Careers & UCAS

Our awarding winning Careers Team are proud to offer tailored advice, guidance and a whole host of opportunities to ensure that Sixth Form students are work-ready. Our offer includes (but is not limited to); workshops, one to one appointments, guest speakers, guest speaker talks and visits to wide range of business sectors and Universities. All of which has been expertly planned and designed to support students in their next steps which could be Higher Education (University), Apprenticeships (at varying levels) or employment.

Our Careers and Industrial Links Team were the first to achieve the Quality in Careers Gold Award back in 2015 and then successfully maintained this award in 2018.

Sixth Form students will benefit from;

Year 12

To ensure that our students make the very best first impression, not only when seeking out their work experience week, but for their long term future they will receive one to support in producing a high quality CV, with the support of our careers team, Employer Partners and Unifrog.

• A week's work experience placement in industry with support from the careers team, will provide students with the chance to broaden their horizons and raise aspirations through their insights into the working world. Through their placements students develop key employability skills and qualities for the future. Securing high quality work placements in a wide range of businesses and organisations means that students can draw from these experiences within applications, interviews and assessment settings.
• The opportunity to apply for the Voyage, a once in a lifetime trip to sail around the British Isles in a Catamaran, developing a whole host of new skills. This really can be a life changing experience – one that will guarantee that a university or job applicant stands out from the crowd.

Year 13

• Individualised careers advice and guidance for every student throughout Year 12 and Year 13 (with no maximum number of appointments) enables the Careers and Industrial Links Team to better understand each student's needs, wants and aspirations in line with their applications and careers pathways. A whole host of resources support these interviews and include a Careers Library, Careers Webpage (with areas for students, employers and parents/carers), online resources and online curriculum.
• Access to Unifrog.
• Individualised support for students applying for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary courses, guaranteeing students the very best chance at preparing appropriately for these coveted establishments and courses.
• Themed workshop and visits (Law / Medicine / Oxbridge) provide unique opportunities for students to network with key contacts within these prestigious fields, whilst developing relevant skills and understanding.
• Mock Interviews challenge students to articulate their experiences, skills and careers goals within a real life setting, working with both local and national partners from business who provide one to one feedback and critique for students on their interview techniques, applications and CV's.
• Providing students with one to one mentoring (in partnership with local undergraduates), give students a real link to university life, often with Sandwell Academy Alumni members attending local Universities and often having shared experiences. These relationships further increase aspirations but include pragmatic approaches and discussion in careers planning.

Information Evenings for UCAS applications, Apprenticeships and Student Finance provide student and parents / carers with in-depth knowledge and understanding about key processes and requirements for the upcoming weeks and months.

Visiting speakers from the world of business and Universities mean that thereare always links to the real world and the offer of follow up meetings encourage students and parents/carers to clarify any questions or concerns that they may have and provide an ongoing line of communication and support.

The Careers Team are present and on hand during results day and beyond, to support and guide students and parents/carers with the final stages of their progression. This includes celebrating achievements and supporting students with any last minute changes to choice of destination, as well as providing practical support for those that may have to rethink their options.

Across Year 12 and Year 13

An open door drop in service for students or parents to access careers support, information and guidance.

Expert guidance and information around the UCAS process and personal statements.

Expert guidance and information about Apprenticeships in a wide range of sectors.

Support and guidance in developing employability skills (including an Employability Course and support with job applications).

Support and guidance to apply for a range of programmes with partners, such as local Universities, charities, businesses and Colleges to support students with their next steps.

Access to a wealth of contacts and opportunities provided by over 1000 employers.

• Mentoring.
• Subject specific speakers, projects and visits.
• Relevant Labour Market Information.
• Access to Careers Software.

Ongoing support around CV development, searching for and applying for roles and apprenticeships, mock interviews and assessment centre information and advice.

Access to new and exciting opportunities linked to next steps such as Higher Education Access Programmes, Nuffield Scholarship Programme, the Arkwright Programme and many more.