Careers Programme Information

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) at Chalk Hills is at the heart of our student experience. Endorsed by our Senior Management Team and Lead by a Level 6 IAG qualified careers professional, we aim to provide students with information, advice and guidance that supports their ability to ‘Strive, Achieve and Believe’ in their future aspirations. We fully subscribed to The Gatsby Benchmarks and aim to achieve all eight criteria at the highest level possible.

careermap.co.uk/the-gatsby-benchmarks

We have achieved the Investors in Careers Quality Award in CEIAG – Level 2. And working towards the higher level 3.

The Careers Leadership Team

Mrs Maria Gregory Careers Advisor/Lead 

m.gregory@thesharedlearningtrust.org.uk

01582 884100

Mrs Gregory is responsible for the implementation of the Academy Careers Programme. This includes careers staff training, careers lessons, employer engagement activities, face to face personal guidance interviews, apprenticeship information, work-related learning and career related visits. It is our aim that careers is present in all curriculum areas, supported by subject and curriculum leaders. The full careers programme is available on the website.

Chalk Hills is further supported by Luton Borough Council – Careers Hub who provide access to borough wide networks, interest groups and stakeholders, careers professionals and information / advice. 

www.careershubluton.co.uk

Young people require high-quality careers advice and guidance to enable them to make informed decisions and choices about their lifestyle, education and future, which is why The Chalk Hills Academy is well-equipped to support our high achieving and ambitious students. We are supportive of individual aspirations, strengths and skills and focus on destinations representative of a student’s abilities and competences, matched to well researched, realistic future opportunities.

Our aim and purpose is to:

• Prepare students for the transition to life beyond secondary school (higher education and the world of work)
• Support students in making well-informed decisions which match personal skills and ambition
• Provide students with well-rounded experiences including access to employers, the world of work, opportunities within further and higher education
• Develop characteristics e.g. social skills, communication, innovation, resilience and leadership, which support high-achieving students in the curriculum and in their careers
• Inspire and motivate students to Strive, Believe, Achieve whatever there aims
• Work with teachers, parents, carers, businesses, further and higher education providers, giving the best access to successful opportunities beyond school.

Raising the Participation Age

The Government requires that all young people stay in learning (i.e. training or education) until they are 18. This is known as Raising the Participation Age. Raising the Participation Age does not necessarily mean that young people must stay in school. 

www.gov.uk/government/collections/raising-the-participation-age

They must however choose one of the following options:

• Full time education, such as School Sixth Form, a Further Education or Sixth Form College or a training provider
• Apprenticeships/traineeships or other work-based learning routes
• Employment with training

Labour Market Information – jobs and availability

There are many ways to find labour market information which is up-to-date and informs students about study and career opportunities. It is important to be able to make informed decisions about the next step in order to choose the right career pathway for the student’s skills, interests and future goals.

The National Careers Service is an excellent free resource for both students and parents/carers and advice can be accessed via freephone, webchat or face-to-face interviews, for anyone 13+, no matter what stage of your career journey you are. Students can use the site to explore their options on careers, jobs, required qualifications and experience, courses, volunteering, and a whole host of supportive resources for those all-important CV’s, application forms and interviews.

Students can also find out about exam support and apprenticeships https://www.gov.uk/careers-helpline-for-teenagers

Other sites you may like to explore:

• https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-people/get-job
• https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
• https://young-professionals.uk/ - experience and work experience programmes
• https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
• https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/careers-hub/

All learners at The Chalk Hills Academy take part in a careers programme

Learners in Year 7 – 13 take part in a stable, structured careers programme that helps them to understand their education, training, employment and other progression opportunities available to them. They will have the opportunity to:

• Develop the skills they need to plan and manage their own personal development and career progression
• Access relevant information and learning from taster activities and workshops
• Create bespoke Skills Action Plans to ensure progression and achievement
• Offer feedback and ideas on how to improve the careers programme
• From PSHCE, in-class careers in the curriculum activities, work-experience to drop-down days, all years receive tailored in school and external, comprehensive careers and work-related learning activities throughout the academic year.

Students have careers guidance that is:

• Impartial
• Confidential
• Focussed on individual needs and fit for purpose
• Supportive of equal opportunities
• Provided by a Level 6 qualified and experienced careers professional.

In addition to organised 1:1 careers interviews, Mrs Gregory has an open-door policy where students can arrange appointments to discuss education and career opportunities. Careers information is provided through sources including: books, leaflets, posters, software, websites, social media, apprenticeship providers and employers; visits to colleges, universities, training providers and businesses. Information is comprehensive, unbiased and current.

Below are just a few of the many resources available to students, teachers/support staff, parents, carers and guardians:

• www.unifrog.org
• www.prospectus.ac.uk
• National Careers Service
• Apprenticeships
• Career Pilot
• iCould
• Money Prodigy Careers for High School Students

First impressions are so important and it is often the quality of your CV that determines whether you will be invited for an interview, so make sure yours promotes you well. Use the following links to help you create your CV:

• https://www.resumebuilder.com/create-a-resume/
• https://www.resumebuilder.com/how-to-write-a-resume/
• https://www.resumebuilder.com/resume-templates/
• https://www.resumebuilder.com/this-is-the-most-in-demand-job-skill-right-now/

All Parents and carers can expect to:

• Make an appointment with a member of staff or CEIAG specialist to discuss their child’s progress and future prospects
• Have access to tutors, subject teachers and members of the CEIAG Team at parent’s information evenings
• Have the opportunity to comment on the usefulness of the careers programme to their children and how it could be improved.

Parent and Carer Information

• Information evenings for all year groups
• Year 11 information evening that providing information on Post 16 routes
• Parent Information evenings – Apprenticeships/ alternative options
• Parents, carers and pupils offered further advice via 1:1 appointments or group work with the Careers Leader; Drop-in sessions – lunch-time, break times, after school
• Open access to the school's careers leader on 01582 884100 or  m.gregory@thesharedlearningtrust.org.uk.

Changes in education and work can be challenging to keep up to date with so we have included links to help parents and carers to support their child in making Post 16 decisions:

• Youth Employment parent advice
• Is a degree a good idea?
• Guidance for parents and carers with children with SEN or EHC plans
• Applying for Post 16 education with an EHC
• Student Finance England - university costs
• UK university league tables
• Alternatives to higher education routes
• Career news, updates, useful articles and parental guidance

Supporting your child to make informed decisions about their training and career pathway

Your questions get answered in this informative and factual career magazine ‘Careermag’ from the National Construction College. Topics include:

• training and career opportunities
• current Labour Market
• apprenticeships with Network Rail, National Grid, Amazon and the NOCN Group
• careers in construction, accountancy and the nuclear industry
• preparing for university
• revision support
• T-Levels
• spotting signs of bullying
• hints and tips on supporting your child at each step of their journey.

Follow the link to find out how to support your child in their learning and career journey - Careermag for parents and guardians

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are an excellent way for young people to kick-start their career in an industry they wish to pursue. Keep informed of what apprenticeships have to offer and how you can support your child in applying for vacancies. The following are some useful websites to discover more about “earn as you learn” and how your child can become an apprentice:

Apprenticeship Opportunities

• Amazing Apprenticeships
• Success at School
• Apprenticeships
• Apprenticeships with the NHS
• Gov UK
• Royal Air Force Jobs
• https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/
• Royal Navy Jobs

Resources are sometimes emailed to students; please remind your child to check their school email so they do not miss out on any opportunities!

APPRENTICESHIPS VACANCIES – NOW LIVE

Amazing Apprenticeships have created a Vacancy Snapshot featuring some of the most sought-after apprenticeship programmes both locally and nationwide.

• A range of different apprenticeship programmes with well-known employers.
• Notification of vacancies
• The recruitment process, handy hints for navigating activities and preparing to compete for the best apprenticeship jobs in England.

Time to apply & Vacancy Snapshot

Amazing Apprenticeships advertise vacancies and a list showing when vacancies are likely to be open for application cycles –

• https://amazingapprenticeships.com/vacancies/
• https://amazingapprenticeships.com/vacancies/time-to-apply/

Mrs Gregory will be supporting students with workshops on applying for jobs and is also available for 1:1 appointments, as required.

Local Post 16 Providers and Career Options:

Careers Policy

Provide Access Policy Statement