Careers Programme

This policy statement sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to students at the school for the purpose of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.

The aims of the careers program at Jane Austen College is to help students to:

• understand themselves, their interests, likes and dislikes, what they are good at and how this affects their choices you make;

• find out about different courses, what qualifications and what opportunities there might be;

• develop the skills they may need for working life;

• make realistic, but ambitious, choices about courses and jobs;

• develop a plan of action for the future;

• understand the different routes after Year 11 including training, further and higher education, apprenticeships and jobs;

• be able to make effective applications for jobs, training, apprenticeships, further and higher education;

• develop interview skills.

All students in years 8-13 are entitled:

• to 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.

• to hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and group discussions and taster events.

• to understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

Our careers programme is monitored regularly through the use of the Compass evaluation system. This programme enables us to identify gaps in provision and ensure that we quickly rectify any issues so that we can be confident about the programme that we offer our pupils.  We also receive support and guidance from the New Anglia Enterprise Network and the Norwich Opportunity area to develop strategies to fill the gaps identified in the Compass evaluation system.

Our careers programme relies on the involvement of employers to be relevant and impactful.

Throughout the school year we hold a number of events and workshops for each year group where volunteers from local employers can support our students to get the most out of the programme and set them on a path of maximising their potential in the workplace.

Research from the Education and Employers Taskforce shows that a young person who has four or more meaningful encounters with an employer is 86% less likely to be unemployed or not in education or training and can earn up to 18% more during their career. (https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/employers/get-involved-business)

Aligning our careers programme to the school curriculum strengthens aspirations and attainment of our students and supports students to take action to achieve their full potential.

Our aim is to provide at least one meaningful encounter with an employer each year.

In order to achieve this we need the continued support of local employers to share their experience and expertise to engage with our students.

Students: If you would like to get more information about careers speak to Mrs Sistern or e-mail ellasistern@inspirationtrust.org

Parents/Carers: If you would like to find out more about our careers programme or would like to book your child a careers appointment, please contact ellasistern@inspirationtrust.org Additionally, to help you support your child with their future, there are some useful links available on our website.

Employers: A provider wishing to get involved in the programme should contact Ella SIstern, Careers Coordinator, who will manage your request.

Telephone: 01603 463800

Email: ellasistern@inspirationtrust.org

Staff: Please drop Mrs Sistern an e-mail to see how you can get involved internally.

The school will make the main hall, classrooms or private meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and students, as appropriate to the activity. 

The school will also make available AV and other specialist equipment to support provider presentations. This will all be discussed and agreed in advance of the visit with the Careers Leader or a member of their team.

We have had to adapt our career programme to ensure we are keeping everyone as safe as possible during this time. As a result, events may be virtual; visitors may be restricted on site and some events are subject to change. If you would like to know more information, please contact one of the team.

If you would like to talk to someone in the school about our careers programme or leave feedback, please contact: careers@janeaustencollege.co.uk 

Next review: September 2022