Careers
Our vision is to provide the very best opportunities to enable our students to make informed and incisive decisions throughout, and beyond, their school life. Our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme meets the needs of our ever-changing cohort of students, providers and labour market landscape. Our plan promotes equality of opportunity, celebrates diversity and challenges stereotypes whilst inspiring, raising aspirations and giving our students an optimistic outlook on life and their place in the world of work.
Careers Education at Co-op Academy Oldershaw
- Our Careers Lead is xxxxxx.
- Our CEIAG Programme can be downloaded here [PDF]
- BBC Bitesize advice 'Five Ways to help your teenager find the ideal job'
- Apprenticeships – students interested in an apprenticeship will need to search for vacancies themselves.
Students' Careers Learning Journey: a visual guide
From Year 7 to Year 11
Websites to Explore
Be More “The best place to discover your skills and career options in the Liverpool City Region”
Target Careers Lots of careers information in one place
Success at School Lots of careers information in one place
www.gov.uk/browse/education Lots of government information relating to 14–19 opportunities and education
UCAS Main site for university and college applications
www.opendays.com University and college directory of open days
www.prospects.ac.uk Official graduate careers website for UK
www.notgoingtouni.co.uk Useful for post-18 options
www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk Free advice and guidance
Student Ladder Careers advice
Career Pilot Free online careers portal; log in to your account
National Careers Service Search careers and chat to a careers adviser
Apprenticeships Information about apprenticeships
www.lmiforall.org.uk Labour market information
www.icould.com Real careers stories and videos to help inspire your dream career
T levels – Information
BBC Bitesize – Careers
Informed Choices – Website about degrees, especially at Russell Group universities
The Uni Guide – A levels explorer tool
Office for Students – What are degree apprenticeships?
Youth Employment UK – STEM careers
Colleges and Specialist Training Providers
Work Experience
Work experience offers Year 10 students at Co-op Academy Oldershaw an invaluable opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the world of work, develop essential employability skills, and explore potential career pathways. By stepping outside the classroom, students can apply their learning in real-life settings, enhancing their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
Work experience helps students to build confidence, understand employer expectations, and make informed decisions about their future education and career choices. These placements often inspire greater motivation and engagement in their studies, as students see the relevance of their education to their long-term aspirations.
How do we meet the Gatsby Benchmarks?
The Gatsby Benchmarks are a framework for school leaders, headteachers, and careers advisors to assess the development of their pupils in employability skills. They also help students track their own progress and identify areas in which they need to continue developing their skills.
1. A stable careers programme
- Assemblies
- Presentations
- PSHE curriculum
- Visits
- Workshops
- Curriculum
- Projects
2. Learning from career and labour market information
- Assemblies
- Google Classroom / website / library / careers bulletin
- Careers themed weeks
- Briefings and publications
3. Addressing the needs of each pupil
- Future Skills Questionairres
- Application and destination information
- Transition meetings
- EHCP and PEP meetings
- Reports
- Referrals
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
- STEM Careers week
- National Careers week
- Curriculum offer themed weeks
5. Encounters with employers and employees
- World of work day
- Careers Fair
- Visits
- Speakers for Schools
- Apprenticeship and Careers weeks
6. Experiences of workplaces
- Visits
- Employer presentations
- Science Fair
- Business Breakfasts
7. Encounters with further and higher education
- Careers Fair
- Assemblies
- Visits
8. Personal guidance
- 1:1 Interviews
- Transition meetings and presentations
Information for Parents and Carers
We are committed to providing all students with a comprehensive and high-quality careers programme. Our aim is to help every student from Year 7 through to Year 11 develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their future education, training, and employment options.
Our careers programme includes a range of activities and opportunities, such as:
- Careers lessons and guidance as part of the curriculum
- Employer encounters and workplace experiences for all year groups, in line with the latest statutory guidance and Gatsby Benchmarks
- Access to impartial careers advice from a qualified careers advisor
- Events and workshops, including visits from local employers, further education and training providers, and apprenticeship representatives
- Individual support with applications for further education, apprenticeships, and work experience
We work closely with local businesses, colleges, and training providers to ensure our students have meaningful experiences that help them explore a wide range of career pathways. Parents and carers are encouraged to support their child’s career development by discussing options at home and engaging with the careers information and events provided by the school.
For more details about our careers programme, including upcoming events and how you can get involved, please contact the school office on: 0151 638 2800
Information for Employers
We are committed to providing our students with a comprehensive and inspiring careers programme that equips them for future success. Our approach aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks and statutory DfE guidance, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality information, advice, and meaningful encounters with employers and workplaces.
We welcome partnerships with local and national employers to help broaden our students’ horizons and raise aspirations. Employers can get involved through a range of activities, including delivering talks, hosting workplace visits, offering work experience placements, participating in careers fairs, and supporting mock interviews. These experiences are vital in helping our pupils understand the world of work, develop essential employability skills, and make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways.
If you are interested in engaging with our careers programme or would like more information about how you can support our students, please contact us 0151 638 2800. We look forward to working with you to inspire the next generation of talent.