We are committed to providing our students in Years 7 to 13 a comprehensive, impartial programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) and work related learning (WRL).
All students take part in a careers programme that:
The 2017 Government Careers Strategy outlined plans to roll out 20 Careers Hubs across the country after a successful pilot scheme in the North East. We were delighted to be included in the South West of England Careers Hub bid in July 2018 which was approved.
What is a Careers Hub?
The Careers Hub consists of 25 local schools and colleges working together with universities, training providers, employers and career professionals to improve careers education for young people in the region.
Aims
To empower schools & colleges to improve outcomes for their students through the Gatsby Benchmarks & strategic collaboration. The hub will serve and support schools to achieve their own objectives as well as build a community of practice with a shared vision.
We review our Careers Programme three times a year using the Careers & Enterprise Company’s Compass Tool – which is careers benchmark tool.
About Compass
Compass is a free resource for schools and colleges in England, that quickly and easily helps to evaluate our careers activity against the eight benchmarks of best practice – known as the Gatsby Benchmarks.
The tool was built in partnership with the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, to help us discover our strengths and find areas for improvement.
We work closely with parents/carers to support their children to make informed career choices. Parents and carers are encouraged to attend the careers events and options evenings.
Parents/carers are always welcome to contact Mrs Pascoe, Head of Careers on 01761 433581 ext 3002 or epascoe@writhlington.org.uk to seek advice and ask any questions you might have regarding careers pathways.
Work Experience is always important, especially now in our current economic climate. Therefore, gaining more work related experience is likely to give you an advantage in the labour market by the time you leave full-time education.
The placement with an employer is for a period of one week, where you will learn about a particular job. While you are on your Work Experience placement you will be able to find out about the types of skills employers look for when they are recruiting.
This opportunity also gives you the chance to develop communication skills and self confidence.
It is always rewarding to hear success stories. In particular some of our employers have had such good experiences with students they offer them part-time jobs which may lead to full-time employment.
Here are some testimonials;
Megan:
“For work experience last summer, I completed a Nuffield Research Placement at Bath University whereby I spent four weeks on a project concerning weather, health and wellbeing. I produced a 20 page report on my findings and also a scientific poster.
I enjoyed the independence gained from the project as it was a realistic task that would have been set for a university student.
I would definitely recommend this work experience as it’s something unique to put on your personal statement and the four weeks flew by!”
Connor:
“During my time at Dc-activ I learnt a lot. It was the first time being in an actual business environment and allowed me to see how a real business operates. It also gave me more confidence in that type of environment for the future”
Freddie:
“I completed my work experience at the Ordnance Survey headquarters in Southampton where I learnt how to create Geographical Information System (GIS) maps and how to collect data that is relevant to a topic.
I really enjoyed my time there because I gained some valuable skills to prepare me for university such as cartography skills.
The team that I was with were very friendly and helped me when I was stuck. My mentor explained how Geographical Information Systems are relevant in today’s world and their place in multiple industries, for example the Ordnance Survey works with large multinationals to map their data.
I cannot recommend going to the Ordnance Survey enough. This will benefit anyone looking for a career in analysis or geography.”
Rohan:
“I completed work experience at Rotork, Bath. During my time there I was tasked with designing and making a functional speaker box. During this process I used CAD design to design the 3D model of the box itself and used it to measure out the dimensions of the components I would fit inside. This took me 2-3 days to finish the design. I then produced the components that would be fitted inside. This involved me soldering and designing a motherboard to use. After fitting the parts together and printing the box on a 3D printer I fitted it all together.
Whilst working there, I was involved in various parts of the businesses, such as in the office where lots of research and development took place, I worked in the workshops where the testing of new and existing actuators is done. I also was involved in the electronics lab. Whilst there I spoke to various people in different sections of the business which were employed through work experience after they completed their A-levels.
Overall I enjoyed the experience, and would recommend doing a weeks placement there to anyone interested in engineering. It allows you to experience all aspects of engineering, from the sales team to the production line.”
Apart from work experience, it is also possible to do some voluntary work if you join the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
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:
www.getingofar.gov.uk/ provides information about apprenticeships.
Get a real job and continue your education up to degree level. Earn a competitive salary while all your training is paid for. Gain hands-on experience and learn skills that employers want, helping shape your future career.
Choose from thousands of vacancies in a range of industries, from engineering to nursing, and law to design.
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.
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.
icould has a range of video clips showing real people talking about their jobs and careers.
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.
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.
