Careers Information

Thorns Collegiate Academy is committed to providing its students with a varied programme of careers education and guidance activities to equip and enable them to make informed decisions and choices.

The programme of careers education aims to help students develop, identify and add to their employability skills throughout their school life. It also contributes to the Academy’s key values in ensuring excellence and raising aspirations, whilst enabling students to acquire social and vocational skills. Importantly, it seeks to help students understand and be prepared for the ever changing and challenging work environment.

We want our students to:

• Successfully enter Employment, Education or Training (EET) at the appropriate level, after leaving Thorns Collegiate Academy.
• Have knowledge and understanding of current Careers opportunities available to them as an individual.
• Be aware of the current, relevant labour market information.
• Raise aspirations, exploring career option and inviting knowledge of the world of work.
• Develop their Careers Knowledge.

Students will:

• Receive careers education, information, advice and guidance which meets professional standards of practice and is person-centred, impartial and confidential
• Have an integrated experience and see careers across the curriculum based on a partnership with teachers, students and their parents or carers
• Have careers education that promotes equality of opportunity, inclusion and anti-racism
• Have careers education that complies with the disability and discrimination acts, celebrates diversity and challenges stereotypes including LBGT.

Aims and Objectives

Guidance

• Providing independent advice and guidance to year 7 to 11 students and access to impartial information regarding options and alternatives available based on the needs of each COHORT; i.e. subject selection, qualification selection, career choices, pathways, etc.
• 100% of students to have had the opportunity of an Options Interview (either with their form tutor, HoY, senior member of staff or Careers Advisor) in year 9
• Targeted support for identified vulnerable pupils in Year 11 to discuss their post 16 options

In practice, the programme will focus on the following:

• Creating awareness regarding the alternatives available in education, training and professionally
• Working towards providing all students with personalised careers support form an impartial careers adviser
• Provision and information of opportunities for work experience, traineeships and job vacancies based on individual interests in the process of promoting the understanding and the experiences of the world of work
• Creating links with employers and organisations for better prospects for students
• The school and the careers department will develop a Careers Library and Resource Centre. As well as a Careers portal for parents and students to access.

The Careers Education programme will be designed and organised by Careers Lead. All staff contribute to careers education, information, advice and guidance through their roles as form tutors and subject teachers. Specialist sessions are delivered by external providers and staff with a careers focus during Beliefs and Values sessions and Focus days.

The Careers programme is designed to meet the needs of all the students at Thorns Collegiate Academy. It is differentiated and personalised to ensure progression through activities which are appropriate to each student’s stages of career learning, planning and development.

All guidance is impartial, the Careers Lead is working towards the qualification and impartial careers advisers with a Level 6 qualification from local colleges are used when appropriate. All careers work is overseen by a designated member of the Leadership Team.

Careers education will be delivered during designated focus days when the timetable will collapse across the entire year group and regularly during form time throughout the academic year for each year group.

See focus day and form time mapping attached

Links are being constantly maintained and developed further with:

• Local colleges
• Traineeships
• Apprenticeships
• Dudley EBP
• Black Country Consortium
• DWP
• STEM
• Connexions
• The Armed Forces
• University of Wolverhampton
• NHS Trust
• Enterprise advisers

Careers Education 2025-2026.

• Careers education to be embedded in the curriculum for personal and social education, practical and vocational skills, learning about themselves, others and the wider community (year 7 to year 11)
• Linking focus days to careers themes with entire days structured around it
• At least 95% of students to have developed a CV and Cover Letter by the end of year 10
• Launch the “Careers & Enterprise” portal
• Uploading resources to be used during form time for each year group
• Developing students’ research skills so that they can make good use of the information they gain
• Involving local businesses and community groups in the career development of the students
• Organising visits to work shops, Careers related shows and conferences for students to raise aspirations and their Careers knowledge and awareness

Note:

• Programme of Careers education topics cover:
• Employability skills and preparation for work
• Options at Year 9
• Enterprise activities
• Introducing Higher education
• Progression options post 16
• Apprenticeships
• Further education
• CV preparation and completing application forms

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.