Careers education in Key Stage 4 is essential for supporting students as they begin making more concrete decisions about their future education and career paths. During Key Stage 4, students start to explore specific career interests in greater depth and engage in work experience (year 10), allowing them to understand different professions and workplace environments. This phase is also critical as students consider post-16 options such as A levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, or other training programs (please see below for a full list of options available). Careers Education at this stage provides them with guidance on how their current subjects and academic performance can impact their future choices, helping them set realistic goals and develop skills for both continued education and the working world. This preparation ensures they leave school with a clear sense of direction and confidence in their next steps.
In 2013, the participation age was raised to 18 years of age. This means all young people are required in England to continue to participate in education or training until at least their 18th birthday. Post 16 options | National Careers Service
Supporting post-16 career decision-making is therefore an important step for students as they plan their future educational and professional paths. Here are some actions students can take to help make informed decisions about their next steps:
1. Explore Career Interests
- Self-Assessment: Reflect on personal strengths, interests, values, and passions. Online career quizzes or personality tests (Quiz: Which career could be perfect for you? – BBC Bitesize) can be useful.
- Job Shadowing/Work Experience: Seek opportunities for short-term placements or job shadowing to understand day-to-day roles in different fields.
- Volunteer: Volunteer for organisations or projects related to areas of interest to gain exposure to different industries.
2. Research Career Options
- Career Exploration: Research potential careers online (e.g., through government websites, career portals, or industry-specific resources).
- Attend Career Fairs and Events: Participate in career fairs, industry talks, or workshops to meet professionals and learn about various industries.
- Read Job Descriptions: Review the qualifications, skills, and responsibilities of various job roles to understand what each career involves.
3. Seek Guidance
- Talk to Teachers and Career Advisors: Engage with your teachers and school career advisors to get advice on courses, apprenticeships, and pathways.
- Look Into Apprenticeships and Internships: Consider hands-on learning opportunities, which combine work and study, especially for practical or technical careers.
- Understand the Role of University or College: Explore whether attending university aligns with the chosen career path or if other options like vocational qualifications might be more suited.
4. Understand Different Pathways
- Learn About Further Education Options: Research academic routes such as A-Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships, and T-levels.
- Look Into Apprenticeships and Internships: Consider hands-on learning opportunities, which combine work and study, especially for practical or technical careers.
- Understand the Role of University or College: Explore whether attending university aligns with the chosen career path or if other options like vocational qualifications might be more suited.
5. Set Personal and Academic Goals
- Set Clear Career Goals: Create both short-term and long-term career goals, with an understanding of what education or experience is needed to achieve them.
- Focus on Relevant Skills: Identify skills necessary for specific careers (e.g., communication, problem-solving, technical skills) and take action to develop them.
- Build your CV/Portfolio: Start building a portfolio or personal statement that showcases achievements, extracurricular activities, and work experience.
6. Explore and Apply for Opportunities
- Research Courses and Institutions: Look into different schools, colleges, or universities that offer courses relevant to your career interests.
- Look Into Scholarships/Financial Aid: Research funding opportunities like scholarships, bursaries, or grants that could support further education.
- Apply for Apprenticeships and Internships: Apply for early career opportunities that will provide real-world experience and a better understanding of chosen fields.
7. Stay Open-Minded and Adaptable
- Be Flexible: Understand that career paths can change and be willing to explore different opportunities or adapt to changes in the industry.
- Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and learn from mistakes. Career exploration may involve trial and error, and that’s part of the learning process.
8. Use Technology and Online Resources
- Online Career Platforms: Use websites like LinkedIn, Prospects.ac.uk, or UCAS for insights into careers, courses, and universities.
- Attend Virtual Career Talks/Webinars: Participate in online career exploration events, where industry professionals discuss various roles and their paths. We share lots of these on the Careers Section of the Brine Leas Newsletter.
- Follow Industry Trends: Stay informed about emerging industries and trends by reading industry blogs, reports, or watching videos.
By taking a proactive approach, students can gain the knowledge and experience needed to make informed and confident decisions about their post-16 career paths.