Careers & Post 16

At Coombswood School, careers education, information, advice and guidance is a priority for ensuring learners move forward with the right tools and attitude to help prepare them for their future. Our varied and inclusive curriculum supports learners to consider their future options, realise their potential, be able to identify their skills, and transfer them to further education and the job market.

We ensure that learners are motivated and excited for the world of work. We strive for high levels of expectations around self-confidence, emotional confidence and aspirations that are underpinned by our inclusive, tailored and robust PSHE curriculum.

We prepare learners, and liaise with parents and carers, for their preferred Post 16 pathway, whether that is to continue with further education, training or employment. We are fully committed to our statutory and moral obligation to provide a structured, varied and personalised careers education to all Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students.

Our Year 11 students have a range of opportunities for their Post 16 options, which includes, to continue their education, move on to local colleges or take apprenticeships.

Our careers curriculum is planned as per the guidance provided by the Gatsby Benchmark and DfE Guidance. Our objectives are:

To deliver well planned, structured and accessible careers lessons to all students in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.
To ensure learners are able to identify and be proud of their individual skills.
To ensure that all students understand the range of career routes open to them.
To ensure that students research and understand the range of courses and academic choices available to them at Post 16.
To help learners develop competencies to be able to transfer their knowledge and skills, and be resilient and adaptable within changing sectors and economies.
To work with parents at the start of Year 11 to follow a structured timeline of events of Post 16 transition to ensure that all leavers have a planned progression route.

We are committed to ensuring that wherever possible all learners are in education, employment or training post 16 and avoid becoming NEET.

Post 16 Transition Timeline

At Coombswood School we are committed to ensuring that Year 11 learners move on to the appropriate Post 16 environment, be that; college, apprenticeship or training. Our robust Post 16 transition timeline means we continuously communicate with learners, parents and carers to ensure a smooth transition into an appropriate environment. This is underpinned by our Careers lessons which are written according to the guidance of the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks. We aim to ensure that no learner becomes NEET.

Term	Action
Summer 2 (Year 10)	Post 16 Preference forms sent to parents/carers of Year 10 learners.
Autumn 1	Contact parents to discuss Post 16 options. Share predicted grades so learners can make informed choices on next steps.
Autumn 1	Careers lesson to give out ‘Record of Interest: Post 16’ form to log interest in Post 16 options.
Autumn 1	Careers lessons to focus on educating learners on Post 16 choices including 6^th form, college courses, apprenticeships. Learners to research Post 16 options. Learners to log colleges/6^th forms/apprenticeships they are interested in on their Record of Interest: Post 16 form.
Start of Autumn 2	Learners to have filled out Record of Interest Post 16 form during careers lessons, these should be shared with parents/carers.
Autumn 2	Calls to parents/carers to ensure form has been received and that they are attending appropriate open events.
Autumn 2	Parents/Carers to attend 6^th form open evenings/college open days. Coombswood staff to support where necessary. Applications to Post 16 to be made Annual Reviews to be completed by SENCo including information of Post 16 choice
Winter 2	Record initial intended destination of learners. Provide further guidance to learners who are unsure of choice through careers lessons.
Spring 1	Examination entries to be done Predicted grades to be shared with parents in case it impacts Post 16 choices.
Spring 2	Public examination timetable released. Exams Office to share individual timetables with learners. Agree with parents/carers if learners can leave after individual examinations Start to plan end of term arrangements including hoodies/leaving assembly.
Summer 1	Data Consent forms sent out, logged and communicated to local authority. Public examinations to be sat.
Summer 1/Summer 2	Transition support offered to those who need to visit new Post 16 education/training. End of term arrangements to commence.

Labour Market Information (LMI)

What is Labour Market Information (LMI)?

Labour Market Information (LMI) is all about understanding the job market. It gives you useful facts, like:

What jobs are available: How many job openings there are in different areas and industries.
Job types: Whether the jobs are part-time, full-time, temporary, or permanent.
Work trends: Which industries are growing or declining and what skills are in demand.

LMI helps you make informed decisions about your career by showing you where opportunities are and how the world of work is changing.

By using LMI, you can better understand the job market and make choices that align with your skills and interests.

For more details about Labour Market Information or to learn more about job trends in the local area, watch this video and explore the sections below.

Labour Market Information (LMI) for Dudley

Understanding the local job market can help you make well-informed decisions about your career. Here are some key insights into the labour market in Dudley:

Growing Sectors: Health and social care, retail, manufacturing, and logistics.
Manufacturing and Engineering: Dudley’s industrial base supports roles in machining, assembly, and production management.
Health and Social Care: A growing need for carers, healthcare assistants, and nurses.
Retail and Hospitality: Local high streets and leisure facilities create opportunities in customer service and hospitality roles.
Logistics: Proximity to major transport routes supports careers in warehousing and distribution.

Current Job Trends:

Skilled Trades: Demand for electricians, plumbers, and machinists.
Healthcare Professionals: Strong need for carers and nurses.
Digital Skills: Growing requirement for IT and tech roles.

Professional and Sector Bodies

Have a look at the websites provided by professional and sector bodies to find out more about these career paths. These professional and sector bodies can be excellent starting points for exploring how to get into specific careers, understanding the qualifications needed, and finding training or apprenticeship opportunities.

1. Construction and Skilled Trades

Construction Industry Training Board (CITB): Supports the construction industry with training and qualifications for careers in building, construction management, and skilled trades.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB): Offers guidance and qualifications for careers in construction management and project delivery.

2. Health and Social Care

Skills for Care: Provides resources and training information for careers in adult social care, including qualifications and career progression.
NHS Health Careers: Offers comprehensive guidance on the wide range of careers available in the National Health Service, from clinical roles to administration and support.

3. Logistics and Transport

Careers that Move: Aims to provide information about careers in the passenger transport and travel sector, including roles in logistics and distribution.
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK): Offers resources for those interested in logistics, supply chain, and transportation careers.

4. Hospitality and Tourism

People 1st: Provides information on careers and training in the hospitality, retail, passenger transport, and tourism sectors.
Institute of Hospitality: Offers career resources and professional development opportunities for those pursuing a career in the hospitality industry.

5. Education and Early Years

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF): Supports the further education and training sector with resources and training.
CACHE (Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education): Specializes in qualifications for those pursuing careers in early years education, care, and health.

6. Engineering and Manufacturing

EngineeringUK: Provides insights and resources on engineering careers and pathways, including apprenticeships and university degrees.
Make UK (The Manufacturers’ Organisation): Offers support and information for careers in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

7. Creative Industries

Creative Skillset: Supports the creative media industry by providing information on careers in film, television, animation, games, and more.
The Design Council: Offers career advice and resources for those interested in design, from product design to graphic and interior design.

8. Finance and Accounting

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA): Offers information about careers in management accounting and finance.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW): Provides resources for those pursuing a career in chartered accountancy.

9. IT and Digital Technology

TechSkills: Works with employers and educators to support career pathways in technology and digital skills.
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT: Offers guidance and professional development resources for careers in information technology.

10. Public Services and Law Enforcement

College of Policing: Provides information and resources for those interested in a policing career, including pathways and training.
Fire and Rescue Service Careers: Offers guidance on how to become a firefighter, including necessary qualifications and training.

11. Science and Environment

The Science Council: Offers information on careers in science, including routes into different scientific professions.
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC): Provides career advice and resources for chemists and those interested in chemical sciences.

For further information and support, visit the National Careers Service who provide careers information, advice and guidance. They can help you make decisions at all stages in your career.