Careers Information

At Thorns Collegiate Academy, we are committed to delivering a high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme that inspires students, broadens horizons and prepares them for successful futures.

Our careers programme is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to make informed decisions about their next steps. Through a combination of careers education, encounters with employers, workplace experiences, further and higher education opportunities, and impartial careers guidance, students are encouraged to develop ambitious aspirations and confidence in their future pathways.

We recognise that the world of work is constantly evolving. Our careers programme helps students understand current and future employment opportunities, develop key employability skills, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of modern working life.

Our Vision

We want every student at Thorns Collegiate Academy to:

• Progress successfully into education, employment or training that is right for them.
• Develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to achieve their ambitions.
• Understand the wide range of pathways available, including sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment opportunities.
• Access up-to-date labour market information to make informed decisions.
• Raise their aspirations and explore exciting career possibilities.
• Develop transferable employability skills that prepare them for life beyond school.
• Understand how their learning links to future careers and opportunities.

Our Commitment

Students will:

• Receive impartial, person-centred careers education, information, advice and guidance.
• Access careers learning that is inclusive, ambitious and relevant.
• Benefit from careers education embedded throughout the curriculum.
• Receive support that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Challenge stereotypes and explore opportunities in a wide range of sectors.
• Engage with employers, colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers and training organisations.
• Develop knowledge of local, regional and national labour market opportunities.
• Be supported to make informed decisions at key transition points.

Aims and Objectives

Careers Guidance

Thorns Collegiate Academy aims to ensure that all students have access to high-quality careers guidance throughout their time at the Academy.

This includes:

• Independent and impartial careers advice for students in Years 7-11.
• Support with key decision-making points, including Year 9 options and Post-16 pathways.
• One-to-one guidance interviews for targeted students.
• Additional support for vulnerable learners and students with SEND.
• Parent and carer engagement throughout the careers journey.
• Access to up-to-date information on education, training and employment opportunities.

In Practice, We Will:

• Raise awareness of the full range of education, training and employment pathways.
• Provide personalised careers support that meets individual student needs.
• Develop strong partnerships with employers and external organisations.
• Offer meaningful encounters with employers and employees.
• Provide opportunities for workplace experiences and work-related learning.
• Support students in developing employability, enterprise and transferable skills.
• Maintain dedicated careers resources for students, parents and staff.
• Deliver a comprehensive programme aligned to the Gatsby Benchmarks and national career guidance expectations.

Careers Provision at Thorns Collegiate Academy

The Careers Programme is led by the Careers Lead and supported by the Senior Leadership Team, pastoral staff, teaching staff and external partners.

Careers education is delivered through:

• Form time activities.
• Personal Development and PSHE programmes.
• Curriculum learning across all subject areas.
• Careers-focused assemblies.
• Employer encounters.
• Workshops and employability events.
• Focus Days and enrichment activities.
• Work experience opportunities.
• College, university and apprenticeship provider engagement.
• Individual careers guidance interviews.

All staff contribute to careers education through their role as teachers, tutors and mentors, helping students understand the links between learning and future career opportunities.

The programme is carefully planned to meet the needs of all learners and ensures progression throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.

Partnerships

Thorns Collegiate Academy continues to develop strong relationships with a range of partners, including:

• Local Sixth Forms and Colleges
• Apprenticeship and Training Providers
• Dudley EBP
• Black Country Consortium
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• STEM Ambassadors
• Universities and Higher Education Providers
• NHS and Health Sector Employers
• Local and National Businesses
• Enterprise Adviser Network
• Armed Forces
• Community Organisations and Voluntary Groups

These partnerships provide valuable opportunities for students to learn from professionals, gain real-world experiences and explore future pathways.

Careers Education Priorities 2026-2027

During the 2026-2027 academic year, we aim to:

• Further embed careers education throughout the curriculum.
• Continue to strengthen links between subjects and future career pathways.
• Increase meaningful encounters with employers and industry professionals.
• Expand opportunities for workplace experiences and work-related learning.
• Ensure all students are aware of Post-16 options, including apprenticeships and technical pathways.
• Support students in developing strong employability skills.
• Enhance student access to careers resources through our Careers Portal.
• Increase engagement with colleges, universities and training providers.
• Continue to raise aspirations and challenge stereotypes.
• Provide targeted support for students requiring additional careers guidance.
• Strengthen parent and carer engagement within careers education.
• Maintain and develop our programme in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Areas Covered Within the Careers Programme

Students will explore a wide range of careers-related topics, including:

• Self-awareness and personal development.
• Employability skills.
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship.
• Labour market information.
• Career pathways and progression routes.
• Year 9 Options.
• Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
• Further Education and Sixth Form opportunities.
• Higher Education and university pathways.
• Workplace expectations and behaviours.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• CV writing and cover letter preparation.
• Job applications and interview skills.
• Financial education and workplace rights.
• Work experience preparation and reflection.
• Future planning and goal setting.

Through our careers programme, we aim to ensure that every student leaves Thorns Collegiate Academy informed, prepared and inspired to take their next steps with confidence.

Labour market information can be everything from overwhelming and confusing in-depth statistics to hearing about a potential employer starting up near where you live. Learning how to use it can help young people to make informed decisions about their future study and career choices. Labour market information tells you about what is happening in the job market at national, regional and local levels and includes information about jobs and salaries, what skills employers are looking for in different industrial sectors, conditions, communities and future trends.

Labour Market Information for Dudley (used by kind permission of Black Country Skills Factory)

A Guide To The West Midlands Labour Market

Labour Market Profile (Office of National Statistics)

The National Careers Service Job Profiles contain information about the types of jobs available in different areas, which industries are growing, which need staff to replace those leaving and the skills which these employers will be looking for. The National Careers Service Job Profiles contain information on the skills and qualifications required for over 750 jobs. You can also find out about the work involved, salaries you and career prospects. Click here to view.

Get Involved With Our Careers Programme

As part of our wider careers programme, we are always looking to connect with professionals and former students who are willing to support and inspire our learners.

Could you act as a mock interviewer?
 An inspirational mentor?
 Offer a careers talk or share your journey?

If you would like to contribute to the growing network of local talent supporting our students, please contact Miss A. Roberts, who would be delighted to discuss opportunities for you to get involved.

Join Our Alumni Network – Future First

We are delighted to share that Thorns Collegiate Academy is on Future First. Future First is a national organisation that helps schools stay connected with their former students. By signing up, ex‑students can:

• Create a personal profile
• Share information about their career path
• Volunteer to support current students through talks, mentoring, events, or written career stories
• Be part of a growing community of alumni committed to inspiring the next generation

Many of our former students have already joined and are actively supporting our school community through this platform.

If you would like to sign up, please use the link below:

Alumni/Friend registration | Future First Hub

Keep up to date with Open Events and other happenings at local colleges:

• Access Creative
• Birmingham City University (college courses)
• Birmingham Ormiston Academy
• Bishop Milner
• Dudley College
• Hagley RC
• Halesowen College
• Haybridge
• Invictus
• Juniper Training
• Kidderminster College
• King Edward VI
• Lifetime Training
• Old Swinford Hospital (OSH)
• Performance Through People
• Shireland Collegiate Academy
  
• Windsor

Careers and Higher Education Information / Advice and Guidance online / Resources / All useful links:

Connexions | Dudley Council
Apprenticeships
A-Z of Apprenticeships
FutureWise
ScreenSkills
Success at Schools

Thinking about an apprenticeship?

Local public service apprenticeships – register. add an alert for “Apprentice” within 10 miles radius of your postcode.
AmazingApprenticeships: more information about the world of work
Government Apprenticeships Guide

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with InvestIn Education who provide tailored and aspirational work experience placements for young people.

Thorns students are entitled to a discount on the courses and opportunities that they provide.

Year 10 and 11 should click here to see if anything on the site is of interest.

Careers Support for SEND Students

At Thorns Collegiate Academy, SEND students receive personalised support to help them understand their post‑16 and career options.

Key Worker Support

Key Workers support SEND students by helping them explore future pathways, build confidence, and understand their next steps after Year 11.

Support from the Careers Lead and SENCo

Students and families can access advice from:

• Careers Lead – guidance on colleges, apprenticeships and applications
• SENCo – ensuring adjustments and support are in place for a smooth transition

Both work together so every SEND student receives clear, tailored and accessible careers information.

Support for Students with EHCPs

Students with EHCPs receive additional guidance during Annual Reviews, including:

• Post‑16 pathway discussions
• College and provider options
• Early transition planning

Post‑16 Options Explained for SEND Students

SEND students at Thorns can choose from a range of post‑16 pathways. Here is a simple overview of each option.

Supported Learning / Foundation Courses

Entry Level and Level 1 courses for students who need extra support, small groups, and a gentle transition into further education.

Vocational Courses

Practical courses such as Construction, Catering, Hair & Beauty, Sport or ICT, with learning support available in class.

A‑Levels with Support

For students suited to academic learning. Colleges provide study support, access arrangements and mentoring.

Supported Internships

Work‑based programmes with a job coach for students with higher SEND needs. Ideal for learners aiming for employment with support.

Apprenticeships / Supported Apprenticeships

Learning at work while gaining a qualification. Extra support can be provided for SEND learners.

Specialist Colleges

Smaller, highly supported settings for students who need personalised programmes or therapeutic support.

Useful Resources for SEND Students and Families

Below are helpful websites that provide clear information about careers, post‑16 pathways, and support for young people with SEND.

National Careers Service (SEND Section)

Simple careers information and job profiles, with dedicated guidance for SEND learners.
 Job support if you have special educational needs or a disability | National Careers Service

Dudley Local Offer

Local SEND services, post‑16 information, EHCP guidance and transition advice for families.
 https://www.dudley.gov.uk/localoffer

Mencap – Education and Work

Easy‑read guides on getting into work, supported internships, benefits, and preparing for adulthood.
Mencap Training Academy | Mencap

Disability Rights UK – “Into…” Guides

SEND‑friendly guides explaining apprenticeships, further education, and higher education

Into Higher Education | Disability Rights UK

Amazing Apprenticeships (SEND Support)

Information about apprenticeships with SEND, plus employer support and reasonable adjustments.
 https://amazingapprenticeships.com/sen

NHS Health Careers – Accessible Job Profiles

Clear, simple guides to NHS careers, including routes in from entry level upwards.
 https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk

Preparing for Adulthood (PfA)

Information for families on employment, independent living, community participation and health.
 https://www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk

How Parents Can Get Involved in Careers Support

Parents and carers play an important role in helping SEND students explore future options. At Thorns, we work closely with families to make sure everyone feels informed and supported.

Talk About Future Options at Home

Regular, simple conversations about interests, strengths, and what students might like to do after Year 11 can help build confidence and raise aspirations.

Attend Parents’ Evenings and Key Worker Meetings

These meetings are important opportunities to discuss progress, explore next steps, and ask questions about post‑16 options and support available.

Explore Post‑16 Providers Together

Visiting open days, looking at college websites, and planning visits to specialist providers can help students feel more prepared for transition.

Support With Applications

Parents can help students:

• Complete college or apprenticeship applications
• Gather required documents
• Practise interview questions
• Plan possible travel routes

Stay in Contact With School

Parents can contact:

• Careers Lead for post‑16 and careers advice
• SENCo for adjustments, transition planning, and EHCP‑linked careers support

Encourage Independence and Life Skills

Supporting routines such as organisation, punctuality, communication, and travel skills helps prepare young people for adulthood and employment.