Grow Your Potential

Careers Leader: Sadiqul Choudhury

Email: admin@growyourpotential.org.uk

Phone: 07359 220036

Careers Programme Summary:

Year 8:

• Careers Introduction: Introduction to the concept of careers and the importance of education and skills development.
• Subject Selection Support: Guidance on selecting optional subjects based on career interests.
• Visits: Organize visits to local businesses or professionals to expose students to various career paths.
• Parent Engagement: Host parent information sessions on the importance of career planning.

Year 9:

• Skills Assessment: Identify and assess students’ skills and interests through workshops and online tools.
• Introduction to Labour Market: Introduce students to the local job market and demand for different skills.
• Career Exploration: Encourage students to research and explore different career options.
• Options Evening: Host an options evening for students and parents to discuss GCSE options and their relevance to future careers.

Year 10:

• CV and Interview Workshops: Provide workshops on CV writing, interview techniques, and employability skills.
• Work Experience: Facilitate short work experience placements to give students real-world exposure.
• Apprenticeship Information: Provide information on apprenticeships and how to apply.
• Individual Guidance: Offer one-on-one career guidance sessions to help students set goals.

Year 11:

• Post-16 Pathways: Guidance on post-16 options, including A-levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships.
• College and University Applications: Support with college and university applications.
• Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews to prepare for college or job interviews.
• Employer Engagement: Invite local employers for career talks and networking events.

How we support students with career planning:

Workshops and Seminars: We regularly organize workshops and seminars led by industry professionals and experts in various fields. These events expose students to a wide range of career possibilities, helping them make informed decisions.

College and University Visits: We arrange visits to local colleges and universities, allowing students to experience campus life and gain firsthand knowledge about available courses and facilities.

Guest Speaker Sessions: We invite professionals from various industries to speak to students about their career journeys. This provides real-world insights and inspires students to pursue their passions.

Mock Interviews and CV Workshops: To prepare students for the job application process, we conduct mock interviews and CV writing workshops. These sessions help students build essential employability skills

Parental Engagement: We involve parents in the career planning process by organizing information sessions and providing resources for parents to support their children’s career decisions.

Providers of technical education and apprenticeships will be given access to year 8 to 13 pupils in the following circumstances:

1. Career Fairs and Information Events: Technical education and apprenticeship providers will have the opportunity to participate in career fairs and information events organised by the alternative provision. These events are designed to expose students to a wide range of post-16 options, including technical courses and apprenticeship programs.
2. Workshops and Presentations: Providers may be invited to conduct workshops or presentations within the alternative provision to educate students about the benefits, opportunities, and pathways associated with technical education and apprenticeships. These sessions aim to inform students about the practical aspects of these career routes.
3. Apprenticeship Awareness Sessions: Alternative Provision may host apprenticeship awareness sessions, where apprentices from local companies share their experiences and insights with students. This interaction helps students understand the real-world applications of apprenticeships.
4. Individual Career Guidance: In cases where a student expresses a specific interest in pursuing technical education or an apprenticeship, the alternative provision career advisor may arrange for the student to meet with representatives from relevant providers for personalized guidance.
5. Work Experience Placements: Technical education and apprenticeship providers may offer work experience placements to students. This hands-on experience allows students to gain exposure to the industry and determine if it aligns with their career goals.
6. Open Evenings and Taster Sessions: Providers will be invited to host open evenings or taster sessions at our facilities. These events give students the chance to explore the learning environment, meet instructors, and get a feel for the technical courses or apprenticeship programs on offer.
7. Apprenticeship Vacancy Listings: We will share information about apprenticeship vacancies and opportunities available within the local area or through relevant apprenticeship organisations. This helps students identify suitable apprenticeship positions.
8. Parental Engagement: Schools may involve parents in the process by organising sessions where representatives from technical education and apprenticeship providers explain the benefits and prospects of these pathways to parents and guardians.
9. Transition Support: During the transition from year 11 to post-16 education, we will facilitate meetings or events where technical education and apprenticeship providers can engage with students who are actively considering these routes.

How we measure and assess the impact of the career programme on pupils:

1. Student Surveys and Feedback:

• Regularly conduct surveys among students who have participated in the careers programme. Gather their feedback on the usefulness of various activities, workshops, and resources.
• Ask students to rate their confidence in making career decisions before and after participating in the programme.
• Include open-ended questions to collect qualitative data on their career aspirations, knowledge gained, and areas where they still need assistance.

2. Tracking Post-16 Choices:

• Keep records of the post-16 choices made by students who have completed the careers programme. This includes details about whether they have chosen further education, apprenticeships, vocational courses, or other pathways.
• Monitor the destinations of school leavers to determine if they align with the career interests and pathways explored during the programme.

3. Alumni Success Stories:

• Showcase success stories of former students who participated in the careers programme. Highlight their career journeys, including any apprenticeships, technical education, or vocational routes they pursued after leaving school.
• Share these stories with current students to demonstrate the real-world impact of the programme.

4. Evaluation of Work Experience:

• Assess the impact of work experience placements by collecting feedback from students and employers. Ask students to reflect on the skills they gained, their insights into the workplace, and how the experience influenced their career choices.
• Engage with employers to understand their perspectives on the readiness of students who have completed work experience placements.

5. Academic Performance Analysis:

• Analyse the academic performance of students who actively engaged with the careers programme compared to those who did not. Assess if there are any correlations between career exploration and academic motivation and achievement.

6. Parent and Teacher Feedback:

• Gather feedback from parents and teachers regarding the impact of the careers programme on students. Explore whether they have noticed increased career awareness, motivation, or improved decision-making skills among students.

We annually review the careers programme.

Next review September 2024