Homepage – here any updates about your application will be displayed
- Personal Details – ensure these are kept up to date so we can contact you about your application
- Applications – this will display the course(s) you have applied for and give an overview of your full application form
- Qualifications – here you can enter and update the subjects and grades/expected grades for the subjects you are studying/have already gained
- Evidence – this is where you will upload items such as: school reports, examples of your art work, completed qualifications, support documentation or medical statement (if applicable)
- Communications – displayed here are copies of emails sent to you by the system regarding your application
- Learner Agreements – this page has all the learner agreements set out by the College, it includes: behaviour, what you are expected to do during your course and in online sessions, finance agreement (if applicable), Lifelong Learning Wales Record and code of conduct if using College transport
While completing your application form you will need to complete all the questions that have an asterisk (*).
Before you submit your application, double check that you have entered everything correctly, or you can log out and return at a later date to complete the application. Please remember some of our courses have limited spaces, so getting your completed application in soon is always an advantage.
If you need some help completing your application, please contact our Admissions team on: 0800 9 776 788 or by email admissions@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Education History?
It doesn’t matter what grades you have already achieved, what grades you think you’re going to achieve or if you have no grades at all.
The reason we want to know your education history is so we can direct you to the most suitable course for you.
Are you currently in year 11 and taking your GCSEs?
We’ll need to know what you’re expecting to achieve after you’ve sat your exams in the summer. If you haven’t received your predicted grades from school yet or you’re unsure what they are, don’t panic – you can still apply for a course at College. You can let us know what they are at a later date.
Have you completed your GCSEs and/or any other qualifications?
As part of your application, it’ll be great for us to know what you have already achieved. Please fill out the grades you currently have. That means any GCSEs, BTECs or NVQs that you have studied at school or college.
Have you left school and achieved no qualifications?
Don’t worry, we’ll assess what you’re looking for and work out whether it’s the course for you. We may ask you to come in and speak to one of our Advice & Guidance Team – they’ll be able to help you find the path that is right for you.
I've forgotten my password!
There are two options:
- In office hours you can contact our admissions team – they will be able to help you to reset your password
- Out of office hours you can click on the forgot your password link on the OnTrack (application system). You will then be sent an email with a link to reset your password
I do not know my account username, how can I find this?
How do I upload a form or copy of my results?
COVID-19 Questions
If you feel more comfortable continuing to wear a face covering then we encourage you to do so. If you are more vulnerable to covid and working in close contact with others you are able to request the other person to wear a face covering.
Thank you for your continued cooperation now, and over the past two years with our COVID control measures.
You must self-isolate in line with the Welsh Government guidance available at gov.wales website. Please do not return to College until you have completed the required self-isolation.
Booking a COVID-19 test:
If a lateral flow test is required, this can be ordered via www.gov.uk
Exam & Assessment Questions
Please find attached the slides from the A-level Parents briefing including useful links.
A-Level Learner Parent Briefing 2-12-2021
College Computer Systems
Do I need to bring a laptop?
Some courses ask you to bring a laptop or device.
For advice on the specification you will need please read our Bring Your Own Device page.
What if I'm struggling to get online at home?
Here are some common issues and possible solutions.
Slow internet speeds
One of the most obvious causes of slow internet speeds is being too far from the router or access point. This is because the further you are from the router, the more unreliable the connection will be.
To fix this problem, simply move closer to the router. If the router is located in a different room or on a different side of the house, try working from that area and see if that fixes the issue.
Try to position the router higher (for example, up on a shelf), away from other devices that could interfere with its connection, and in a central location without any obstructions. Having objects and materials such as metal, stone, brick, or glass between your computer and the router can interfere with your signal.
Insufficient Bandwidth
Another common cause of internet connection problems is a lack of bandwidth. Bandwidth is a measure of how much data can be transmitted through your internet “pipeline” per second. This means that if you have a small pipeline and are trying to stream a video in HD (an activity that requires a lot of data), your internet speeds may slow down because your pipeline isn’t big enough to funnel all that data at once. A larger internet pipeline would allow more data to funnel through at one time, resulting in a faster connection.
Having too many devices can bog down your bandwidth, so disconnect any that you aren’t actively using. Malware can also take up your bandwidth (plus put your data at risk), so you’ll want to regularly scan your system for viruses so they can be identified and handled as quickly as possible.
To test your bandwidth locate yourself close to your broadband box using the following website – www.speedtest.net
After repositioning yourself or your router and testing the speed:
Issue – You have access to Broadband but the upload speed is below 8Mbps, then this suggests there is more likely to be an issue with the broadband speed rather than poor wireless signal in the house.
Suggested solution – Contact your broadband provider who may be able to offer a solution or upgrade.
There is also a government grant scheme which pays for superfast broadband to be installed in houses that have insufficient broadband speed;
gov.wales/broadband-in-wales
One off cost – To be confirmed by broadband provider
Ongoing costs – To be confirmed by broadband provider
If you need financial support for online learning you may be eligible to receive some funding from the Financial Contingency Fund (FCF).
Can I get Microsoft Office on my laptop?
I'm a current student and I need to change my password
Travelling to College
Are College Buses free?
Transport is provided free of charge to full-time further education learners under the age of 19 on 1st September on the year of entry. If you have an Additional Learning Need (ALN) which makes it difficult for you to walk to College, or access mainstream transport, please refer to our Special Transport Guidance.
Learners aged 19 years and over will need to make a contribution to the cost of transport.
Part-time learners can obtain the daily rates from the Learner Contact Centre. Assistance in funding transport is available through the College Financial Contingency Fund, find out more about funding on our Student Finance page.
What time is my bus?
Please view our Bus Timetable
If you get stuck please contact our main reception (01437 753 000) and they will put you through to our Estates department.
Sustainable Travel
At College, we like to think that we do our bit for the environment and love being green! Please help us by considering sustainable transport options for your journeys to/from College.
Why not cycle? Pembrokeshire is a cycle-friendly county with some excellent bike lanes and our campus has safe places to store your bike nearby. Check out the Sustrans website for useful info and tips on safe cycling.
If you do need to travel to College by car then why not think about car sharing? If you’re still at school then chat to friends about who else is planning on joining College and suggest sharing lifts. Car sharing is an excellent way to share fuel costs and enjoy some company during your journey – all while doing your bit for the environment!