Personal Development

We run a comprehensive Careers Programme which is age-appropriate and spans years 7-13.  In order to give the very best education advice and guidance, we focus on the CDI framework. We have made use of the Step Up programme and follow the Gatsby Benchmarks to ensure all our students have access to a wide range of employers.  We are committed to ensuring that all of our students are fully aware of the possibilities open to them in every sector of employment. As well as providing students with the academic foundations to succeed, we pride ourselves on the wide range of opportunities we provide, from Year 7 through to Year 13, for students to explore future pathways and receive quality advice and guidance so that they are able to make the right choices, whether that be Further Education, Higher Education, an apprenticeship or employment.

We have a variety of experiences open to our students, from collaborating in virtual and live careers workshops to visiting or inviting employers and universities to visit.  The highlight of our year is the careers fair that takes place in February, which the whole school participates in and is particularly helpful to our year 9 students to consider their options. Our year 11 and 12 are also inspired to think about their careers path as well.

We offer all year 11 and 6th form students a one to one careers interview with a follow-up action plan and support to follow it.

Activities and events are organised by departments, who have Careers education at the heart of their curriculum.  This includes visits and trips, visitors from university and local businesses, opportunities to participate in competitions, STEM activities and projects.

Careers Programme 2022-2023

Careers Lead: Mrs C Harding 

Don’t Drop Out, Reach Out

UCAS Information

• UCAS Website
• UCAS | Students | What are my options?
• UCAS | Information for Parents and Guardians

Labour Market Information

• Labour Market Statistics | National Statistics

Unifrog is an amazing website where students can easily explore their interests, then find and successfully apply for their next best step after school. Unifrog helps to explore an individual’s key interests and what career paths they can take to reach their goals.

Unifrog’s comprehensive database and areas of focus enables students to understand the wide scope of opportunities available to them when considering their pathways.

There are programmes available for year 7 - 13.

Year 10 will be participating in Face to face work experience for one week after the Easter Holiday, in April.  In the lead up to this, the year group will have the opportunity to attend workshops to help them to choose the most appropriate experience for their skills and interests. We are working in collaboration with Wolverhampton Council and the DWP to ensure that the experience is worthwhile and gives our students an experience of the 'World of work'.

For any student who might struggle with the change of routine for this week, we have arranged a package of in-house support including workshops and Virtual Work experience.

Virtual Work Experience (VWEX) is an alternative which can provide the opportunity for students to gain experience in the workplace, develop their skills, boost their employability and explore new industries and job roles. We are encouraging students from Years 10 to 13 to explore websites like www.springpod.com and to sign up for a meaningful VWEx over the holidays.  Alternatively, students can arrange a face to face Work Experience placement over the summer that would be suitable. Please speak to Mrs Harding if you would like more information on how to arrange your own face to face work experience.

The careers fair this year will take place on Wednesday 15th February 2023.  Every student in the school will have the opportunity to visit the fair, take part in the activities linked to the fair and to question the exhibitors who will be visiting and promoting their professions and college courses.

Year 7 and 8 will have the opportunity to complete a quiz based on the exhibits, learning all they can about college courses, apprenticeships and training opportunities.

Year 9 will be able to discuss their next steps, considering what their KS4 options should be.  If they have a particular talent in a subject area they can find out more from our experts.

Online Information About Option Choices

Subjects Needed for Careers - Careerpilot: Jobs by Subject

BBC Bitesize Careers - Careers

An apprenticeship is a job training programme that ensures that an apprentice will be employed from day one. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

An apprentice will:

• Work alongside experienced staff
• Gain job-specific skills
• Earn a wage and get holiday pay
• Be given time for study related to their role (the equivalent of one day a week)

What levels are there?

All apprenticeships include elements of on the job and theory elements, leading to industry recognised standards or qualifications. Some apprenticeships also require an assessment at the end of the programme to assess the apprentice's ability and competence in their job role.

Intermediate - Level 2 - Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes at grade A*– C or 9 – 4

Advanced - Level  3 - Equivalent to 2 A level passes/Level 3 Diploma/ International Baccalaureate

Higher - Level 4, 5, 6 and 7 Equivalent to a Foundation degree and above

Degree - Level  6 and 7 - Equivalent to a Bachelor’s or master’s degree

What can they earn?

For the latest National Minimum Wage rates, please refer to the Government webpage: 

Pay and Conditions

Why should you apply?

• Real wage and part of a real work force
• Follow Labour Market Needs by being trained in the skills employers want
• Set yourself up for the future – apprentices enjoy marked salary increases when they complete their training, and those completing a higher apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated £150,000 over their lifetime.

How do you apply for an apprenticeship?

There are between 12,000 - 20,000 apprenticeships vacancies online available at Apply Apprenticeship.

The best way to search for your ideal apprenticeship is by keyword; for example job role, occupation type or apprenticeship level and by location. In addition, some employers advertise vacancies on their website. Once the right job comes up, simply register on the website and follow the step by step instructions to apply for the role.

Links to Support and Help You Apply for an Apprenticeship

• Alternatives to Higher education - Discover Jobs for School & College Leavers in the UK | NGTU
• UK Government Webpage - Find an Apprenticeship
• UK Government Webpage - Become an Apprentice
• Support and Guidance - Apprenticeships
• Apprenticeships - Amazing Apprenticeships
• Labour Market Information - LMI Toolkit
• Not Going to Uni - Not Going to Uni