School Careers
Careers Introduction Page
There are many different routes a pupil can take in regards to their next steps after Albright Education Centre. Apprenticeships, University, College or Full Time employment? Whatever route a pupils wants to take we are here to help them choose the right path.
Albright Education Centre Careers programme is constantly being developed to meet the ever changing needs of the pupils. We ensure the programme meets the eight Gatsby benchmarks of good careers guidance. We aim to develop pupil’s self-esteem, resilience and confidence which in turn enhances their employability skill. We inform pupils about local, national and international labour market information, guide pupils to explore different career avenues, promote high aspirations and educate pupils on the multitude of pathways available at Post 16. In addition we follow up where necessary and offer further support to pupils after they leave.
Careerometer is an easy way to get access to labour market information.
Skillsometer has been designed for those who are not sure what jobs they may be interested in. Thinking about skills, interests and the ways these can link to jobs can be a helpful first step in identifying possible future jobs.
Gatsby Benchmark Results – September 2020
The new Careers Statutory Guidance (published Jan 2018) outlined that all schools must ensure that pupils are provided with independent careers guidance from year 8 to year 13. Careers guidance must also include information on all options available in respect of 16 to 18 education or training, including Apprenticeships and other work based education and training. Within the Guidance a report identified 8 benchmarks of a good careers programme within schools.
The 8 benchmarks are:
1. A stable careers programme
Every school and college should have an embedded programme of career education and guidance that is known and understood by pupils, parents, teachers and employers.
2. Learning from career and labour market information
Every pupil, and their parents, should have access to good-quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities.
3. Addressing the needs of each pupil
Pupils have different career guidance needs at different stages. Opportunities for advice and support need to be tailored to the needs of each pupil. A school’s careers programme should embed equality and diversity considerations throughout.
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
All teachers should link curriculum learning with careers. For example, STEM subject teachers should highlight the relevance of STEM subjects for a wide range of future career paths.
5. Encounters with employers and employees
Every pupil should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace. This can be through a range of enrichment activities including visiting speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes.
6. Experiences of workplaces
Every pupil should have first-hand experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing and/or work experience to help their exploration of career opportunities, and expand their networks.
7. Encounters with further and higher education
All pupils should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them. This includes both academic and vocational routes and learning in schools, colleges, universities and in the workplace.
8. Personal guidance
Every pupil should have opportunities for guidance interviews with a careers adviser, provided they are trained to an appropriate level. These should be available whenever significant study or career choices are being made.
At Albright we want all pupils to have high aspirations, consider a broad range of career choices, embrace the future and al its possibilities. This booklet will provide you with the information to aid you navigate the different pathways open to you over the next few months and years.
The careers programme at Albright consists of you experiences taster days with local colleges and alternative providers, opportunities to discuss careers pathways with employers from different employment sectors and prepare you with creating the necessary documentation in order for you to successfully apply for courses, apprenticeships or job vacancies.
Although the careers programme will be delivered through the Workskills lessons at Key Stage 4, subject lessons across the whole school will focus on transferable skills preparing you in the wider world of work.
Key Stage 3
Within the PSHE and Life Skills lessons pupils will develop skills that are vital to their career choices. A module covering Enterprise and Employability is delivered across all of Key Stage 3 to embed team working, time management communication and organisation skills. Pupils also have the opportunity to take part in the Employer Engagement programme whereby they can met and question employers from different industry sectors including Childcare, Animal Care, Public Service and Retail.
Key Stage 4
All Key Stage 4 pupils will have one dedicated lesson to careers and Workskills programme. Within the Workskills programme pupils will completed the Level 1 / 2 Award in Workskills where they have to produce CV’s, covering letters,
application forms and undertake mock interviews in order for them to have a better understanding of how to enter the world of work. Pupils also have the opportunity to take part in the Employer Engagement programme whereby they undertake visits to local colleges, alternative providers and employers form various industries. Pupils also analyse local labour market information in order for them to gain a good insight to the different opportunities available to them.
We believe extracurricular activities and embracing the enrichment programme is fundamental in pupils gaining confidence needed to achieve success after Albright and develop the skills required at college, apprenticeships or employment. First aid and Food Hygiene courses are offered to pupil at the end of Key Stage 4 to provide pupils with additional skills to aid them in the future.
Connexions play a vital role in providing pupils with up to date information and guidance to make the correct decision for their future plans. Pupils will have the opportunity to have a one to one interview with our advisor weekly.
Employer Engagement Programme
The programme has been developed for pupils to have different encounters with employers in a variety of sectors. These include:
· Childcare – Local Nursery
· Community Police Officers
· Local Fire Service
· Local Leisure Centre
· Local Catering Companies
· Local Retail Companies
· Local Animal Care Companies
· Public Service Industries
Within this programme pupil’s level of engagement and confidence is monitored demonstrating how they make progress in communicating with employers. This programme is continually being developed as a pupils area of interest is researched and incorporated into the plan.
Parents Evenings
During our parents evening throughout the academic year opportunities will be available for parents to talk to Connexions and teachers to discuss pupils progress and plans for the future.
Useful Websites
National Careers Service
www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
The National Careers Service website provides careers advice and information on a wide range of jobs, training course resources and funding
Apprenticeships
Search for, apply for and learn about the different types of apprenticeships all in one place
UCAS
The University & College Admission Service website allows you to research all the different Higher Education degree courses available. Everything you need to know about HE finance is here as well.
Plotr
Careers advice that’s useful, inspiring and tailored to YOU. Play the free careers advice Game, explore detailed career profile hubs.
Careers Box
Lots of videos covering different careers, apprenticeships and university.
Life Skills
Created with Barclays, is a free, curriculum-linked programme, developed with teachers to help improve the skills and employability of young people in the UK
T Levels – An Alternative to A Levels
T Levels – An Alternative to A Levels
This link contains information on T Levels which includes:
All About T Levels
Industry placements
FAQs
Success stories – including a video discussion and case studies
Useful resources
Careers Leader – S Long (Deputy Head Teacher)
Connexions Advisor – P Jackson
Albright Education Centre prides itself as a Community Education Provider which works closely with all aspects of the local Sandwell community. Local employers including Childcare providers, Retail employers, Police Community Officers and the local Fire Station have given our pupils the opportunity to ask questions regarding careers within their specialist fields. We would also love to hear from prospective employers who would be willing to support our pupils with meaningful encounters in school or host a workplace visit.
There are many ways you can share your experience and help build our pupils knowledge of employability skills, the workplace, the labour market and job search skills. If you could spare the time please contact Careers Leader S Long on 0121 533 5806
One of the ways that we look to improve our careers provision is to regularly monitor and review our destination data. The Careers Leader tracks current year 11 students intended destinations, confirmed offers of learning and actual destinations as well supporting students during their post 16 transition. We also track student’s destinations after they leave the centre. It’s always lovely to catch up and see what our students are doing and to invite them in to school to share their experiences and inspire the next generation.
Job Exploration
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/home
https://successatschool.org
https://icould.com
www.prospects.ac.uk
Labour Market Information
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk
https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/cm2/index.html
Job Applications (CVs, applications and interviews)
https://www.barclayslifeskills.com/young-people
https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk
www.youthemployment.org.uk
Jobs and Apprenticeships
www.indeed.co.uk
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
www.getingofar.gov.uk
www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk