Careers and Work Skills

Careers and Work Skills

The careers advisor at The Pines is Alex Lawrence.

Contact Details:

Email: a.lawrence@pines.bham.sch.uk

Telephone: 0121 464 6136

The school is supported by Marie Wilkes from Wilmot Dixon who is our Enterprise Advisor and Jackie Plimmer from BEP who is our Enterprise Coordinator.

Our CEIAG plan, like all aspects of our curriculum is developed to ensure we have high expectations for all pupils, regardless of starting point. We aim to raise aspirations for pupils and families so all pupils leave The Pines and go on to lead positive, meaningful lives. Our CEIAG plan is for all pupils, regardless of their pathway or age. In February 2024, The Buckland Review was published which highlighted the difficulties autistic people face in gaining employment. They face the worst employment gap out of all disabled people and only three in ten autistic people are in work. The review highlighted the importance of Preparation for Adulthood and employment education in schools to raise aspirations that employment can be a pathway for children with autism. Careers education can also help the understanding of what reasonable adjustments are and what adjustments pupils might need to be able to access employment. CEIAG is a vital part of our curriculum and is threaded through every aspect of it. We understand employability skills are closely linked to the key life skills which our curriculum aims to help all pupils develop therefore regardless of starting points or potential pathways, the development of employability skills is vital for all our pupils.

Intent 

• To provide a broad, balanced and impartial education in careers and pupils’ potential future pathways from primary to secondary which empowers pupils and families with the knowledge to make informed decisions about future pathways and employment.
• To provide comprehensive and accessible careers provision which supports the needs of all pupils.
• To ensure pupils understand key transferable skills developed within curriculum subjects are also key employability skills that also promote independence and preparation for adulthood.
• To equip pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to be fully prepared for their next stages.
• To help pupils reflect on their personal qualities, goals and aspirations to help them make informed choices for their future.
• To give pupils the opportunity to develop their cultural capital through careers activities and experiences which broaden their horizons.

Implementation 

• Our careers curriculum is embedded across the curriculum from Year 1 to Year 11 and is delivered to all pupils. The programme is routinely monitored, audited and evaluated to ensure it is fit for purpose.
• At the heart of curriculum planning there is a focus on the development of key transferable skills which are employability skills. In KS4, pupils have the opportunity to experience a range of vocational qualifications to help explore their interests and broaden their horizons.
• We plan a wide range of careers experiences for all pupils including our annual Careers Week and try to bring in careers to all aspects of the curriculum.
• Pupils in Key Stage 4 have access to formal employability skills qualifications through ASDAN, AQA Unit Award and Talk for Work Programmes.
• Pupils have the opportunity to access a broad range of qualifications, including GCSEs, Entry Level, Duke of Edinburgh and Independent Travel Training through Travel Assist.
• Pupils in KS4 have access to independent careers advice who meet with pupils and families and draw up a careers action plan.
• Pupils in KS4 have 1:1 mentoring and careers provision through Evolve’s LEAP programme which provides individualised mentoring and support tailored to the needs of the individual pupil.
• There is regular communication with parents and carers who are given up-to-date careers information and advice regarding future pathways. Information and advice is also accessible on our school website.
• We have a close working relationship a wide range of employers and educational providers who support our careers offer,
• Our Careers Programme is supported by the Careers and Enterprise Hub, our Enterprise Advisor, Enterprise Coordinator and Evolve.
• Key skills are tracked through the Personal Development Passport.

Impact

• Pupils will have a successful transition from Year 11 into Post 16 and beyond.
• Pupils will have had the experience of exploring a range of career opportunities and have explored their interests and goals so they are able to make suitable choices for their future.
• Pupils will develop the skills needed to prepare for adulthood and potentially employment.
• Pupils will know the value of employability skills in their lives and how these help to support independence.
• Pupils will know that they have value and have important part to play in their communities and the world in which they live.
• Pupils are motivated to contribute to society in a way which best suits their needs and skills.
• Pupils and families will make use of support and advice that is available to them to help them prepare for their next stage and make informed choices for the future.
• Aspirations and expectations will be raised for all pupils and their families regarding employment and pathways beyond The Pines.
• A whole school approach to careers ensures that careers is a vital component across all aspects of the curriculum and is central to help pupils for preparation for adulthood and move into employment.

Careers Information