Careers

During their time with Westbourne Academy, students will take part in a number of careers and work related learning activities.  In Key Stage 3, students are encouraged to explore different careers and occupations using a variety of methods including attending site visits and using an online programs designed to give impartial careers guidance and information.  In Key Stage 4, students will be expected to demonstrate efficient and practical career planning skills along with an associated understanding of post 16 options that are available to them locally and nationwide.  They will take part in progression interviews, workshops and external events which are designed to assist with raising aspirations and managing expectations.

Careers Programme for 2018-19

Westbourne Destination Data – 2018

CAREERS ADVISOR

To assist with our careers Programme we have appointed Jayne Williams as an independent advisor and Mr D Payne as our CEIAG. They are on hand to provide impartial, independent careers advice to pupils on an individual basis as well as arranging our annual careers fair which gives students the opportunity to talk to local business and education providers.  The purpose of the individual meetings is to help students decide what they would like to do once they leave Westbourne Academy, and also to raise their aspirations about jobs and careers for the future. The Careers Advisor will discuss their interests, ideas, values and skills to ensure our students have an informed understanding of the opportunities for post-16 education, training and apprenticeships.

The academy has a wealth of information and online resources available to students to help them explore their ideas and career aims. Here are some of the online tools available to you:

ONLINE RESOURCES

Kudos is an impartial online careers guidance and information program that helps young people plan their future and make informed decisions”.

Access to Kudos – Click here and follow the link – students should click on ‘new Kudos’ to get access.

THE SOURCE – Suffolk County Council’s site for Information, advice and  Support for Young People in Suffolk. Choose the free resources and workshops that work best for you.

Visit The Source

APPRENTICESHIPS

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you will work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, study towards a related qualification (usually one day a week). Apprenticeships take 1 to 4 years to complete depending on their level. For details on how to apply advice and information.

Visit Apprenticeships 

I COULD

icould is a small, dynamic charity, providing career inspiration and information for young people. We show what is possible in work and offer different ways to think about careers through free access to over 1000 personal video stories, detailed job information, plus practical tips, insight and advice.

Visit ICould

NATIONAL CAREERS SERVICE

The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. The service offers confidential and impartial advice. This is supported by qualified careers advisers.  Students can produce CV and career plans online.

Visit National Careers Service

The A Level explorer tool can help students select subjects and then shows them the link to future possible degree courses available.  Especially useful if you have no idea which degree course you would like to study.

Visit Which University

NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk and West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Groups. This website includes information and videos about jobs roles, upcoming events and current job vacancies in the Health Sector.

Visit NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk and West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Groups

ACTIVITIES

Progression Interviews – These are one to one sessions for students in Key Stage 4 which are focused on providing a platform upon which career planning and managing expectations are based.  These also involve parents and guardians and are linked closely with student attainment and post 16 option choices.

Enrichment Programs – Open to students who meet externally funded provider eligibility.  These range from 12 week courses in character and team building skills to internal and external mentoring programs for 1 or 2 academic years.

Higher Educational Site Visits – Students who meet eligibility criteria and for whom the experience would provide motivation and inspiration.

Regional and National Events – Students will be encouraged to take part when appropriate in both regional and national events to help with the understanding of the skills and experiences which will be required in the world of work.

Transition Evening – Open to students in both Key Stages, and parents and guardians. This event is to help those in Key Stage 3 to understand where their Option Choices can lead and for those in Key Stage 4 to help determine the most appropriate Post 16 opportunities available.

Employer Talks – Open to all students in Key stage 4 by student selection and invitation, to provide up to date and relevant overview of industry and sector specific information and advice.

Our Partners

We are very proud to be able to provide our students with an entensive array of employer engagement activities and have been supported in this endeavor by a growing group of local businesses and post 16 providers.

WORK EXPERIENCE

In 2010 we made the decision to move away from the traditional pattern of a two week work experience block where all students go on work experience at the same time.

If you would like to attend a period of work experience you will need to make contact and confirm a placement independently.  Mr Payne our Careers Lead will be able to give you some guidance on your approach to secure a placement and will provide where possible an existing contact.  For Year 11’s it is important to find out if you are required to complete any form of work experience for any course starting in September and make the necessary arrangements.

There is certain information that you and your parents need to consider when you arrange your placement in addition to gaining the consent of the organisation.

Make sure that you are securing a placement during the school holidays.  Work experience during term time MUST be approved by the Principal.                        

Make sure the organisation has Public Liability Insurance.

Make sure that you are covered under the Employers Liability Insurance for the duration of your placement.           

Make sure that your parents understand that they are responsible for you in the event of an emergency.

Wherever possible get confirmation of your placement in writing.

The academy will confirm with any employer who contacts them relating to work experience the following:

  1. That you are on roll with the academy
  2. Re-iterate that the responsibilities during the placement remain with your parents/guardians.
  3. That your placement has been agreed during term time if appropriate.

If you have any questions or queries please come and see Mr Payne. 

National Citizen Service Information leaflet

The Apprenticeship Guide

Getting Started – for Year 9 students

Starting Out – for Year 9 Parents

Apprenticeship Vacancies in Suffolk

At Westbourne we continually strive to provide our students with the latest information relating to the range of opportunities available to them post 16. Click on the links below to see apprenticeships in Suffolk.

http://www.thesource.me.uk/jobsandcareers/apply-for-an-apprenticeship/

http://www.westsuffolkcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships/apprentice-vacancies.aspx

WS Training Apprenticeship Vacancies – 13MAR20