Padgate Academy Careers Education Policy

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Careers Research

This website is an absolute mine of information about different careers.  It includes lots of videos of people telling you what their job is like. It also includes lots of labour market information including what the job involves, qualifications you will need, what the wages are like and if there is demand for people to work in that job.  You can search for careers by job type e.g. engineering, animal care, education, environment, automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical, … so just pick something that interests you to find out about job in that area. 

You can search by subject so that you can find the jobs that use the subjects that you like.

You can also search by employer so if there is a particular company you would like to work for you can see the roles available.

https://icould.com/

National Careers Service

The Job Profiles section, on the National Careers website, allows viewers to learn about the knowledge, interests, skills and qualities needed for over 750 jobs.  Viewers can also research entry requirements, starting salary information and further career opportunities.

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

Job Market Information 

For an overview of the types of jobs in your chosen industry, find out about the skills employers want, and learn about the employment trends in your region.

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/home

Careersbox

There are a number of ways to get an Apprenticeship.  You may need some qualifications, but more importantly dedication, commitment, hard work, attention to detail, an ability to sell yourself in writing and at interview.  Be prepared to apply for several apprenticeships, as competition is very high. On the National Apprenticeships website, you can register to receive updates and search current vacancies – 

http://www.careersbox.co.uk/

New Kudos

Students can access online software that aims to encourage, excite and inspire them to start exploring their future options.  A NewKudos Userguide is available. 

https://kudos.cascaid.co.uk/ 

Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining qualifications and workplace experience. As an employee, you can earn as you learn and gain practical skills from the workplace. 

 
All employed Apprentices get a wage. £7.55 is the national minimum Apprentice rate, for Apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship.  Note: some employers will pay Apprentices more than the National Minimum Wage.

Which Apprenticeship should I do?
Apprenticeships in England are available at different levels to suit a wide range of learners and careers: Depending on your prior qualifications, you can choose from:

• Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)
  Equivalent to GCSEs. These provide basic work skills and knowledge for entry-level roles.
• Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3)
  Equivalent to A-Levels. These develop more technical skills and prepare learners for skilled work or higher study.
• Higher Apprenticeship (Levels 4–5)
  Equivalent to foundation degree or higher education certificates. These involve specialist training and are often linked to supervisory or management roles.
• Degree Apprenticeship (Levels 6–7)
  Equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree. These combine university study with professional training, allowing learners to gain a degree while earning and working in their chosen field.

How do I get an Apprenticeship?
There are a number of ways to get an Apprenticeship.  You may need some qualifications depending on the level of apprenticeship you wish to apply for, but more importantly dedication, commitment, hard work, attention to detail, an ability to sell yourself in writing and at interview.  Be prepared to apply for several apprenticeships, as competition is very high.  

The Apprenticeships website explains all you need to know about apprenticeships, how they work, how to apply and what the different jobs involve. It also includes case studies of people who have taken the apprenticeship route. Please visit https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/.
 

Further Education

You will find links to the websites for all of the local colleges below.

Priestly College 

Warrington Vale Royal College

Cronton and Riverside College

Carmel College

St Helens College

Myerscough College

Higher Education

For people who want to look further ahead and start looking at Higher Education the links below will be useful.

UCAS

Unistats

Prospects

The Russell Group

Not Going to Uni