Work Related learning @ Sandbach School
Careers Information Advice and GUIDANCE (CIAG)
At Sandbach School, careers information, advice and guidance (CIAG) is offered and delivered through a wide range of integrated programmes from Years 7 to 13. ‘Careers’ forms an important part of our wider Work Related Learning Strategy and aims to meet and exceed the statutory requirements to provide impartial
advice and guidance to all our students. The careers programmes we deliver also link to important polices that promote equality and diversity.
We know that effective careers advice has a positive and direct impact on a student’s aspirations and motivation to succeed. As such, we aim to meet all 8 of the Gatsby ‘gold standard’ benchmarks that promote effective careers delivery in schools.
The eight Gatsby ‘benchmarks’ of Good Career Guidance are:
1. To provide a stable careers programme
2. Learn from career and labour market information (and adapt accordingly)
3. Address the needs of each pupil i.e. understand their individual aspirations
4. Linking the student’s curriculum learning to careers
5. Providing encounters with employers and employees (for each year group)
6. Providing experiences of the workplace
7. Providing encounters with further and higher education providers (including Apprenticeship providers)
8. Ensuring personal guidance is available and offered to all students
Our careers programmes are regularly reviewed using this model as a benchmark; ensuring its ultimate fitness for purpose.
This list can also be downloaded HERE
National Apprenticeship Week 2021Sandbach School – On-line Activities and Resources |
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Company / Resources |
Web-links |
Activities and Advice |
| Amazing Apprenticeships |
Main Site / Full Apprenticeship Week Programme / Resources Look for the Apprenticeship / Student Activity Pack on the website and the following Parent Pack – https://amazingapprenticeships.com/resource/parents-pack-january/?utm_source=mailchimp&utm_medium=pp&utm_campaign=aaa%20jan Use the main site and links to carryout personal research, carryout activities and join live events. You can ‘download’ relevant content and information accordingly. |
Amazing Apprenticeship are hosting a wide range of interactive and informative sessions throughout the week and have provided information packs / resources accordingly All found on the website |
| Big Assembly.org | https://www.bigassembly.org/ ‘Apprenticeship Assembly’ 9th Feb 11,00 a.m. | Check out the ‘Big Assembly’ about Apprenticeships on the Tuesday Morning and find out more. |
| Rate My Apprenticeship |
Main site – https://www.ratemyapprenticeship.co.uk/ Great for general Apprenticeship research. |
NB* Live Apprenticeship event happening on the 3rd and 4th Feb. Go to the main site for registration link. |
| Apprenticehsips.gov |
Main Site –https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/# General searches for information and finding apprenticeship jobs |
A general government information site with Apprenticeship search tool. Check out the Become an Apprentice Section |
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UCAS Universities and Colleges Admissions Service |
‘Live’ Discover Apprenticeships Event and Information… https://www.ucas.com/understanding-apprenticeships – Check out and register for the Discover Apprenticeships event. https://www.ucas.com/apprenticeships-in-england – look at a wide range of topics linked to apprenticeship routes in England |
Check out the live apprenticeship information session as part of UCAS ‘Discover Apprenticeships’ Plus, a wide range of Apprenticeship information and ‘search’ tool |
| START Profile |
START – https://www.startprofile.com/ Introduction to Apprenticeships Module https://app.startprofile.com/workbook/module/23/activity/37/264 Life as An Apprentice Module |
START is a free and comprehensive careers research and personal development platform. Use it gain information, look up job roles and check out Apprenticeship ‘availability’ |
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Unifrog (Currently Sixth Form only) |
Go to the Know How Library, Search by Pathway Tab and UK Apprenticeships. You will discover a wide range of Apprenticeship information and articles including University v Apprenticeships and College, Apprenticeship or University |
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| Not Going to Uni.co.uk |
Main Site https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/ Apprenticeship info and opportunities https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/opportunities/apprenticeships |
A comprehensive site offering advice on alternatives to university e.g. Degree Apprenticeships and more. |
| Get My First Job.co.uk | https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/Choices/Apprenticeships.aspx | General site for careers research and Apprenticeship searches. |
| National Careers Service |
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ Talk to a careers advisor. |
Want to talk to a Careers Advisor about your plans? You can access and use the National Careers Service |
Raising Aspirations through targeted delivery at key stages of transition:
Year 7
Reflecting on their start to High School and making links between personal qualities and employer ‘expectations’.
Reflecting on their own personal skills, aspirations and making links to future success. Becoming aware of their own personal characteristics via PSHCE and Tutor Led activities.
Year 8
GCSE options choices and links to future employment
To be able to make well-informed choices and good decisions about their transition to Key Stage 4. To support this, self-awareness and occupational awareness is enhanced through a bespoke PSHCE programme called ‘Back to Your Future’ and further extra-curricular activities i.e. GCSE Tasters and Options events.
Year 9
Getting off to a good start with GCSE / Vocational Studies – looking at existing employee profiles and making links to personal aspirations.
To understand the more detailed ‘advantages and disadvantages’ of various careers pathways and adapting plans accordingly e.g. ‘A day in the life of’ research
Year 10
Building an effective C.V. via the Kudos ICT Programme and keeping their options open.
To record and identify opportunities to further develop the employment skills and characteristics that are valued and expected by employers.
Year 11
Firming up F.E./H.E./Apprenticeship ‘Pathways’ & Post 16 choices at the end of Key Stage 4
To be fully aware of their Post 16 options and to feel confident in their decision making. Ideally all of Year 11 should have made at least one application before the end of the autumn term.
Year 12/13
Applying for and Exploring H.E. Options or Alternatives to University i.e. Higher Apprenticeship ‘Pathways’.
To ensure that all Sixth Form students remain focused and motivated towards achieving their ambitions and realise their true potential; either through successful applications to their chosen universities or access to higher apprenticeship opportunities.
Our Work Related learning programmes are managed and reviewed regularly by an experienced team of senior and middle leaders that report directly to the Head Teacher / Senior Leadership Team. The current structure is as follows:
Mr Stuart Dodds – Deputy Head Teacher (Pastoral)
Mr Steve Mills – Careers and Enterprise Education Manager (smills@sandbachschool.org)
Our careers education is delivered through a planned series of PSHCE lesson times throughout the academic year and also during our ‘Enrichment Day’ programmes.
We pride ourselves in having developed sustained links with a very diverse range of employers, education providers and alumni over the years.
Regular supporters of our careers programmes include Bentley Motors, Siemens, Barclays, Waitrose, Black Friars Group, Chemical Business Association, Total People, Everybody Leisure, Armed Forces, Police, Gladman Group, Construction Industry Training Board, NHS, The Skills and Growth Company and many more independent business professionals who have signed up to our business support network. Additionally we have regular input from local F.E., H.E. and training providers
We are also supported locally by The Skills and Growth Company whose aim is to encourage regular and sustained involvement by employers and to help the school plan strategically in relation to its careers delivery.
This government funded initiative provides a ‘link’ Business advisor to the school who regularly visits to help develop our programmes of delivery.
We would encourage any employer / employee or ex-student to contact Steve Mills on smills@sandbachschool.org if they would like to get involved with our future careers delivery / events.
Target Careers
Milkround
University Choices
UCAS – University Application Information
There are a wide range of websites and software available covering every aspect of careers planning. Parents and students are encouraged to take time to explore these sites both in school and at home.
General Advice, C.V. Builder, Personal Profiles, Live Chat with National Advisors and lots more…
Advice on options, jobs research, links to other sites, general advice at 14+, 16+ etc…
All about Modern Apprenticeships, what they are and how to acquire one.
Buzz Quiz Self-Assessment, Videos, other useful links & more…
Career zones, employers info. and university links
Advice on options, videos, linked careers info.
Looking at top university applications and advice on aiming high.
Advice on alternatives to university e.g. higher apprenticeships
Advice on Graduate Careers
Sandbach School’s CIAG Delivery Includes
- Access to independent Careers Information, Advice and Guidance provided by a nationally registered Professional Careers Consultant
- Yr 7 to Yr 13 Relevant PSHCE Delivery via Tutor group Activities
- Student work related ‘Enrichment’ days off normal timetable
- Careers Assemblies and Visiting Speakers
- Employer / Student ‘Forums’
- Regular Business Input and Support from our local Skills and Growth Company and designated Business Advisor
- Being a member of the local Chamber of Commerce
- Targeted Work Experience in Year 10 and 12
- Curriculum Links and Delivery via Subject Lessons e.g. Bentley Motors language workshops
- Enterprise Activities e.g. Young Enterprise, Tycoon in Schools, Tenner Challenge
- Enterprise Club
- Visits to local and national F.E., HE. and Apprenticeship Careers Events
- STEM Club and STEM Activities
- Aspire group meetings and extra-curricular activities
Sandbach Schools Baker Clause Access Policy can be found here.