Careers information for parents

As a school we want to work alongside parents to offer students a strong Careers Education Information and Guidance (CEIAG) programme. To help you support your child we will offer the following provisions:

  • Our careers programme is available to view on the school website (broken down into Key Stage and Year group).
  • We will provide access to the most up to date Labour Market Information (LMI) on our website and at parent’s evenings where possible.
  • The External Careers Advisors Mrs J Rasmin will be present at Year 8 options evenings and Years 11 and 13 Parents evenings.
  • The Careers and Work Experience Coordinator Mrs N Prior, will be present at Year 10 and Year 12 parent’s evenings.
  • Any parent can access careers and work experience support information and guidance by calling the schools number and asking to speak to the Careers Team.
  • Parents will be given the option to complete an evaluation and feedback on the schools careers programme (see below).

As a parent you can support your child with their careers education by staying informed. The world of education is continually changing, as is the world of work. Many of the jobs we know so well, have or will soon become obsolete. This is opening up the labour market to a new field of occupations we are yet to see. Being aware of the labour market information could help you to support your child when considering their future options. The guide highlights the jobs which are important in the area we live, and the skills employers in the West Midlands are looking for.

How parents can support – Year 11

As your child approaches Year 11 they have some fundamental life changing decisions to make. These are decisions which can go on to shape their future. Below are some tips on how you can support your child in making the best choice for them.

  • Encourage your son or daughter to consider all options.
  • Look through the sixth form and college prospectuses with your son or daughter to see what options are available.
  • Research Apprenticeship opportunities in the local area.
  • Research the entry requirements for the courses they are interested in, encouraging them to be realistic about their next steps.
  • Encourage your son or daughter to think about their next steps, long term future and how they will use the subjects / qualifications they have chosen.
  • Discuss your son’s or daughter’s career ideas with their teachers or careers team.
  • Discuss their subjects choices with their teachers to find out how they are progressing and if taking the subject further would be a good idea.
  • Attend sixth form and college open days and evenings with your son or daughter.
  • Encourage them to take part in extracurricular activities, e.g. the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, participate in work experience and/or become a volunteer.
  • For further information about how to support your child in their career options see the Careers Advice for Parents and Parents Guide To websites.

For more advice and support

Do you want to be able to support your child even more and communicate with them about their next steps with confidence? Confused by the post 16 pathways? Want to learn more about apprenticeships? In today’s information led world sometimes the sheer amount of information available about Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG) can seem overwhelming. This can make it more difficult for parents and carers to provide their children the support and advice they need.

In addition to the useful tips above we would also like to invite all parents and carers to complete a very short survey regarding Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG) which will enable us to provide the best support for you.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me directly.