Careers Programme

Careers Provision              

We are dedicated to enabling each student to progress onto careers in which they are happy and successful. We have a full time Careers Advisory Service who work with the school and are available to all students, staff and parents for up-to-date labour market details, information and guidance.

It is now a statutory requirement that all schools meet the Gatsby Standards which sets out 8 benchmarks for careers guidance. A recent audit showed that Pensby is already achieving in 100% of these areas. 

Provider Access Legislation

This statement below sets out Pensby’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to students at school for the purposes of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer.

The Department for Education’s Statutory guidance for governing bodies, school leaders and school staff sets out the expectations of schools which includes:

• Every school must ensure that there is an opportunity for a range of education and training providers to access all pupils in year 8 to year 13 for the purpose of informing them about approved technical education qualifications or apprenticeships. 
• Every school must publish a policy statement setting out their arrangements for provider access and ensure that it is followed.

Student entitlement

Students in Years 7 – 11 are entitled to:

• find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which,  provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point;
• hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options evenings, assemblies and,  group discussions and taster events;
• understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

Our Careers Programme starts in Year 7 and continues in each year as follows:

Year 7

Students start to analyse and explore their skills and qualities for the work place. They also look at job stereotypes before looking at jobs in their community and money management. 

Year 8

The theme of income, money and budgeting is further developed and explored. Students also start to consider their GCSE options. These can be discussed in careers interviews with the Careers Adviser, and at the Year 8 Options evening. 

Year 9

The theme of cash flow and budgeting is continued, as well as the topic of how does education affect their financial future. 

Year 10

The students take modules on preparing for work experience, then reflecting and learning from the experience. Students also look at industry role models, career planning and revision skills. 

Students undertake a one-week work experience placement, which is tailored to their career choices. For example, we have arranged placements in IT consultancies, nursing, primary schools and football coaching. Students are offered the opportunity to discuss their career aspirations so the Careers Adviser can source the best match for the placement. 

Some students with specific identified needs will be offered one-to-one guidance interviews, however any student can request an interview at any stage. 

Year 11

During PSHE sessions the students explore the following topics: 

• The working world
• Skills and qualities
• Applying for a job
• Preparing for an interview
• How to write a CV
• Interview techniques

The careers adviser will do sessions on interview techniques and application form techniques during PSHE. 

All students receive at least one Careers Guidance Session with the focus on determining their career choices, entry routes, and college or sixth form choices. 

All students will do a mock interview with a professional from a local business, matched, if possible, to their career plans. Examples of mock interviewers include Management Consultants, Solicitors, Accountants, ICT specialists, and Product Designers. 

Students also receive information about apprenticeship opportunities with one-to-one support through the application and interview process. 

Guidance and careers knowledge is also implemented in the following ways:

Speakers

Guests speak to students during assembly and PSHE sessions on their careers, and how to get into the industry. These are based on popular career choices amongst the students – fire service, midwives/nurses, police, for example, as well as areas which students may not have considered, such as Barrister and AstroPhysicist.

Tailored support

Where possible, students will be supported with guidance from experts in their chosen career field. For example, a vet who sits on the interview panel for the University of Liverpool Veterinary Science course will come to the school to prepare students for this process. 

Mock interviews with local employers

As mentioned above all year 11 students will have a mock interview and feedback from a local employer. The students are required to prepare for the interview, research the company, answer interview questions and receive advice on their responses. 

Links to Local Apprenticeships

Careers – BeMore (lcrbemore.co.uk)

Apprenticeships | National Careers Service

Healthcare apprenticeships and career routes 

Link: https://padlet.com/HealthcareCareers/Apprenticeship_Careers

Password: apprenticeshipsCWP