Careers Programme

Post-16 options form a key career decision point for students. We would recommend that ideas are very much shaped in Year 10 and then confirmed in the Autumn Term of Year 11. Students are very much supported by the Careers Lead and their form tutor. Throughout the schooling years there is a flow of careers, information, guidance and experiences to help support them in making their Post-16 choice.   

During the GCSE years, students study a wide range of subjects. After Year 11, the number of subjects are reduced which is when students have the opportunity to concentrate and focus on a handful of subjects or vocational courses.  

According to the Government, young people in England must then do one of the following until the age of 18: 

• stay in full-time education 
• start an apprenticeship  
• spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, whilst in part-time education or training 

(Please note; GCSE English and Maths will have to be retaken if you're under 18 and did not get at least a Grade 4)  

Education:  

There are a range of qualifications available for post-16 options. These range between Level 1 and 3 at the education levels listed here [link to external page with infographic). (If Higher Education, such as University, is of interest for a future Post-18 option, then passing a post-16  Level 3 qualification is necessary). 

Further reading on post-16 options:  

National Careers Services post-16 options Post 16 options | National Careers Service 

UCAS post-16 qualifications Post-16 Options | UCAS 

Gov.uk The Education Hub What options are available for students after their GCSEs? – The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk) 

The British Academy – subject choice trends in post-16 Education England Subject choice trends in post-16 education in England | The British Academy 

Talking Futures Post 16 Education Options - Talking Futures 

There are plenty of things to choose from for post-18 options. The deciding choice may be influenced by interests, continued engagement with formal studying, qualifications and labour market information- to name but a few.  

This is a key transition point to decide which job sectors appeal the most – whilst considering what they have to offer and what qualifications they require. The Reddam House Careers post-18 padlet is an online noticeboard displaying opportunities and helpful information:

Work experience (wex) & super curricular - Reddam House Careers Padlet

University & gap year - Reddam House Careers Padlet

Apprenticeship vacancies & information - Reddam House Careers Padlet

Post-18 Options

• University
  • Full time
  • Part time
  • Distance learning
• Apprenticeship (levels)
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • Higher
  • Degree
• Vocational Course
• World of Work
• Gap Year
  • Volunteering
  • Internship
  • Travel
  • Au pair/ski instructor
  • Work UK/abroad

You can find out about the different employment options available to you and the qualifications you need for particular careers by visiting:  

Unifrog careers library Careers - Student - Unifrog 

Career pilot jobs Careerpilot: Jobs 

Not Going To Uni 

University 

A Level 3 qualification is required to enable access to Higher Education, such as University. Without a Level 3 qualification there are other entry methods, such as, access courses and studying alongside work. The Office of National Statistics report that the average working age graduate is earning £10,000 more than the average non-graduate.  

The Aspire Guide

University alternatives  

Alternatives to University could be: entering the world of work, apprenticeships, sponsored degrees and further education courses.  

Employers are more attracted to applicants with a good level of qualification than those without. Employers now expect their applicants to be doing extra-curricular activities and super-curricular activities which can really make a difference to candidates in terms of standing out amongst others.  

Prospects have written a report on what skills employers want What skills do employers want? | Prospects.ac.uk. 

Not Going To Uni is a great site for post-18 ideas www.notgoingtouni.co.uk 

The skills quiz on Unifrog can be helpful to determine your strengths Quiz - Skills Profile - Student - Unifrog 

Apprenticeships 

The sites below give further information and opportunities regarding apprenticeships  

Amazing apprenticeships Amazing Apprenticeships 

Pathway CTM Pathway CTM 

Indeed

Apprenticeships available Government website for Searching Apprenticeships 

Labour Market Information is a useful tool to help research future jobs in the local area or in other parts of the country. It helps you understand the skills needed for certain roles and the demand for future employment. Now is a critical time to research growing jobs and industries as Artificial Intelligence develops and changes the employment landscape substantially. Take a look at the local and national reports below to help you select a career prospect in a growing industry. 

Labour market overview, UK - Office for National Statistics 

Starting Out - The Berkshire Careers Guide

West Berkshire's employment, unemployment and economic inactivity - ONS

Students are supported to pursue their aspirations: 

One of the key principles of the Reddam House Careers Programme is that content and learning should be driven by the needs of you, our students. Our programme encourages you to think about what is possible and to help build a better world of the future.  

Who can support you in your careers journey?:  

Mrs. Allum, the Careers Lead is accessible to students and is based in the Careers Centre. If you wish to have a careers session with Mrs. Allum please email, k.allum@reddamhouse.org.uk to set up a session. 

Tutors and Teachers are also available to support.  

Helpful websites and links:

Students also have access to their Unifrog (careers platform) which they can access in and out of the classroom.

Remember the Reddam House Careers padlets that are on the careers newsletters:

Work experience (wex) & super curricular - Reddam House Careers Padlet

University & gap year - Reddam House Careers Padlet

Apprenticeship vacancies & information - Reddam House Careers Padlet

It is important to find a career that suits your natural self, try below these career quizzes and see what career suggestions they provide for you!

Unifrog Personality Profile Quiz Quiz - Personality Profile - Student - Unifrog 

UCAS, what job could you do? Take The Careers Quiz. What Job Could You Do?

Find out what kind of job might suit you best at www.prospects.ac.uk 

We appreciate that there is a lot to consider when it comes to the future of your child. Student, home and school, working in tandem, is critical for the providing the best outcomes for your child.  

Listed below are some references on information that could support the decision-making process:  

Suggested parent-focused career websites:  

Careermap career guidance for parents Career Guidance for Parents | Careermap 

Talking futures, a parents toolkit for career conversations Parents Advice for Career Conversations - Talking Futures 

Other references for support and advice:  

Post-16 and post-18 options section of this Reddam House careers webpage  

Reddam House Berkshire weekly newsletter 

Reddam House Careers padlets (links in the newsletter)  

Work experience (wex) & super curricular - Reddam House Careers Padlet

University & gap year - Reddam House Careers Padlet

Apprenticeship vacancies & information - Reddam House Careers Padlet

Also, if you are a parent and would like to support our careers programme through being a speaker, guest, exhibitor, etc. then please contact Mrs. Allum k.allum@reddamhouse.org.uk.   

By offering strong and diverse provision, we facilitate students to become inspired by more tailor-made and unique options. 

‘Careers in the curriculum’ describes a range of interventions which allow students to   encounter career learning as a key part of their everyday education. Gatsby Benchmark 4 is ‘careers in the curriculum.’  Its two purposes are:  

• Promoting students’ own career learning, development and wellbeing 
• Enhancing students’ subject learning and attainment as well as their overall personal and social development 

We deliver careers in the curriculum by:  

• Setting aside certain community time sessions and A2B session to deliver career- focused learning or experiences 
• Incorporating careers learning within other subjects  

As a member of the teaching staff, please contact Mrs Allum if you feel you would benefit from further Careers information such as: 

• Individual student aspirations (following on from career planning sessions)  
• Local labour market information 
• Careers content  
• Future virtual career events 

View the RHB career padlets for further information.