In 2015 the Government scheme ‘Raising the Participation Age’ made changes to ensure that young people remain in education until the age of 18. This could be with a school-based sixth form, a college of further education or through a work-based learning programme such as an apprenticeship. In addition, students who do not achieve grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics, will be expected to re-take these subjects or study other types of English and Mathematics qualifications.
Top 3 things you can do for your child
1. Have a good understanding of what is on offer and be open to a range of new ideas
2. Talk regularly about next steps and explore a wide variety of options together
3. Encourage your child to seek support where necessary
1. Understanding the Offer
When considering the range of options available, it is important to remember that today’s provision is very different from that of the past. Many new ‘non-traditional’ options are increasingly popular and can be a great way to access a very competitive jobs market. Post 16 options | National Careers Service and Post 16 Education Options – Talking Futures can provide a good starting point for research. Other useful resources include:
2. Talking and Exploring
There are a wide range of factors that can influence the career aspirations of your child. These include:
· Parents’/carers’ jobs
· Parents’/carers’ expectations
· Expectations from school, peers or community
· Wider social messages about ‘desirable’ jobs
When beginning to talk about your child’s future, this list can provide a useful starting point, as can discussing your own career and life experience. Also, helping your child to discover what makes them unique and which kind of job may suit their skills, qualities and preferences is crucial in ensuring they make the right decisions for their future. Taking a careers quiz can provide an alternative approach to reflecting on these:
National Careers Service Explore different careers and undertake their skills assessment quiz to produce a list of roles based on recommendations.
Enneagram Career Quiz: What career is right for me? A personality test which aims explain people to help you determine what types of employment may suit you.
Buzz Quiz A fun, short online questionnaire which in under 5 minutes will enable you to understand more about your personality and how it may influence your careers choices and the job areas which may suit you.
The range of jobs available is growing all the time, therefore it is vital that your child explores the job market. This can be done by:
· Searching online
· Talking to friends and family about their own career journeys
· Attending open events held by employment and training providers
· Discussing the jobs of people you encounter during the day – e.g. bus driver, teacher, doctor, supermarket manager, radio producer etc.
3. Seeking Support
Support is available from a wide variety of places, including the websites listed above.
The Careers Programme in school is designed to broaden student horizons, particularly at key transition points, and support them to ultimately progress onto appropriate and meaningful post-16 and post-18 pathways. All students can also access individual guidance meetings with a Level 6 qualified careers adviser. Please contact us on 01423 818534 or email careersstaff@staidans.co.uk to book an appointment.
