Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance

In January 2023, the updated provider access legislation (PAL) came into effect. It specifies all schools must provide at least six encounters with approved providers of apprenticeships and technical education for all our students:

• Two encounters for pupils during the ‘first key phase’ (year 8 or 9) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend.
   
• Two encounters for pupils during the ‘second key phase’ (year 10 or 11) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend.
   
• Two encounters for pupils during the ‘third key phase’ (year 12 or 13) that are mandatory for the school to put on but optional for pupils to attend.

This new legislation aims to help our learners understand and apply for both apprenticeships and a broad range of technical education options including the new T-Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications.

The careers programme is planned for all our Years 7 to 13 students ensuring this is inline will all government statutory guidance with the aim of fully meeting the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks and the CDI Learning Framework.

At ECS our aim is to guide our young students to develop their knowledge and understanding of all available routes when choosing their next steps, we also provide information to parents and carers so that they can become more informed to support their children. By promoting all pathways students and learners can make informed and more confident decisions about their future.

Ms Pastore, our careers leader is qualified to a Level 6 in Careers Guidance and Development ensures that the careers, information, advice and guidance in the school is delivered in compliance with the https://www.thecdi.net/about-us/cdi-code-of-ethics

At ECS we support our student through a structured Careers Programme for Year 7 through to Year 14, which is updated on an annual basis to ensure we incorporate all current guidelines and legislations. Click here for our updated Careers Guidance and Development Plan.  ECS Careers Development 7 - Year strategy 2024.docx

Annual Careers Fair

The Careers fair is a great opportunity for students in Years 8 to 14 to begin their journey in deciding what they would like to do with their future.  It is always so much easier to put the work into something when students have an idea as to what it is they are working towards.  To support students in their decision-making process, we invited a number of providers that can help students on their journey to success in both degree and alternative routes. 

Why are Careers Fairs Important?

Attending our Careers Fair allows students can engage with external providers from a variety of industries and educational centers they have not yet considered or heard of.

· Multiple Possibilities for Learning about Different Careers and Courses – Obtain answers to questions about employment and education, distribute CVs to employers, register with employers, Further and Higher Education to receive information.

· Public Speaking Confidence – Face-to-face interactions will help build confidence.

· Learning – About new skills needed for different careers, opportunities available in different industries, information on new jobs opportunities.

Who takes part in the Careers Fair?

Representatives from a wide range of colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers and industries. If you would like to take part in future, please contact Ms Pastore, Careers Leader at gpastore@edact.org.uk

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Colleges Universities Apprenticeships   Employers Business & Finance Construction Engineering Law Medical Motor Industry Recruitment

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At ECS are continually looking to develop and grow our partnerships with new external agencies and alumni, to help us deliver a focussed and accurate careers programme focusing on careers, information, advice, and guidance tailored to the individual needs of our students to help them to make informed decisions on their career pathway.

If you are an employer, apprenticeship provider, university, higher education provider, a parent or alumni and would like to offer your experience and expertise in your industry to our students, we would welcome you, this could be in either in our school delivering insightful talks, workshops, attending events or arranging for our students to visit your location. We have several events taking part throughout the year as part of our careers programme. 

As directed by the new PAL’s legislation, a provider to whom access is given, must deliver an encounter that includes the following:

• Information about the provider and the approved technical education, qualifications or apprenticeships that the provider offers.
• Information about careers to which those technical education qualifications or apprenticeships might lead.
• A description of what learning or training with the provider is like.
• Responses to questions from students about the provider or approved technical education, qualifications, and apprenticeships.

If you would like to arrange an engagement with our students, please complete the Employer & Visitor Engagement Form which can be found using the following link.

https://forms.office.com/e/0W4hWTkAr0

For further information on how to engage with our students or to speak to our Careers Leader contact Ms Pastore at gpastore@edact.org.uk or by phone on 020 83603158.  Please get in touch by using contact details to give any feedback about on our careers programme, all comments are welcome.

Please read our Provider Access Policy using the link below this document will give you further information on how you can contact the school to engage with our students.

Provider Access Policy - ECS CEIAG Provider Policy 2024.docx

If you have not previously worked with young people and would like to know how you can support them, please see the following guide which helps employers to effectively support students with experiences of the workplace:
All the resources, all in one place | CEC Resource Directory (careersandenterprise.co.uk)

Unifrog is our chosen impartial careers programme that is a universal destinations platform which helps students compare every university course, apprenticeship, and further education courses and to help young people to apply successfully.

This is achieved by bringing all the available information on these courses into one comprehensive, user-friendly platform that can help students make the best choice and to submit their strongest application using personal statements then for UCAS.

At ECS we have embedded Unifrog into students learning about careers and options available to them. In year 7 all students are registered during the Autunm term, so that all students in Years 7 to 13 have a personalised account and login to this platform.  Students start their learning by completing the psychometric quiz based on their interests them progress through the learning process as indicated in our careers programme.

Student Login Address: Sign In - Unifrog

At ECS, all Year 12 students receive the opportunity to attend a two-week work experience in the summer term, we encourage all students to either find one placement for the full two weeks if they are fortunate to find a placement linked to the industry they want to pursue as a career.  If this is not the case, we encourage students to find multiple placements so that they are decide the type of environment they would like to work and eliminate industries they do not like. Work experience is an ideal opportunity to enhance students’ knowledge and equips students with a number of soft skills such as team working, communication skills and commercial awareness.  

Students are given a Work Experience Diary to complete during their placement to enable them to record everything they have learnt and to get feedback and references from employers that can be used for the Personal Statements and CV’s.

Years 9 and Year 11 students are currently not given work experience due to curriculum time restrictions. If any student would like to participate in work experience, to enhance their knowledge and life skills, they could arrange their own work experience that could take place during school holidays.  Students requiring guidance can do so by researching the work experience website links on this webpage for further information and/or obtain assistance through the school’s careers advisor.

Download our full Work Experience guide here:  Work Experience Guidance Notes 2024.docx

Work Shadowing

At Edmonton County School, we believe that it is important to provide your child with experience of workplaces from an early age. Therefore, we have arranged for year 8 and year 10 students to have a one-day Take Your Child / Work Shadowing opportunity; the aim behind this is to give them an introduction to the world of work. There are many benefits to attending work shadowing.

• Spend time in a real working environment,
• Appreciate the importance of working relationships,
• Discover what qualifications and skills are needed to enter specific industries at different levels.

It will be these experiences and knowledge that will be essential in guiding them to make realistic and informed decisions about their future whether that journey takes them to university, apprenticeship or the world of work.

Work shadowing involves observing an employee in their place of work doing their job, to gain a better understanding of their role. The purpose of work shadowing is to achieve an insight and hands-on experience, of what employers are looking for in an employee.

It is important that parents/carer understand they are fully responsible in finding a suitable placement where their child will be in a safe environment with someone, they know taking care of them. Parents/carers also take fully responsible on ensuring the safety of their child in the workplace.

Ideally the child will accompany a parent/carer to their place of work.  If their workplace is unsuitable, please speak to your extended family, friends, neighbours and trusted acquaintances. Tell them that what career the child is looking for in the work shadowing placement, especially if their child has a particular role in mind also ask them if they know anyone who may be able to help. If a placement cannot be found in their preferred industry It is available, is not a requirement, the child can attend any placement, as they are all a good way to gain valuable knowledge and learn about transferable skills.

A-Z Apprenticeship Standards - Click here

WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experiences.

Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. 

An apprenticeship includes: 

• paid employment with holiday leave 
• hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest
• at least 20% off-the-job training 
• formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification

WHO CAN APPLY?

An apprenticeship is a great paid work opportunity for people over the age of 16 in England who are:

• early in their career 
• looking to upskill in their current job 
• looking for a career-change
• not in full-time education

APPRENTICESHIP LEVELS

Different apprenticeship levels equate to different qualification levels.

An apprenticeship can start at any level, but some may require:

• previous qualifications such as English or maths GCSEs 
• additional training in English or maths to ensure the apprentice is at the right level 

Traineeships are a great option for young people who are not yet ready for an apprenticeship because they provide opportunities to gain the relevant skills and experience to take on an apprenticeship and prepare for work.

One of the following qualification levels will be achieved depending on the apprenticeship level:

OFF-THE-JOB TRAINING

In England, it is a statutory requirement for an apprentice to spend 20% of their paid time 'off-the-job'. This involves essential training to help the apprentice gain the skills needed to complete their apprenticeship. 

Off-the-job training is delivered by subject experts and can include: 

• teaching theory (e.g. classroom lessons, lectures and online learning) 
• practical training (e.g. shadowing, mentoring, industry visits) 
• learning support and time to write assignments 

The training can take place in or out of the work environment. Some employers will offer in-house training, others may work with colleges, universities and training providers to deliver the training for them. 

The training must equate to 20% of the overall contracted hours for the duration of the apprenticeship. It can be delivered flexibly, for example, as part of each day, once a week, or as a block release.

The employer and the training provider will decide on the most appropriate model. 

APPRENTICESHIP BENEFITS

Apprenticeships are an exciting paid option for anyone wanting to gain experience, upskill or change career because they offer the chance to earn a wage whilst they work and study.  

There are many benefits to completing an apprenticeship, which include:

• experience and skills development  
• a nationally recognised qualification (with no tuition fees)
• employee benefits and a wage
• exposure to industry professionals 

APPRENTICESHIP WAGE

What the apprentice earns will depend on the industry, location and the level of apprenticeship they choose.  

If aged between 16 and 18 or in the first year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice is entitled to the apprentice rate. 

If the apprentice is 19 or over and has completed the first year of the apprenticeship, they are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. 

This is the minimum an apprentice can earn, many employers offer their apprentices a competitive salary. 

There are no student loan or tuition fees for an apprenticeship because it is funded by the government and the employer.

The apprentice will need to cover the cost of their day-to-day expenses, such as lunch and travel, however many employers offer a competitive salary to support this.

If the apprentice is 16 to 24 and a care leaver, they will receive a £1,000 bursary payment to support them in their first year of the apprenticeship. 

FINDING AN APPRENTICESHIP

All accredited apprenticeship vacancies can be found on Find an apprenticeship.

You can also use this website to browse different types of apprenticeships available across various sectors.

(All information resourced from the government website - apprenticeships.gov.uk)

10 skills for apprenticeships

Students benefit from developing relevant skills for apprenticeships before they start their training. Spending time considering which skills may help you most and how to cultivate them helps you to get the most out of your time as an apprentice. By developing useful, relevant skills, you're also demonstrating your commitment to employers and maximising your chances of securing a permanent role after your apprentice is over. Below is a list of 10 useful skills for apprenticeships that also help prospective apprentices to prepare a 'What skills would you like to improve during this apprenticeship?' answer for interviews. Related: How to become an apprentice in 3 simple steps

1. Interpersonal skills

Apprentices work alongside colleagues at many different levels, including both junior and senior members of staff. They usually experience many different aspects of a business or trade, dealing with stakeholders, customers, clients and professionals each day. Apprentices work with people from many different backgrounds, so they require good interpersonal skills to listen and connect with a range of very different people. An interpersonal skill that helps apprentices to excel is empathy, which includes considering how other people feel before making decisions and recognising emotions in yourself and other people so that you respond appropriately in challenging situations at work.

2. Independence

Apprentices work under supervision most of the time, but as an apprenticeship progresses, apprentices work more independently. Using your initiative to complete jobs that need doing and only asking for help when it's really necessary demonstrates your independence and shows employers that you're capable of working independently, which in turn makes an employer more likely to hire you when you finish your apprenticeship. Apprenticeships prepare apprentices to work within a particular profession or trade full-time, which is why independence is one of the most essential apprenticeship skills in almost any industry.Related: 6 apprenticeship interview questions (with example answers)

3. Teamwork

Teamwork is a vital skill for any apprentice. Apprenticeships involve working with new colleagues on a range of different tasks and projects, and many times this means cooperating to complete a task quickly and efficiently. Apprentices often move between different departments or teams regularly to increase the breadth of their experience and see what working in different areas of a profession is like. This means it's important for apprentices to quickly assimilate themselves into a new team and collaborate on projects with the goal of team success.Being a team player helps you to succeed in almost any type of work, and most employers look for team players during the hiring process. Applicants who sometimes struggle to work as part of a team may find that teamworking is one of the most useful skills to improve in an apprenticeship because of its value in a wide range of careers. Being able to communicate well with others, working as part of a team and adapting to new situations are all important skills for working anywhere.Related: 7 teamwork interview questions and how to answer them

4. Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness at work means being meticulous, thoughtful and careful in the work that you do. Conscientiousness is a valuable skill for apprentices because it helps them to avoid making poor decisions and silly mistakes and increases the quality of their work. Apprentices are learning while they work, which means that most employers may expect occasional mistakes from apprentices. But working conscientiously minimises the mistakes you make at work, reduces the amount of time and resources that you waste when making mistakes and shows your employer how committed you are to your work.

5. Obedience

It's essential that apprentices are comfortable following orders regularly. As an apprentice, you are one of the most junior members of staff in any workplace, and your role may involve following orders given by other junior members of staff at times. Apprentices require obedience so that they're able to accept instruction from many different colleagues and work effectively within any team.Obedience doesn't just help apprentices to follow orders, but also means they're able to follow instructions from colleagues during demonstrations. To make the most of your time as an apprentice, try to learn skills from lots of different colleagues and obey their instructions at all times. This is particularly important for apprentices working in dangerous industries like construction and manufacturing, where disobeying instructions could result in serious injury.

6. Self-motivation

Apprenticeships require a lot of hard work, and they involve working long hours for relatively small amounts of pay. It's essential that apprentices prepare for this and have the self-motivation to work hard and succeed so that they're able to enjoy a successful career in their chosen trade. Being self-motivated helps you to keep your apprenticeship on track and allows you to achieve your goals more quickly no matter what they are.Self-motivation also makes apprentices more independent and enables them to work effectively even without direct instruction, which is an essential skill for apprentices nearing the end of their apprenticeships. If you're able to demonstrate to your employer that you work hard independently without external motivators, you're maximising your chances of securing a permanent role at the end of your apprenticeship.

7. Communication skills

Communication skills are very important in all types of work, as they help people to understand and connect and work more effectively in teams. Depending on what type of apprenticeship you take on, written and verbal communication skills may be crucial to your work. Spending some time improving your written skills, including spelling and grammar, and practising verbal communication skills may help you to excel in your apprenticeship and prepare you for the world of work. Some of the most important communication skills for young professionals include negotiation skills, conflict resolution skills and public speaking skills. Related: A comprehensive guide to workplace communication styles

8. Enthusiasm

Apprentices who are enthusiastic and passionate about their chosen industry are more likely to excel both in their apprenticeship and in their careers following it. Depending on what type of apprenticeship you undertake, enthusiasm for your field, working with other people and learning new things helps you to get the most from your time as an apprentice. Passion for your work helps you to stay motivated even during the most challenging points of your apprenticeship and helps you to maintain focus and learn even when you're not feeling at your best.

9. Work ethic

A strong work ethic is a core value for apprentices and one of the most important skills to develop for apprenticeships. It's difficult to develop a good work ethic if you're not used to working hard, but it's possible to work on personal qualities that contribute to this broad skill. Make sure that you're reliable, punctual, polite and hardworking every day during your apprenticeship. A strong work ethic also means being honest at work and owning up to your mistakes when things go wrong. Having a good work ethic helps you during your apprenticeship and also in your career. Related: What is work ethic and why is it important?

10. Technical knowledge

In most apprenticeships, you require technical knowledge and a strong understanding of the trade you're learning. You develop technical knowledge during your apprenticeship when colleagues and specialists instruct you in different skills and demonstrate how to carry out various tasks. The technical knowledge that's important to an apprentice depends upon what type of apprenticeship they're taking. For mechanics apprentices, understanding how the different parts of a car's engine work together is essential, whereas seamstress apprentices require knowledge of different types of fabrics and stitching. To improve your technical knowledge, you might spend some of your time consolidating what you learn at work with theoretical reading and study. Your apprenticeship provider might recommend study materials to you if they want you to improve your knowledge in specific areas, or you could look for learning materials online to support what you learn at work. If you're a physical learner and you learn best when doing something yourself, apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to develop new skills and knowledge.

(All content sourced from Indeed website)

Parental Engagement

At ECS, we like to work closely with parents and carers to support their children in their education and future career needs.  Parents/carers are invited to Parent evenings, Information Evenings, Pre NEET interviews and open Evenings. Where appropriate, we also invite and encourage Parents/carers to deliver workshops for specific career related activities.  If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact Ms Pastore with any queries regarding careers education. 

We would value parents and carers feedback completing our Career Parent Questionnaire, any forms we receive will form part of our school review and evaluation process for the Careers, Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG).

Link to Parent Questionnaire -   https://forms.office.com/e/pDUJ1FfQSh

We value the input of all our students at ECS, therefore in the Autumn term we ask all year groups to complete a specific year group questionnaire.  This allows us to gain valuable feedback information from each student which form part of our school review and evaluation process for the Careers, Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG). 

The following survey is a sample of questions we ask the students in their survey.

Student Survey - https://forms.office.com/e/LXmcxidA9d

Apprenticeships – Information and guidance for parents/carer to understand apprenticeships

https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/support-for-parents-and-guardians

Resources below will give teachers guidance on Careers in the curriculum

Lessons - https://www.unifrog.org/teacher/resources/tag-189

https://www.bakethemostoflife.co.uk/teacher-zone-resources/?_topic=rise-to-success

Information - https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/explore/all-resources-all-one-place?f%5B0%5D=All&search_api_fulltext=teacher+guides&sort_bef_combine=changed_DESC

Careers linked to subjects - Student Subject Resouces posters.docx

Apprenticeship  - https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/resources-for-schools

Useful websites that will help you make informed decisions about your career path.

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 www.unifrog.org/

At Edmonton County School we are providing ALL students in year groups 7 to 11, to join Unifrog as part of our career programme.  They help students find their future by bringing all the available information platform that helps students make the best choices for their future careers.

• A student profile: students build their profile and access personalised study and career information.
• Modules: activities to guide students through the information on Start at the right time.
• Up to date information: engaging content on what to study, where to learn and the world of work.
• Locker: an online record of achievement to evidence skills for future applications and CVs.
• Employability action plan: Students can set goals and stay in control of their career planning.

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This website is a complete guide on how to apply for university and to discover, careers, degree courses, subjects, apprenticeships and industry guide. All year 13 students applying for university will be using this website to complete their application. Students can explore their options, universities, colleges and different regions in the UK, this is also where students can enter clearing if they need to choose a new university after receiving their results.

https://www.ucas.com/

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This website gives you information on events taking place at universities all over the UK including insight days, summer school, free courses, open days and much more.

https://www.unitasterdays.com/search.aspx?SFID=5

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This league table ranks universities in the UK overall and on their subject areas.  When choosing a university, you should be considering not only the universities ranking but also their ranking based on a particular subject.

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings

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The definitive Good University Guide from The Times and Sunday Times provides you with everything you need to know about Britain's top universities to help you make the most informed choice about where and what to study.

https://www.thetimes.com/uk-university-rankings

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This website will give you access to the majority of universities in the UK where you can search to find out all that you need to know about open days at universities and colleges.  We recommend all students visit the university they are considering attending.

https://www.opendays.com/

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A University Graduate’s Guide to Boosting Career Prospects – 20 Ways to Make You Stand Out to Employers" - https://www.s1jobs.com/resources/20-ways-to-stand-out-to-employers-after-graduation/

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 The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. The service offers confidential and impartial advice. This is supported by qualified careers advisers.

The National Careers Service website aims to:

• help you with careers decisions and planning support you in reviewing your skills and abilities and develop new goals motivate you to implement your plan of action enable you to make the best use of high-quality career related tools.

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 Careersbox is a free online library of careers related film, news and information. As the preferred digital new media partner to the Institute of Career Guidance, the largest careers body in the UK, Careersbox aim is to deliver a new way for students to explore their skills and career options.

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 Plotr is a website created to help 11–24-year-olds discover and explore careers they’ll love. It’s built around the Game which uncovers careers matched to their skills, interests and personality.

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 LifeSkills, 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.

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 icould has a range of video clips showing real people talking about their jobs and careers.

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 Plan your study & work.  Your choices at 14, 16 and 18, explore different job sectors and how you can study and work at the same time - even to university level.

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  Success at School is the place for young people to explore careers, get the lowdown on top employers, and search for the latest jobs, courses and advice.

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The study guide section within youthspace contains a range of information including help on making options choices in Year 9, post 16 options, and getting into higher education.

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 This is the Science Council's careers website designed to provide information for young people, their parents and teachers about the jobs available after studying maths and science? www.futuremorph.org

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 Another excellent resource to find out about jobs in the south west region. www.myworldofwork.co.uk/

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 Diverse career opportunities in business and technical environments with apprenticeships in in the Vehicle Repair industry. www.careers.autoraise.co.uk

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The Government’s dedicated careers website, www.getingofar.gov.uk/ has a whole range of information to help young people decide if Apprenticeships are the right route for them. You can also search for apprenticeship vacancies.

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 Register on this website to find out about current Apprenticeship opportunities. www.gov.uk

Labour Market Information (LMI) is information about what is happening in a labour market. LMI tends to focus on the industries that are growing and declining. It provides information about the types and levels of jobs and the skills required and whether they are increasing or decreasing. This information is used to enable individuals to make decisions about education, jobs and training.

This Careers Hub link gives you information and guidance on LMI https://careershubcios.co.uk/schools-colleges/benchmark-2/what-is-career-and-labour-market-information/

This website will give you information relating to the government Labour Market Statistics, which provides statistics and analyses of employment, unemployment, economic inactivity and earnings.

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9366/#:~:text=Key%20figures,the%20employment%20rate%20has%20fallen.

All schools and colleges have an obligation to collect and analyse education, training and employment destination information for all students leaving school post 16 and post 18.  At ECS we take this very seriously as the data that it provides helps ECS to identify pathways, subjects and courses with low demand to be addressed so that changes can be made to the Careers Programme to reflect students’ needs to include the following.

• Inform careers provision, support improvements and developments​
• Use trends for earlier identification and intervention to address gaps​
• Insight into learner career aspirations
• Identify learners who may be at risk of NEET ​
• Track intended destinations to ensure all learners have a September guarantee
• Compare institution data and trends with key regional LMI to review if learner destinations represent/meet local industry needs​
• Explore data to identify any deficits in uptake of pathways, subjects or courses to help tailor your careers programme more effectively​
• Demonstrate impact of careers education on destinations​
• Determine where learners go after leaving your institution; track subjects learners go into, employment areas, courses, apprenticeships​
• Support successful transitions into positive destinations. 

Through our appointed careers advisor, we offer all our year 11 up to year 13 students the opportunity to have at least one careers meeting to support their destination choices and give them the guidance they need to make informed choices.

Year 11 Destination Data

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Year 13 Destination Data

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