Careers

Post 16 Options and Careers

LJFS recognises the importance of a careers provision that prepares students for the world of work. To this end, we have a 5 year structured careers programme that is aspirational for all our students. We meet and monitor our statutory responsibilities through regular Compass audits and measure the impact against the Gatsby Benchmarks.

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In years 7-9 we have a dedicated lesson for a full term around careers- this is complimented by a term of both digital literacy and citizenship. In Year 10, careers is part of our RHSE curriculum and includes work experience. In Year 11, we offer a mentoring scheme for all students to plan their post-16 pathway and there are elements of RHSE dedicated to the world of work.

Throughout school, students are encouraged to access the careers library and experience the world of work. Opportunities are provided to attend external careers fairs and learn about higher education and apprenticeships, we provide independent careers advice and workshops. Students regularly audit their own skill set in preparation for the workplace, working alongside parents and school staff to ensure they plan to achieve, and attain, full learning and career potential.

You may find this website useful to explore with your child: https://futuregoals.co.uk/engage/parents-carers/

If you have any questions relating to the careers provision at LJFS, please contact Ms Lawson at Slawson@ljfs.org

Telephone: 0113 269 3176 (Ext 840)

Information for parents

There are now a broad range of options available post 16 and post 18. Parents have a crucial role in supporting a child goals and aspirations, with this in mind, we want you to be able to talk to your child about their options confidently; knowing that the information you have is as accurate and as up to date as possible.

Please find below a list of helpful resources that can help you have meaningful discussions with your child about their future:

UCAS: University Guide for Parents

UCAS: Student Finance – Guide for Parents

Amazing Apprenticeships: Useful monthly parent pack and a ‘Parents guide to Apprenticeships’

Target Careers: Dedicated parents section covering University Choices, Careers and Apprenticeships.

UK Job Market Guide: Useful information on the changing job market.

Parental Guidance: Careers Information and Advice from the Careers Writers Association.

Guardian University League Table: An interactive University League Table guide.

Career Mag for Parents: Aims to connect students and their parents to quality advice and guidance on careers and further education

choices.

Apprenticeships

At LJFS pupils are encouraged to explore all post-16 and post-18 options, including apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to the traditional higher education route.

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to work for a real employer, earn a real salary and gain a real qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. Anyone living in England, over 16 years old and not in full-time education can apply to be an apprentice.

All apprentices should work for at least 30 hours a week, apart from in exceptional circumstances.

Quality is key to apprenticeships. All apprenticeships must be at least 12 months long and lead to a national qualification that is respected by employers around the world.
Salary

All apprentices must receive the appropriate national minimum wage. Check out National Minimum Wage Rates for updates on the latest figures.

Types of Apprenticeships available

There are three types of Apprenticeship that vary depending on current skills and qualifications:

1 – Intermediate Level Apprenticeships – Offers GCSE level equivalent qualifications.

2 – Advanced Level Apprenticeships – Offers A-Level equivalent qualifications.

3 – Higher Apprenticeships – Offers Degree level equivalent qualifications.

Need more support?

Websites such as:

Amazing Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Rate My Apprenticeship provide comprehensive support and information for students and parents on the different types of Apprenticeships available. There is also some very helpful advice and links on Get My First Job and Not Going to Uni.

Students can also access the full database of apprenticeship vacancies that are available at The Apprenticeship Guide and Find an Apprenticeship.

Higher education

Please also find below a list of helpful resources that can help students with researching their higher education options:

UCAS: All higher education (university) course applications are made through UCAS.

Which University: Useful website to research universities ad courses.

What Uni: Helps students find universities and courses using their University Comparison Tool.

Unistats: Lots of statistical information about Uni courses – allows students to compare courses.

Applying to Uni: News and advice about applying to Uni.

Student Finance England: Links to useful student finance sites.

Uni Taster Days: Up to date listings of Uni Taster Days. It is strongly recommended that students who want to go to University should attend at least two of these.

Russell Group Informed Choices: Entry requirements for Russell Group Universities.

Open Days: Up to date list of virtual University open Days.

The Scholarship Hub: Information about Scholarships, Grants, Bursaries and Financial Awards.

Studying Overseas:

Fulbright Commission: The starting point for information about study in the USA.

QS Top Universities: Information about overseas study worldwide.

The Complete University Guide for Overseas Study: This site has a dedicated area for students interested in study overseas

Labour market information

Labour market information (LMI) supports parents and students to understand the job market in both the local and wider area. The following site can support parents in conversations about careers, qualifications and pathways allowing students to make informed choices about their next steps.

National Careers Service provides excellent information about a wider variety of job roles.

Target Careers: Key information on different careers sectors – includes useful advice and information such as salaries, the types of jobs available and what your options are with, or without, a degree.

LMI Future Trends: To view useful information on the national labour market and future trends including Sutton, Merton and the wider London area.

Working Futures 2014-2024: Report produced by the UK Commission of Employment and Skills on the future of work in the UK.

Target Jobs : Focus on graduate job descriptions to find out what each job involves and the qualifications and skills that are need in that career

Careerometer: Find out about pay and projected workforce changes in different jobs.