Careers & Work Related Learning at Madeley
All of our students have the right to access free and impartial Careers Information, Education and Guidance (CIAG) as well as the opportunity to gain experience of the world of work. This entitlement is delivered through discreet Careers lessons as part of our Personal Development curriculum throughout their time at Madeley. The Careers Information, Education and Guidance we provide for our students is further enhanced in subject lessons through work related learning and a dedicated Careers advisor who undertakes individual guidance interviews with students at Key Stage 4.
The Gatsby Benchmarks set out a framework for schools to deliver ‘good career guidance’. Madeley uses the Gatsby benchmarks to drive our CIAG provision and we have adopted the Careers Development Institute (CDI) Framework to structure the delivery of our careers programme. We welcome training providers/employers/colleges and Universities into our school for assemblies, careers events and training activities. If you would be interested in supporting us with this please contact Mr R McMeeken robert.mcmeeken@madeley.set.org
The school has an ongoing commitment to CEIAG development. The careers framework below highlights the planned career activities for the pupils of Madeley School for 2023-24. The CEIAG programme is delivered in distinct blocks as part of the Personal Development programme and as an ongoing commitment from all staff to embed careers across the curriculum with time appropriate employer engagement activites in lessons and as stand alone events. The link below shows the PD programme for the year 2023-24.
Careers Information and Guidance Team
Mr R Mcmeeken- Leader of CIAG and Work Related Learning at Madeley School Mr Mcmeeken is the director for Careers Information and Guidance and Work Related Learning. He is responsible for designing the Careers curriculum for all students at Madeley School.
Tel: 01782 987800
Email: robert.mcmeeken@madeley.set.org
Mr J Knight - Careers Adviser
Mr Knight is our Careers Adviser from Changing Education. He is in school 1 day per week to offer careers advice and guidance to students and to support our Y10 work experience programme. Mr Knight meets with all pupils in Y10 and 11 to assist with applications and give impartial careers advice.
Miss E Leese – Designated CIAG Support Staff
Miss Leese supports all the staff above and liaises with external agencies, pupils and staff on their behalf. Appointments with the staff above can be made through Miss Leese by calling the main office on 01782 987800 or by email emma.leese@madeley.set.org
Changing Education
Madeley School use a Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG provider) called Changing Education for work experience placements and CEIAG interviews.
Enterprise Adviser & Careers and Enterprise Company Enterprise Coordinator
We work in partnership with the Careers and Enterprise company. Our Enterprise coordinator is Beverley Ashley. We work with the CEC to develop or careers programme in school and ensure we are working toward meeting the Gatsby benchmarks for our school careers provision.
We also have an Enterprise advisor, a link to the business world. The enterprise advisors role is to work in conjunction with the CEC and the school with an employers perspective on the skills and traits that employers are looking for in the employees of the future. Our Enterprise Coordinator is Darren Birt who is employed by fhl solutions a part of the giant BSM accountancy group.
We are part of the Northern Hub group of schools that work collaboratively with the CEC to engage employers, share good practice and drive forward the careers across the curriculum agenda.
Year 10 Work Experience Placements
Year 10 students will complete a week long work experience placement at the end of Year 10. There is a lead up programme prior to the placement to help students develop the key employability skills required to be successful at their chosen workplace. Students are encouraged to find their own work experience placement. Placements are supported and checked by Mr Knight and the staff at Changing Education.
Personal Development
Year 7 - 11 Personal Development lessons include a comprehensive CIAG/work related learning unit to support your son/daughter with their chosen career paths.
Personal Development Plan 2023-24 - click here to view
Key Stage 3
In Year 7-9 sessions involve learning about self-awareness, with students finding out about themselves and their strengths and weaknesses. This helps them to understand how their working life and the choices they make will fundamentally affect their future. Students are introduced to Careers resources and have experience of using START (a guidance software program). Guest speakers from local colleges visit the school to inform students about the study routes available to them.
Key Stage 4
Work Related Learning sessions continue at GCSE with lessons that are designed to deliver quality education and guidance to students and to prepare them the world of work. Topics covered include the construction of CVs, personal statements, letters of application and interview skills.
Form Tutors
For many, the first point of contact will be the student’s form tutor who can refer them to a member of the CIAG and Work Related Learning team. Form tutors deliver CIAG and work related learning activities in form time and in Personal Development lessons.
Subject Teachers
We are working as a school to embedded work related learning activities into the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and 4 across all subjects.
Parents
As a parent or carer, you have a leading role when your child is making decisions about their career. Talking to your child about careers is important. Not only when they are making big decisions, such as subject choices and what to do when they leave school, but also throughout their school lives and beyond. It is important to be prepared and feel confident when they come to you for advice. Below is lots of useful information and links to websites to support you in assisting your child with their future career choices. Your son/daughter can complete Barclays life skills lessons at home which will give them access to work experience opportunities at Barclays, and learn essential life skills and careers related learning. START our online careers tool can be accessed from home and your child should be encouraged to invest time in using it and exploring careers and educational opportunities.
Win that Job Parents Guide
National Careers Week have developed an outstanding resource to support parents in 'steering' their son/daughter towards the correct job/career. Follow this link for more information regarding how to obtain a copy of National Careers Week's free 12 page 'A Guide for Parents: Steering your teenager toward a job and career'. Click here.
Local Labour Market Report - January 2021
Cascaid
Download the document below for a parents’ guide to careers guidance.
Cascaid: A Parents' Guide to Careers Guidance
My World of Work
Follow this link to the My World of Work website. This website allows you to support your child with building a career options profile.
Moving On Magazine
Follow this link to Moving On Magazine. This is an online platform with information and advice relating to young people and careers.
Careers Writers Association
This website includes really useful careers advice and guidance from the Careers Writers Association
Careers Writers Association: Guidance for Parents
Information from the National Careers Service
Follow the link below for parental guidance from the National Careers Service.
National Careers Service: What Parents/ Carers Need to Know
CV Writing
Advice and guidance on supporting your son/daughter with writing a CV/cover letter can be found below.
Example CVs (Target Jobs)
How to write a CV (Prospects)
How to write a CV (Reed)
Interview Techniques and Tips
Advice and guidance on supporting your son/daughter with their interview techniques can be found below.
Interview Advice (National Careers Service)
Interview Techniques (Target Jobs)
Interview Techniques (Reed)
Interview Tips (Prospects)
What are the options for Post-16 Education?
There are a range of options available for continuing to study, Post 16. Your son/daughter will need to apply for either A Levels, or a Level 3 course of study. Most post-16 education establishments will require them to achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Band 4 (some courses of study will have further requirements).
What do the different levels of study mean?
Confused about study options and levels?
Level 1 – GCSEs at grade D and below/band 4 and below
Level 2 – 5 or more GCSEs at grade C and above/band 5 and above
Level 3 – A Levels, AS Levels, BTEC Level 3
For more information of the full range of qualifications and their levels visit the National Careers Service.
Choosing what to study
This takes careful consideration and research. Your son/daughter will need to consider the subjects they are strong in, that keep their interest and that they enjoy. There is more information about subject related careers on the Our Curriculum section of the school website.
There are plenty of sources of help available for their research:
Success At School
All About Careers
National Careers Service
Barclays Life Skills
Plotr
Kudos
U-explore
Careersbox
icould
How2Become
UCAS
Post-16 Schools and Colleges
There are a number of local schools and colleges which will offer a wide range of courses and provision such as A Levels, Apprenticeships and work-related (vocational) studies. Your son/daughter can find prospectuses for many of the schools/colleges online. They can look at their websites for further details on what they offer, and for details of their open days and application process. Some of these can be found below.
Haberdashers' Adams Grammar School
Newcastle-under-Lyme College
Reaseheath College
Cheshire College
St Joseph's College
Stoke 6th Form College
Traineeships and Apprenticeships
A Traineeship is an introduction-level programme that combines a work placement with training, it helps to prepare young people for the world of work and supports with English and Mathematics if required.
Apprenticeships are available at Intermediate, Advanced and Higher/Degree levels, and are available in a wide range of employment sectors. The length of time that it takes to complete is dependent on the level and occupation. All Apprenticeships are real jobs so young people on the programme can earn a salary.
All Apprenticeship opportunities must be advertised on the National Apprenticeships Website. Your son/daughter must be registered on this site to apply. They are allowed to start an Apprenticeship once they have reached the compulsory education leaving date, after the last Friday in June.
More information about Apprenticeships can be found using the links below.
What is an Apprenticeship?
National Apprenticeships Website
The Apprenticeship Guide
Interserve Learning and Employment
What are the Post Year 13 Further Education options?
University
Many students will consider University as a natural progression from their level 3 studies. The following websites are an excellent source of information.
Complete University Guide
UCAS
Whatun
Which? University
Higher/Degree Apprenticeship
An alternative to University, these Higher Level Apprenticeships are advertised on the National Apprenticeships Website.
CEIAG/WRL Information - Updated by R McMeeken (February 2024)