Careers and Guidance
What is Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG)?
We have a statutory requirement to provide students with careers information, advice and guidance. Students need to be given information on a range of choices to help them make well-informed, realistic decisions about their future options in education, training and employment. This information should be independent, impartial and in the best interests of the student.
We follow the DfE guidance ‘Careers Guidance and Access for Education and Training Providers’ which sets out the statutory guidance that our careers curriculum must follow: Click to view
At Post 16, we have a structured careers programme to support students in their decision making choices at different stages of their education. All students have the opportunity to have a careers meeting. Throughout the year there are presentations and workshops in College with both College staff and external organisations. The programme includes:
- Week of Work (Year 12 work experience)
- Employer and alumni encounters
- University visits and Higher Education events
- Apprenticeship and technical pathway encounters
- UCAS workshops and application support
- Personal statement guidance
- Mock interviews and employability preparation
- Super-curricular and academic enrichment opportunities linked to university and career pathways
- Careers fairs and progression events
- Access to labour market information
- Careers assemblies and mentor guidance
- Earn-as-you-Learn opportunities within the Trust.
All students receive career guidance and support to progress throughout Post 16. This support includes mentor guidance, careers interviews, UCAS workshops, progression meetings, and employability preparation.
We promote extra-curricular activities so that students make the most of the opportunities available to them, which can also contribute to apprenticeship and university applications.
The Gatsby Benchmarks
The Post 16 Careers Strategy is underpinned by The Gatsby Benchmarks. These are eight areas of best practice, identified as:
- 1. A Stable Careers Programme: A structured, approved, and published careers programme led by a dedicated leader, with strategic support from school leadership.
- 2. Learning from Career & Labour Market Information (LMI): Ensuring pupils and parents have access to high-quality information about future study and job opportunities.
- 3. Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil: Providing tailored advice that recognizes individual needs, with a focus on tackling equality and diversity challenges.
- 4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers: Embedding career education within all subjects, highlighting the real-world applications of academic studies.
- 5. Encounters with Employers and Employees: Providing multiple opportunities for pupils to learn from employers about work, employment, and the skills valued in the workplace.
- 6. Experiences of Workplaces: Giving students direct, hands-on experience of the workplace to boost their understanding of different sectors.
- 7. Encounters with Further & Higher Education: Offering meaningful encounters with universities, colleges, and training providers, including apprenticeship opportunities.
- 8. Personal Guidance: Ensuring every pupil has opportunities for guidance interviews with a qualified careers adviser.
University Applications
Students aiming for competitive pathways such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Law, and Oxbridge may also receive extra help with UCAT and LNAT preparation, interview coaching, and admissions advice.
Students applying to university receive guidance from our UCAS Lead, mentors, and workshops, including research, UCAS applications, personal statements, finance, open days, interviews, and planning. They are encouraged to explore various Higher Education options to make informed choices about courses, universities, and careers.
Useful links:
UCAS - https://www.ucas.com
Student Finance England - https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
Russell Group Universities - https://russellgroup.ac.uk
The Complete University Guide - https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk
Prospects - https://www.prospects.ac.uk
University Open Days and Visits
Students are encouraged to visit university open days during Years 12 and 13 to explore various aspects such as university courses, campuses, student life, accommodation, and progression opportunities. Those thinking about Higher Education should plan to attend at least two university visits before applying. They will have access to information about Russell Group universities, guidance on London and local universities, UCAS Open Day resources, and university search fairs and Higher Education events.
Useful links:
UCAS Open Days – https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/events?query=open%20days
University of London – https://www.london.ac.uk
Competitive Applications
Students applying to competitive pathways such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Law, and Oxbridge may receive additional guidance and support as needed. Support options include: UCAT preparation; LNAT preparation; interview coaching; personal statement advice; admissions guidance; and super-curricular recommendations.
Useful links:
UCAT - https://www.ucat.ac.uk
LNAT - https://lnat.ac.uk
TMUA - https://esat-tmua.ac.uk
University of Cambridge Undergraduate Admissions - https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
University Admissions - https://www.uniadmissions.co.uk/
Apprenticeships – what is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships – what is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships combine real work with training and study. You’ll apply what you learn directly on the job, gaining hands-on experience and skills.
Foundation apprenticeships (level 2)
Foundation apprenticeships are set at level 2 and are designed to help young people get started in an industry.
Foundation apprenticeships are available across a range of sectors, including construction, engineering, digital and social care.
You do not need to have any specific qualifications or experience to apply.
Who can do a foundation apprenticeship?
Anyone between 16 and 21 can start a foundation apprenticeship.
If you're between 22 and 24, you can start if you:
- have an EHC plan
- are in care or have been in care
You cannot apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you’re 25 or over.
Apprenticeships (level 2 to 7)
Apprenticeships are available between level 2 and level 7. The qualification and experience requirements get higher with each level.
Remember that you can apply for any apprenticeship you meet the requirements for. It’s also OK to begin at level 2 you’re new to an industry.
Level 2
No previous experience needed, equivalent to GCSE. Foundation apprenticeships are also set at level 2.
Level 3
Might need some qualifications or experience, equivalent to A level.
Levels 4 to 5
Relevant qualifications and experience expected, equivalent to HNC or HND.
Levels 6 to 7
Expert-level study in an industry, equivalent to university.
You can find out more information and how to apply here: https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/apprentices
There is a useful guide for parents, guardians and carers: Click to view
Students learn about apprenticeship and technical routes via assemblies, fairs, employer meetings, and events. This covers apprenticeships, higher and degree programs, technical and vocational paths, and job openings.
Useful links:
Amazing Apprenticeships - https://amazingapprenticeships.com
ASK Apprenticeships - https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/partners/the-ask-programme/
UCAS Apprenticeships - https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships
Find an Apprenticeship - https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Careers Lead Contact Information
Students, parents, guardians and carers and employers can access further information about the careers programme by contacting the Director of Post 16.
You can view the Post 16 careers programme, and how the College measures and assesses the impact on students, on each college website.
Additional Support For Students
The Prince’s Trust has some really useful guidance for students and their families here: Click to view
The National Careers Service provides free information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. The service offers confidential, helpful and impartial advice, supported by qualified careers advisers. From developing your CV to improving your interview skills, its website has lots of useful tools to help you make the right choices about your future. You can find out more here: Click to view
Talking Futures have information on their website to support parents, guardians and carers with impartial advice about careers: Click to view
Parents, guardians, and carers can support students' future decisions by discussing goals, attending career events, encouraging visits to open days and employers, and using available resources.
Useful links:
FutureLearn - https://www.futurelearn.com
TED Talks - https://www.ted.com/talks
MOOC List - https://www.mooc-list.com
Isaac Physics - https://isaacphysics.org
Seneca Learning - https://senecalearning.com
Labour Market Information
Students and parents can explore up-to-date information about careers, including salaries, working hours, and future prospects, using the tools below:
Careerometer - https://careerometer.com
Skillsometer - https://skillsometer.opendigitalbadges.com
National Careers Service - https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Prospects - https://www.prospects.ac.uk
Employer and Alumni Engagement
Students can engage with employers, alumni, universities, apprenticeship providers, and industry professionals throughout the year. These encounters aim to broaden aspirations, enhance employability skills, raise industry awareness, and support informed decisions about progression.
Are you an employer or an alumnus? Partner with us by contacting Heidi Faure, Chief Officer Operations hfaure@trhat.org