Steps to Career Planning - Suggestions for Parents / Carers

A few students will know what they want to be from an early age, but most will not know what career they want until they are older. So where do you begin? How can parents / carers support?

Below are a few steps that might be useful:

1.    Starting point – What do I want to be?

Explore with them the interest questionnaires below:

•          www.fasttomato.co.uk – “My Interests Questionnaire”

•          https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk  – “Skills Health Check”

2.    What is the job like? What qualifications do I need?

Follow up those areas of interest by looking at jobs within that occupational family. Look at their job description; see if that line of work interests you and the entry requirements to that line of work.

•  https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk  - Job profiles
• Get some experience - arrange a work placement

3.    Research Post 16 Choices

Nationally all students will now continue in education or work based training until the age of 18, continuing in their studies either at Ashmole, if they apply to the Sixth Form, or in another school or college, or a work based training employer. Therefore it is important to research the various qualifications and pathways available Post 16.

Based on good level 2 grades ie GCSE’s grades, including grade C in English and Mathematics, students can apply for A level qualifications or level 3 BTEC qualifications. For those students it is good to research what degree is required for entry into their career interest and consequently what subjects are needed to enter that degree, whether A levels or through a vocational route, BTEC Nationals, NVQ’s or Apprenticeships.

·         www.ucas.com – Entry requirements for Higher Education Courses

·         www.ucasprogress.com – Post 16 courses at schools and colleges in London

·         http://apprenticeships.org.uk – Information on Apprenticeships

Depending on GCSE/BTEC grades achieved at age 16, it may be necessary for some students to consider vocational courses at level 2 and if necessary level 1. Such courses can be found through the ucas progress website or by contacting local colleges.

4.    Impartial Careers Advice

To receive further support, you could contact:

·         The Young People’s Centre at 331 Woodhouse Road Centre, 34/36 Woodhouse Road N12 ORG, telephone 020 8359 3100

·         National Careers Service advisers by telephone 0800 100 900 (free from landline, otherwise get them to call you back, email or text 07766 413219.

·         A careers adviser will be present in school on the GCSE and A level results day.