Careers

At Ossett Academy, we provide impartial information, advice and guidance to students on a wide range of issues that help them build the skills they will need for working life. Further information about Careers and Provider Access to the academy can be found in our policies or by contacting info@ossettacademy.com and flagging your message for the attention of our Careers and Progression Manager.

Careers Provision

Careers is an integral part of the curriculum offer within the academy and sixth form and aims to ensure students achieve the appropriate guidance to make informed choices and progress positively when they leave us.

The careers provision and activities set out below are in line with the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks to enable breadth and choice for students in their career decisions for the future. The careers provision is constantly being reviewed to ensure it meets the needs of the students.

Careers Education and Guidance –  Monitoring and Evaluation

At Ossett Academy and throughout the Trust we consistently monitor and review the impact of all the activities we carry out. This includes the provision of Careers Education and Guidance. We review the delivery of the program constantly to meet the needs of our young people through evaluation and consultation. The Careers Guidance policy outlines in further detail how this is carried out. The policy is formally updated every two years.

Career Action Plans & Support

All students in Year 11 are entitled to a 1:1 careers appointment and will be given a written action plan to help them realise their goal, and to take home and discuss with parents/carers so that they can assist in carrying out these actions. All action plans will be written by a professional from the Careers Team. Progress against actions set will be reviewed by members of the Careers Team. Some students will also be offered individual careers advice by Connexions.

Students can also access careers information, advice and guidance and support in the following ways:

• Access support from the National Career’s Services online or by phone on 0800 100 900
• Lunch and break time drop-in sessions available in the careers office to ask for careers advice
• Using the careers resources and IT facilities in the LRC & ILC
• Support to complete post 16 applications online, through the Wakefield Prospectus, the common application system used to apply for post 16 opportunities. For more information visit: www.wakefieldprospectus.co.uk.

Apprenticeships

The academy widely promotes apprenticeship opportunities to all its students through group sessions and apprenticeship workshops. It offers students the chance to complete CVs and to research what qualifications are required for the job, what hours they could expect to work and what salary they can expect. Students are directed to the national apprenticeship service website www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship and parents/carers can also use the site to support their children. The academy also works closely with Wakefield Apprenticeship Hub which focuses on supporting residents in the area to find apprenticeships. Vacancies are regularly promoted around the academy and through social media.

Careers Convention

We host an annual Careers Convention for students in Years 7-13 in the autumn term. The convention involves employers and educators from both regional and national organisations, offering advice and information on Apprenticeships, Work, Higher Education and Gap Years.

Unique High Education Fair

In the summer term, Accord Sixth Form College hosts a higher education fair focusing on students’ progression to university. This is focused on Year 12 and 13 students, but Year 11 students are also encouraged to attend. The fair also hosts guest speakers who present on the UCAS system and student finance.

Work Experience

Work experience can be available on a bespoke basis for the student. This can be anything from one day up to a week in length and can be arranged by the student with the help of the Careers Team. For further information, please see a member of the Careers Team.