CTC Kingshurst Academy: Work Experience

Work Experience

The College's careers centre is located in the Connexions Centre in C Block. All staff and students are welcome to make use of the resources. The library houses higher education material and a wide range of information including details of modern apprenticeships, sponsorship availability and job opportunities. The material is regularly updated with the latest editions to ensure that information is relevant and current.

Examples of resources available in the Connexions Centre of the pre-16 careers library include:

A comprehensive set of videos covering careers as diverse as fashion and hairdressing to Biochemistry and the Pharmaceutical Industry
All the latest university prospectuses and entry requirements
Reference books and files covering topics such as "Writing a Successful CV" and "Landing your first job". In addition to this, we are sent regular updates concerning the current trends in the labour market
Directories, handbooks and pamphlets which are clearly categorised and include information not only on career opportunities, but cover schemes such as GAP, The Year In Industry and voluntary work

In addition, we have IT programmes to assist both staff and students. "Kudos" is an interactive databases which identify possible careers interest. We also have information relating to higher education courses in the UK. This enables students to collate data on possible HND and degree courses before consulting the relevant prospectuses.

All students who wish to apply for either jobs or higher education places are offered full support in the shape of help to complete application forms, advice on CV design and presentation, assistance with letters and interview techniques.

An extensive careers programme is being developed to ensure that all students in year 9 onwards will receive the necessary skills and guidance. Connexions have developed very close links with our new centre, and are supporting us with setting up a careers convention and updating us on local and national issues of careers education and guidance.

We hope that all students who leave Kingshurst will be able to continue their education either through a worthwhile career or via further qualifications.

Our aim is to raise the profile of careers education and guidance to promote students' autonomy and effectiveness in making decisions and transitions through self-awareness and opportunity awareness. Form Tutors, Course Coordinators and Assistant Principals are instrumental to the delivery of careers, and all staff will be expected to play a role in identifying and promoting key skills, liaising with the two careers coordinators and in disseminating information to students as it is received.

Work Experience

Part of a Work Related Learning Programme for all Key Stage 4 Students

Year 10 & Year 11

Work experience for Year 10 students takes place during the summer term. Students are actively encouraged to find a two week placement related to either their science or vocational courses. Key Stage 4 Extended Work Placements from 12 weeks to one year (one day per week) are available on staff making an individual recommendation. Armed Services placements of a one week residential duration may be taken up by students who are interested.

Post 16

Post 16 students have a 2 week placement in both Year 12 and Year 13. The timing of this work experience will vary depending on their course. All students will be required to collect evidence of the skills and experience gained in the workplace, most of which may be of direct relevance to their course.