The CEIAG programme throughout all year groups in the school adheres to the principle of independent advice and guidance given to students in accordance with the statutory responsibility placed on schools. The school employs a person centred approach to interviewing in order to provide non-directive one-to one advice and guidance for students to complement the careers lessons and support provided during the above programme. The school also has links with a multitude of independent advice services to promote impartiality including its partnership with Futures Business Services and The North Ashfield Partnership, Ashfield School is part of the Two Counties Trust and works in collaboration with other schools to provide impartial Careers Guidance. A wide range of other activities are incorporated into the CEIAG curriculum, Details of which are shown in the document to the right.

Careers Leaders: Charlotte King CCEIAG Coordinator & Linda Maguire (Senior Leadership Team Link)
Tel: 01623 455000

Employability Governor: Alexis Pope - FIRP Cert RP.

Careers Enterprise Advisor: Sahar Najafi-Cox - Eaton MEDC, Sutton in Ashfield

An overview of the careers education and advice and guidance (CEIAG) in chronological order specifically related to the Key Stage 4 options process and the Post 16 options process is given below:

During year 11 all students begin the Post 16 options process.

University

Going to university to study for a degree is as invaluable now as it has ever been. If you aren’t afraid to work hard you will leave university fully rewarded, both in terms of personal satisfaction and employability. Currently, the numbers of graduates entering employment six months after leaving university is at a record high. At university, in addition to studying a subject that you really enjoy, you will develop all the skills employers are looking for. You will learn some of these directly through your chosen subject and others you will acquire them from your overall university experience.

Ashfield Post 16 has a good record of sending students away to university, with around 100 of our students enrolling each September. All student in the United Kingdom who wish to go to university must apply through the University & College Admission Service (UCAS). You will be fully supported in this application process by the Post 16 pastoral team. The UCAS website (link below) is an ideal tool to investigate the diverse range of courses that are to be found in the UK’s 130 universities.

www.ucas.com

Apprenticeships

Years ago, apprenticeships were thought of as a poor relation to a degree. That’s changed. Now apprenticeships are viewed as a valid alternative to a university education. They are a dynamic way to learn practical skills that can enhance long-term career prospects. Apprenticeships have three major benefits. Firstly, apprentices earn while they learn – you get paid for doing a job. Secondly, apprentices work in a low pressure learning environment surrounded and mentored by experienced people who pass on their skills. Finally, if you impress your employer during an apprenticeship there is a strong chance that they will give you a permanent position. Apprenticeships come in several levels. Level 2 apprenticeships are equivalent to 5 GCSE passes, Level 3 apprenticeships are equivalent to 2 A-level passes, level 4/5 apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree and level 6 apprenticeships are equivalent to a degree.

Ashfield Post 16 will give the same level of support to students wishing to secure apprenticeships as we do to those wishing to attend university. An excellent way to source apprenticeships is by the government website (link below).

https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

National Apprenticeship Week Padlet

D2N2, our Local Enterprise Partnership, have prioritised the development of employability skills for young people as an integral component of its economic strategy. As a school, we work to ensure that our students understand these exact skills, develop them in their time at the school and understand how they are important for their future careers.

The aim is to support young people to make good decisions and take appropriate actions to achieve their full potential.

Employability Opportunities for Students and Parents

1. Self-motivated. Invest in themselves, recognise their own strengths and values and take responsibility for developing their work readiness, skills and behaviours.
2. Self-assured. Have the tools and skills required to present themselves to a future employer.
3. Aspirational. Have high aspirations for themselves.
4. Informed. Understand the opportunities available to them locally and beyond, and make realistic choices.
5. Experienced. Have experiences of work that are rewarding and fulfilling.
6. Achieving. Achieve qualifications valued by employers.
7. Accountable. Understand that employers want people who will work hard and are accountable for their actions.
8. Resilient. Understand that employers want young people who can listen and learn from their successes and their mistakes and keep going.
9. Entrepreneurial. Work creatively to achieve their potential and that of the business.
10. Co-operative. Have effective communication and co-working skills.

D2N2 are the Local Enterprise Partnership for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Their purpose is to support and encourage economic growth in the D2N2 region.

They work to ensure there are appropriately qualified employees to enable the local economy to sustain growth by supporting schools, colleges and training providers around employability skills and work readiness of young people leaving our schools, colleges and universities. At Ashfield School, we have incorporated these 10 employability skills into our careers strategy, these can be found on the Skills tab above.

D2N2 has identified 8 growth sectors of business and industry for this local area. They anticipate these sectors will create 33% of our jobs created, requiring high skill levels. It is important that parents and students and aware of this local labour market information to support their choices and planning for their future.

They are:

• Construction
• Transport equipment manufacturing
• Food and drink manufacturing
• Transport & logistics
• Low carbon
• Visitor economy
• Life sciences
• Creative and digital industries

Please click on the link below for further information on these growth sectors.

D2N2

Career Opportunities Padlet