Futures
Our vision is that by the age of 25 all Aldridge graduates will have experienced an outstanding and enjoyable education and be able to sustain the life of their choice. They will be independent, thriving economically and making a real positive contribution to their communities.
Throughout our school the Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) provision is delivered under the banner of Futures'. CEIAG is advice and support we offer our students to help them develop as young people, active citizens and prepared to make appropriate decisions about their future.
Key information about careers is provided to our students in a structured way within the school’s programme of tutor time activities. Students need a realistic expectation of what each career pathway entails and support to help them make decisions that reflect their ability, potential, aspirations and learning preferences.
Every student at DACA is encouraged to have high aspirations for their future, develop their enterprise skills and make the most of their academic ability and talents. We help our students prepare for the next stage education and employment, whether this be applying for D6, college, university, apprenticeships or the world of employment by providing regular and timely careers guidance, development of enterprise and employability skills and encounters with local organisations and institutions.
Through DACA’s partnership with the Lancashire Careers Hub and by working with our Enterprise Co-ordinator and Enterprise Adviser, we have excellent links with leading local employers in all sectors. We regularly have visitors into the academy or virtually in curriculum areas, in assemblies or at events to inspire our students and provide them with crucial local labour market information.
All subjects provide specific subject related information at all key stages and all areas of the curriculum integrate the development of employability skills into their lessons. Local STEM providers such as BAE Systems are also invited regularly to offer students an overview of their progression pathways through interactive sessions.
Throughout the academic year all year group have a series of encounters with employers, colleges and universities. During National Careers Week there is a whole school focus on promoting careers, this includes inspiring guest speakers providing assemblies for students; staff sharing their career paths and subject teachers raising awareness of careers linked to curriculum areas. National apprenticeship week is also a popular highlight as students learn about a variety of pathways in industries ranging from engineering to accounting.
It is never too early to start thinking about employment and how to make yourself stand out. Job markets can be very competitive and it is not always what you do on the day of interview to make yourself a desirable candidate. This website offers some useful advice on helping to prepare yourself to become a more employable person when leaving University, but the advice in here can be valuable at any time of your career.
Baker Clause Statement
This statement sets out our arrangements for managing the access of providers to students at the Academy for the purposes of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education act 1997 (the ‘Baker Clause’).
Careers contact information:
Email Mr B Parker (Careers Lead) - ben.parker@daca.uk.com or Call 01254 819 500.
WORK EXPERIENCE - SELF PLACEMENT FORM Personal Development learning journeyFutures ProgrammeFuture U Privacy Notice
Apprenticeship People
Students in Years 8 – 11 are entitled to:
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find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point;
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hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options evening’s, assemblies and group discussions and taster events;
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understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses
Parents are actively encouraged to be involved in all aspects of their child’s progression and future prospects. They have access to progress tutors, subject leaders, pastoral managers and specialist advisors, through parent’s evenings, careers events and progress review meetings.? If students have a question about careers or want further information they can:
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Speak to their Progress Tutor
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Access resources available in LRC and DACA website
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Email Mr B Parker (Careers Lead) - ben.parker@daca.uk.com or Call 01254 819 500
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Speak to an Independent Advisor at the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 or visit www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
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Our CEIAG provision is evaluated with students, teachers and employers on an annual basis. The school also measures how its careers’ education meets the eight Gatsby Benchmarks:
1. A stable careers programme.
2. Learning from career and labour market information.
3. Addressing the needs of each student.
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers.
5. Encounters with employers and employees.
6. Experiences of workplaces.
7. Encounters with further and higher education.
8. Personal guidance.
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To read our policy on Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance, please click here
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For an overview of how our careers’ provision meets the Gatsby Benchmarks, please click here
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For our policy on enabling access to providers of education and training, see our policy above. Details on how to contact our Careers’ Lead, please see above
Management of Provider Access requests. Any provider wish to request access to DACA should contact the Careers Leader as detailed above. We have a number of opportunities and forums available. You can identify some of these opportunities through our publish careers programme but we are also very willing to facilitate ad-hoc and targeted access in addition to our planned opportunities.
CDO framework
The main purpose of the CDI’s Career Development Framework is to clarify the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that individuals need to have a positive career. A ‘positive career’ will mean something different to everyone, but it will typically include being happy with the way you spend your time, being able to contribute to your community and being able to have a decent standard of living.
The CDI’s Career Development Framework describes the six career development skills that people need to have positive careers.
At DACA we have aligned our Future’s strategy to the framework.
At DACA Future’s education is delivered in a variety of ways (please note some of the activities may be altered):
- PSHE Curriculum (Yrs 7-9)
- General introduction to careers information and choices including registration and training on START website, a careers-based learning platform
- Job of the Week: An opportunity to look at option choices and possible career paths/choices
- Financial Awareness: through PSHE in KS4 and 5
- Employability skills
- Programme of STEM clubs with external speakers
- Specific careers related trips, taster days and programmes for small groups.
- 1-2-1 Career advisor meetings at Year 11 and 12
- Options briefings to explain about vocational and academic choices
- College and Apprentice talks
- Post 16 and 18 choices workshops, transition, application advice
- Career focussed assemblies with outside speakers
- World of Work Week’s, to include employability skills such as team working and enterprise skills.
- Employability masterclasses at KS4, CV writing workshops, and Interview techniques
- Work Experience for Year 10 and 12 students
- University visits
- Meet the professionals event Year 9 to support option choices
Aldridge Connect
Building a network of people who could help you The Aldridge Foundation has launched Aldridge Connect, a free site on the social media platform LinkedIn, which has over 27 million users in the UK and focuses on jobs and careers. Joining can help you grow professional connections in industries that interest you; gives you immediate access to a network of all Aldridge students AND professional companies; and provides help with CVs.
https://www.linkedin.com/school/aldridge-connect
PARENTS
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http://independenteducationconsultants.co.uk/making-the-right-gcse-choices
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http://www.careersadviceforparents.org/2015/01/choosing-gcse-subjects-essential-guide.html
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https://amazingapprenticeships.com/app/uploads/2020/03/Parent-Pack-March-2020.pdf
STUDENTS AND PARENTS
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https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs#js=on
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https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/your-choices-at-14
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https://amazingapprenticeships.com/student-apprenticeship-guide/
Post 16 Options
In the UK, you must remain in education, employment, or training until you are 18. Given the huge range of possible Futures options, there is something to suit everyone.
After you complete Year 11, there are two categories of next steps:
Further Education
- A Levels
- T Levels
- Technical & Vocational Qualifications
- Applied Qualifications
Work & Learn
- Apprenticeships
- Traineeships
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Further Education Options
A Levels - An academic qualification similar in style to GCSEs that prepares you for further study.
T Levels - A technical study programme with an industry placement that is equivalent to 3 A Levels.
Technical & Vocational Qualifications - Qualifications that teach you how to do tasks specifically related to the industry you want to be in.
Applied Qualifications - Qualifications that combine academic studies with practical skills to give you an overview of working in a sector.
Sixth Form or College? - Watch here!
How to choose your A Level subjects. - Watch here!
What are T Levels? - Watch here!
Further Education at Aldridge
Aldridge Education has Three NW locations that offer further education: Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio and the UTC@MediaCityUK.
See which pathways your local Aldridge FE providers have to offer:
D6 - Darwen Aldridge Sixth Form
- Business and Law
- Engineering
- Digital Technologies
- English
- Health and Social Care
- Humanities
- Maths
- Modern Foreign Languages
- Music; Media and Performing Arts
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Sport
- Visual Arts
- Film & TV
- Interactive Media & Gaming
- Digital Design
Work & Learn Options
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a job where you earn and learn at the same time while working towards a specific qualification. It’s an increasingly popular next step. Last year there were over 300,000 new apprentices in the UK, taking the total number of apprentices to over 700,000.
The top six industries to hire apprentices last year were:
- Business, Administration & Law
- Health, Public Servies & Care
- Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies
- Retail & Commercial Enterprise
- Construction, Planning & The Built Environment
- Information & Communication Technology
More details and top tips for applying.
Search for an apprenticeship here!
Traineeships
A traineeship gives you the opportunity to see what a job is like before you take one of the next steps above. You will build your CV, gain work experience, get a guaranteed interview, receive work preparation training, and support with English and maths.
Post 18 and Adult Learner Next Steps
It’s never too early (or too late) to start exploring the different options for your future. Here is some helpful information and videos that will support you in making your next steps decisions.
There is a huge range of possible Futures options with something to suit everyone.
- Education: Higher Education Courses
- Education: Further Education Courses
- Learn & Earn: Apprenticeships
- Learn & Earn: Traineeships
- Experience: Internships & Work Placements
- Experience: Gap Years
Useful Websites
Life Pilot – Support For Learners Over 19.
Education Options
Higher Education
HE Courses
- Undergraduate Honours Degree Courses e.g. BA, BSc
— Delivered by universities
— Progress from Level 4 to Level 6 over the courses of the degree
— Typically, 3-4 years of full time study
— Part time and accelerated 2 year options available - Foundation Degree Courses
— Vocational degrees delivered in partnership with employers
— Typically, two years of study and workplace learning
— Progression to Honours Degrees possible
— UCAS - Foundation Degrees.
- Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) / Certificates (HNCs)
— Vocational, job-related qualifications
— HNCs are a Level 4 qualification and typically take one year full time
— HNDs are a Level 5 qualification and typically take two years full time
— Progression to Honours Degrees possible
— Prospects – HNDs.
- Degrees With Foundation Years
— Learners also study a foundation year to enable those without necessary/relevant qualifications to progress to their chosen degree
— Applied for directly, not via UCAS
- Access To Higher Education Diploma
— Learners can prepare for the knowledge and skills demands of HE
— Suitable for learners who have been out of education for a while or those who do not have enough qualifications
— Typically one year of study at an FE provider
- Higher & Degree Apprenticeships
— Learn and earn at the same time
— Higher Apprenticeships are equivalent to a HNC or Foundation Degree
— Degree Apprenticeships allow learners to study for a degree, be employed and receive training at the same time
— UCAS Guide To Apprenticeships.
Useful Videos and Websites
Aimhigher - The UCAS Application Process.
UCAS - Writing Personal Statements.
Aimhigher - Support With Student Finances.
Aimhigher - Support With Mental Wellbeing.
The Student Room – Student Finances
Further Education
Although most learners move to colleges or FE aged 16, you can still choose an FE course at 17, 18 or as an adult learner. It is important to note that education in FE is only free to learners until they are 19 unless it is their first Level 3 qualification.
Further Education Options
GCSE Resits - A second chance to achieve your English and Maths GCSEs
A Levels - An academic qualification similar in style to GCSEs that prepares you for further study.
T Levels - A technical study programme with an industry placement that is equivalent to 3 A Levels.
Technical & Vocational Qualifications - Qualifications that teach you how to do tasks specifically related to the industry you want to be in.
Applied Qualifications - Qualifications that combine academic studies with practical skills to give you an overview of working in a sector.
Access To Higher Education Diplomas - Qualifications that prepare learners for the knowledge and skills demands of HE
How to choose your A Level subjects.
What are the different qualification levels in the UK?
Work & Learn Options
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a job where you earn and learn at the same time while working towards a specific qualification. It’s an increasingly popular next step. Last year there were over 300,000 new apprentices in the UK, taking the total number of apprentices to over 700,000.
The top six industries to hire apprentices last year were:
- Business, Administration & Law
- Health, Public Servies & Care
- Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies
- Retail & Commercial Enterprise
- Construction, Planning & The Built Environment
- Information & Communication Technology
The average salary for an apprentice is around £19,000 but there is a wide range depending on the type, location, and industry of the apprenticeship.
As an apprentice you’ll:
- Learn and train for a specific job
- Benefit from developing a range of industry skills and experiences as well as a qualification
- Get paid and receive holiday leave
- Get hands-on experience in a real job
- Study for at least 20% of your working hours, usually at a college, university or with a training provider
- Complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
- Be on a Futures pathway with lots of potential
Types of Apprenticeships
- Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2)
- Ë— Level 2 apprenticeships are generally considered to be the same level as five GCSE passes
- Ë— Great first next step
- Advance Apprenticeships (Level 3)
- Ë— Level 3 apprenticeships are generally considered to be the same level as two A level passes
- Ë— Range of next steps including permanent employment, higher level apprenticeships, FE or HE
- Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4) & Degree Apprenticeships (up to Level 6)
- Ë— See HE section above
Apprenticeships are listed throughout the year on various local and National sites. A good place to start your search is HERE. To apply for an apprenticeship, you’ll need to make sure you have an up-to-date CV to send to the employer or to help with completing their application form. If you are short listed, the next step would be an interview with the employer. You can apply to more than one apprenticeship at a time.
More details and top tips for applying.
Search for an apprenticeship HERE.
A guide to applying for apprenticeships: Guide
Traineeships
A traineeship gives you the opportunity to see what a job is like before you take one of the next steps above. You will build your CV, gain work experience, get a guaranteed interview, receive work preparation training, and support with English and maths. Most suitable for those leaners with Level 1/2 qualifications, little work experience and below age 24.
What is a traineeship? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii5NwdI_c74
Find a traineeship: https://www.gov.uk/find-traineeship
Internships & Work Placements
An internship or work placement allows you to spend time working at a company to see what a job is actually like and to gain valuable industry experience. These opportunities are often short, a few weeks or months, and are usually unpaid.
Types of Internship:
- Work Shadowing - Follow a professional throughout their day-to-day routine at work.
- Vacation Schemes - These are commonly offered by industries like management and finance and are a great way to gain experience and to get your foot in the door at your chosen employer.
- Work Placements - Work Placements are a formal part of some education/training programmes.
Aldridge Connect
Building a network of people who could help you The Aldridge Foundation has launched Aldridge Connect, a free site on the social media platform LinkedIn, which has over 27 million users in the UK and focuses on jobs and careers. Joining can help you grow professional connections in industries that interest you; gives you immediate access to a network of all Aldridge students AND professional companies; and provides help with CVs.
Parents
CLICK HERE FOR THE PARENTS/CARERS GUIDE
- Parents and Carers guide to higher education
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http://independenteducationconsultants.co.uk/making-the-right-gcse-choices
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http://www.careersadviceforparents.org/2015/01/choosing-gcse-subjects-essential-guide.html
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https://amazingapprenticeships.com/app/uploads/2020/03/Parent-Pack-March-2020.pdf
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https://mc.successatschool.org/parents-ebook?goal=0_f09eb3b2c8-01e8d44cba-212023733&mc_cid=01e8d44cba&mc_eid=63ab44996f
- A parents guide to NCW2022
Students and parents
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https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs#js=on
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https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/information/your-choices-at-14
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https://amazingapprenticeships.com/student-apprenticeship-guide/
CLICK HERE FOR THE CAREER MAG FOR PARENTS
Useful Websites
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http://www.careersadviceforparents.org/p/helping-your-child.html
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https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
The Gatsby Benchmarks
The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework of 8 guidelines that define the best careers provision in schools and colleges. More information on the Gatsby Benchmarks and what they involve can be found here. How the benchmarks are implemented in DACA is described below:
| 8 Gatsby Benchmarks | How we meet the Benchmark |
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A stable careers programme All stakeholders should fully understand the Careers Education programme |
The careers strategy is based on the CDI learning outcomes and is the basis for the content of the Future’s programme. Comprehensive information provided on the school website. Careers Events will be published on the Website and via parent coms/bulletins and will be accessible to Students, Teachers, Employers and Parents/Carers Careers’ guidance is provided in each subject area. Links with parents, employers, universities and training providers to ensure strong careers’ guidance. Lesson time/tutor time dedicated to careers at Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. The Careers Programme will be evaluated every 3 Years considering feedback from Students, Teachers, Employers and Parents/Carers The school has appointed a Career Leader who is a member of SLT and who has strategic responsibility for the school’s Careers Programme |
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Learning from careers and labour market information All students and parents should have access to good quality information about future study options and job markets |
All students receive information regarding the apprenticeship pathway for post-16 or post-18 study. Future’s events and World of Work Week’s with exposure to HE providers, apprenticeships and successful local businesses CEIAG and Options Evening (next steps) (for students and parents) All tutor rooms and subject teachers equipped with data regarding the local labour market. Specific lessons on LMI delivered during PSHE and Tutor Time KS4 students attend BwD Blackburn is Hiring Careers Event annually. Job of the Week in tutor time promoting various careers KS3 students have access to Careers and Labour Market Information through the Careers Programme taught in PSHE. Most KS4 and 5 students have accessed Careers and Labour Market Information through appointments with an external Careers Advisor and through tutor time activities. In addition, all students have access to up to date careers and employer information via the school careers portal Lancashire Start. https://careers.startprofile.com/page/home-page |
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Addressing the needs of each pupil Students have different career guidance that is tailored to the needs of each student at different stages across their time at DACA |
Aspirations sought from every Key Stage 4 and 5 students to ensure that students have suitable plans in place for after Y11. Meetings with the Head of Sixth Form and the Sixth form team: 6th Form transition advice and guidance. Guidance interviews for all prospective 6th Form students. The school seeks to address stereotypical thinking by ensuring there are no barriers to any opportunities offered. E.g. Girls encouraged to aspire for atypical careers through separate sciences and computer science. Encounters with individual students tracked and recorded using Compass + SEN students can access a variety of relevant employers and further education opportunities, with priority for career advisory appointments and support from SEN teams Student Destination Data is requested from year 11 students and recorded on an annual basis to be shared with the Local Authority Student Destination Data is requested from year 13 students and recorded on an annual basis |
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Linking curriculum learning to careers All teachers, especially STEM, should link learning with Careers |
By the time students leave, they will have experienced curriculum learning (especially English, maths, science and PSHE) that highlights the relevance of their subject to future career paths through lessons, workshops, classroom displays, school trips and visits and assemblies. All subject areas identify how their curriculum area can contribute to delivering the CDI Learning Outcomes |
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Encounters with employers and employees All students should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills they need |
Students have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and skills that are valued in the workplace, through PSHE lessons, World of Work Week’s, National Careers Week, Global Entrepreneurship Week, Career Talks and workshops, assemblies, school visits e.g. Blackburn is Hiring and work experience (virtual/in person) |
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Experiences of workplaces Every student should have first had experience of the workplace |
All students in Year 10 and 12 have the opportunity to participate in Work experience (virtually or in person) ranging from one week to two weeks. World of Work Weeks for all academy students – experience of work settings and employability Visits to workplaces by curriculum areas |
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Encounters with further and higher education Every student should understand the full range of learning opportunities that are available to them |
By the time they leave school, Year 11 and Year 13 students will have been introduced to Sixth Form Colleges, Further Education Colleges, Apprenticeship Providers, Independent Training Providers and Universities via Blackburn is Hiring event and assemblies for example. |
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Personal Guidance Every student should have opportunities for guidance interview with a career adviser |
All Year 11 Students are given the opportunity to meet with a Level 6 qualified independent Careers Advisor. SEN and disadvantaged students have initial meeting with advisor in Year 9, to help with options and follow meeting through year 10 and 11. Targeted Year 10 and 12 students are given the opportunity to meet with a Level 6 qualified independent Careers Advisor. |
Resources
Skillsometer can help you discover what jobs you might like to do in the future. You will be presented with a series of statements. Select the emoji shows how you feel about each statement. You will then be given suggestions of jobs linked to what you most enjoy doing. For each job, you will be presented with some headline UK data.
Careerometer can be used to explore and compare key information about occupations, help you learn about different occupations and identify potential careers. It provides access to a selection of UK headline data relating to pay, weekly hours of work and future employment prospects for different occupations, as well as description of the occupation.