Careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG)
Careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) is a key part of Aldridge Education’s commitment to ensuring every learner can explore their ambitions and prepare for their future. Through meaningful experiences, employer engagement and high-quality guidance, we help students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions about their next steps.
This page brings together information about our CEIAG approach and how different members of our community can get involved. Use the sections below to find the information most relevant to you. Simply click the titles to expand each section and learn more.
Information for Students
This section is designed to help you begin exploring your career ideas and discovering the opportunities available to you. Taking the time to research different pathways and build your knowledge is an essential part of planning your future. The more you understand about your options, the more confident and informed your decisions will be.
Key Stage 3
Year 9 OptionsDuring Year 9, you will begin the important process of choosing your GCSE options. These choices help shape the next stage of your education, so it’s important to take the time to understand what is available to you. You will study a combination of compulsory core subjects alongside a selection of optional subjects. The exact subjects on offer may vary between Aldridge academies, and your academy will share full details of the courses available. Most students study between seven and nine subjects in total, depending on the academy they attend.
Compulsory subjects include:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Science
Each academy follows its own timeline for the Year 9 Options process, so the point at which you make your choices may differ. More detailed information can be found on your academy’s website.
Support During the Options Process
Every Aldridge academy provides tailored support to help you navigate your GCSE choices with confidence. This may include:
- Clear information about the subjects on offer
- Guidance to help you gain a deeper understanding of each subject
- Support with decision making, including how to choose subjects that fit your strengths and future goalsmaking, including how to choose subjects that fit your strengths and future goals
Careers support is also available and will vary between academies. This may include:
- Options Evenings
- Options Assemblies
- Group Workshops
- Careers Guidance (available on request)
If you would like further support, you can contact your academy’s careers adviser directly through the academy website or by speaking with a relevant member of staff.
How to choose your options
- Attend your GCSE Options Evening.
- Look out for information about which subjects are on offer at your academy.
- Speak to the subject teachers during your visit on Options Evening.
- Speak with the Careers Advisor during Options Evening.
- Ensure that you understand how the subjects are assessed, as certain subjects are more coursework based.
Things to consider
- Look through all the GCSE Options information and list of subjects.
- Seek support to help with decisions.
- Attend the Options Evening to gain a better understanding of how subjects are assessed and how they are taught.
- Choose subjects that interest them most.
- Do not choose a subject based on your teacher or what your friends are choosing.
- Consider a variety of subjects.
- Think about and discuss future career ideas.
- Speak to your teachers and ask questions.
- If you would like further advice and guidance, speak to your teacher who can arrange for you to speak to a careers advisor.
Further information:
youthemployment.org.uk/choosing-gcse-options-19-questions-ask/
careerpilot.org.uk/information/gcses/choosing-your-gcses
Linking Subjects to Future Careers
Are you beginning to think about how the subjects you enjoy might connect to different careers? If you have a passion for a particular subject or feel confident studying it but are not yet sure what kinds of job roles it could lead to, this section is here to help.
Every subject you study can open doors to a wide range of career pathways. By exploring what you enjoy and recognising your strengths, you can start to identify the opportunities that might suit you best.
It is also important to remember that most careers are not linked to just one subject area. Almost all job roles draw on a combination of knowledge and skills, many of which come from different subjects. These transferable skills such as creativity, problem solving, communication, teamwork and numeracy are highly valued by employers and will be essential as you progress into the workplace.
Use this section to explore how your subjects can shape your future, spark new ideas and help you take the next step with confidence.
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers
CVs, Applications and Interviews
What is a CV and why do I need one?
A CV, short for Curriculum Vitae, is a document that outlines your skills, education, achievements and any work or volunteering experience you may have. It is often used when applying for a job, apprenticeship, work experience placement or other opportunities where you need to show what you can do. Your CV is your first chance to make a positive impression. It helps employers understand your strengths, interests and potential. It acts as your personal sales document, showing why you would be a great addition to their team.
Not all jobs or apprenticeships will require a CV; some will ask you to complete an online application. However, the information that they ask for will be the same as that on your CV so it is always useful to have an up to date CV to refer to.
How Aldridge Connect Helps You Build Your CV
Through the Aldridge Connect programme, you have access to a wide range of careers activities that help you develop the experiences and skills that employers look for. These activities are designed to support you in building a strong CV by giving you valuable opportunities to demonstrate capability, confidence and ambition.
Across KS4, the Connect programme ensures you have opportunities to:
- Take part in careers workshops, employer encounters and workplace challenges
- Build teamwork, problem solving, communication and creativity skills
- Get involved in enrichment activities that strengthen your profile
- Develop leadership and confidence through real life projects
All these experiences can be added to your CV, helping you stand out and show the progress you are making.
CV Lessons as Part of the Connect Programme
Each year, you will take part in dedicated CV lessons through the Connect curriculum. These lessons help you learn how to:
- Present your skills and achievements clearly
- Describe your experiences using positive and professional language
- Understand what employers look for
- Reflect the Aldridge Attributes in your CV
By the time you reach the end of KS4, you will have had multiple opportunities to build, improve and refine your CV so you feel confident using it for future applications.
Showcasing the Aldridge Attributes in Your CV
The Aldridge Attributes are an important part of who you are as an Aldridge student. They help employers understand the character, work ethic and personal qualities you bring. Through Connect, you will build attributes that you can demonstrate directly on your CV, such as:
- Problem Solving – showing how you approach challenges
- Team Working – contributing to group projects and activities
- Creativity – thinking of new ideas and solutions
- Determination – sticking with tasks and showing resilience
- Passion – taking pride in your learning and interests
- Risk Taking – being confident to try new things and step outside your comfort zone
Including these attributes in your CV helps employers see not only what you have achieved, but the kind of person you are becoming.
Interview Skills
Being interviewed is a skill, and like any other skill it improves with practice. Through the Aldridge Connect programme, you will have opportunities to develop your confidence, communication and self presentation, all of which help you prepare for real interview situations. You can also build your experience by asking parents, carers or teachers to run mock interviews with you. The more you practise, the more familiar and comfortable the process will feel.
Your interview experience may take different forms. It could be a face to face conversation, an online or telephone interview, an assessment activity or an aptitude test. Employers use these methods to find candidates who are the best fit for their organisation. At the same time, interviews give you the chance to decide whether the organisation aligns with your goals and values. It is always a two way process. Many employers now run assessment centres, where groups of candidates take part in activities designed to show how well they work in a team, communicate, lead and solve problems. These are key skills you continue to build through the Aldridge Connect curriculum, as well as through the Aldridge Attributes, which help you demonstrate the character and qualities employers look for.
Telephone and online interviews may be used at an early stage in the process. Although the format is different, the expectations are the same. You will still need to prepare well, speak clearly and present your strengths confidently. Some organisations also use aptitude tests to understand your abilities in areas such as literacy, numeracy or problem solving. These tests are simply another way to show how you think and how you approach tasks.
Making a Strong First Impression
How you present yourself at interview matters. Here are some helpful questions to consider:
- Am I prepared?
If your interview is in person, make sure you know exactly where it is and allow enough time to get there. If your interview is online or by telephone, check your technology and be ready in advance. - Is my clothing appropriate for the role?
Think about what the employer might expect and choose something that shows professionalism and respect.
Through Aldridge Connect, you will continue to develop the confidence, communication and presentation skills needed to perform well in interviews. The programme is designed to help you put the Aldridge Attributes into action, so that when you meet an employer you can show determination, creativity, problem solving and teamwork in a clear and authentic way.
What is LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the world’s largest online professional network. It is a place where you can explore career pathways, learn new skills, discover organisations that interest you and begin building your professional profile. Many people use LinkedIn to find jobs or internships, connect with others in their field and stay informed about opportunities and developments in different industries.
A basic LinkedIn account is free to create and use, and anyone aged 16 or above can open an account. In line with Aldridge Education safeguarding expectations, students must not connect with academy staff while they are still pupils. Once you complete Year 11 and leave your academy, you are welcome to follow and connect with your academy’s official LinkedIn page or the Aldridge Connect account.
Why LinkedIn Matters for Students
As you move through your education and begin preparing for your future, LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for researching organisations and exploring opportunities. Students in Years 12 and 13, as well as those who move on to university or further training, can use LinkedIn to look at company pages, follow updates, understand the values and culture of an organisation and see how businesses present themselves to the world.
LinkedIn also helps you learn about how companies recruit, what skills they look for and what their employees say about working there. This research can support your decisions about future applications, interviews and work experience. Being on LinkedIn means that employers, training providers and admissions teams can find you more easily. When you apply for a job or send out a CV, it is common for employers to check your online presence, and LinkedIn is often the first place they look.
How Aldridge Connect Supports You With This
Through the Aldridge Connect programme, you will take part in a wide range of careers activities that help you build the experiences and skills you can later showcase on LinkedIn. Connect supports you to:
- Develop confidence in presenting yourself professionally
- Build communication, teamwork and problem solving skills
- Take part in employer encounters and workplace challenges
- Learn about the world of work and how to prepare for it
These experiences help you grow the Aldridge Attributes, such as determination, creativity, passion, teamwork and risk taking. When you create your LinkedIn profile after Year 11, these attributes and experiences will help you stand out.
As part of the Connect curriculum, you will also have lessons on CV writing and careers planning each year. These sessions prepare you to present yourself clearly and confidently online and in person, ready for future opportunities.
Labour Market Information
What is Labour Market Information
Labour Market Information, often called LMI, helps you understand the changing world of work. It provides useful knowledge about the types of jobs available in your local area, the skills employers are looking for and the opportunities that are likely to grow in the future.
Why Labour Market Information Matters
LMI helps to break down the complex world of work and makes it easier to explore your options. It can give you insight into:
- Different careers and what they involve
- Entry routes and qualifications needed
- Future demand for certain jobs
- Salary expectations
- Skills that employers value now and in the future
For young people, this information is especially helpful as it can guide your choices about subjects, pathways and careers you may want to explore after your time in education.
Through the Aldridge Connect programme, you will learn how to use LMI to support your decision making. Connect helps you link your strengths, interests and the Aldridge Attributes to real opportunities in the labour market, giving you a clearer understanding of where your skills can take you.
How to Find Out More
You can explore Labour Market Information in more depth by visiting the LMI for All website, which brings together trusted data about jobs, skills and future employment trends.
Future Pathways
Your Pathways After Year 11
After you complete Year 11, you must continue with some form of accredited study or training. This can take place at school, college or in the workplace. There are several routes you can choose from, and the right path will depend on your interests, strengths and future goals.
Stay at school
You can continue your education at your current Aldridge academy or move to another academy or school with a sixth form.
Go to college
Colleges offer a wide range of courses, including vocational and technical programmes, foundation courses and work based learning.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship allows you to work and earn money while studying towards a recognised qualification. You will develop practical, work based skills and can choose from many different sectors.
Employment with accredited training (20 hours or more each week)
You can enter employment as long as your job includes recognised training. This may be through an apprenticeship, learning on the job or working part time while also attending college.
Why You Must Continue in Education or Training
Staying in learning helps you develop important skills and qualifications that will open doors in the future. It gives you the chance to build the knowledge and practical abilities that employers value and supports you as you work towards your future career.
You are also required to achieve at least a grade 4 in English and Mathematics. If you do not reach this grade by the end of Year 11, you will continue studying the subject until you achieve a grade 4 or turn 18. Your school, college, apprenticeship provider or employer will support you with this.
Understanding Course Levels
When planning your next steps, it is important to know the level of study you are working at now and the level you want to progress to. As a general guide:
- Level 1 and Level 2
These are equivalent to GCSE level. Example: a Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care. - Level 3
This is advanced study and is equivalent to A Levels. Level 3 courses vary in size and value depending on the number of credits or points they carry.
A full Level 3 Diploma may be equal to two or three A Levels. - Level 4 and above
These are degree level and higher qualifications. Level 7 is equivalent to a postgraduate or masters qualification.
Help and Advice
You do not need to make these decisions alone. There are many people who can support you, including teachers, academy staff, careers advisers, parents and carers, family and friends. Talking through your ideas is an important part of choosing the path that is right for you.
Through Aldridge Connect, you will also take part in careers education and experiences that help you understand your options, develop your skills and plan confidently for your next steps.
Making a Decision About Your Future
Making decisions about your next steps can feel challenging. Some people have a clear idea of what they want to do early on, while others take more time to explore their options. Many even change their mind as they learn more about themselves and the opportunities available to them. Whatever your situation, remember you are not alone. Lots of young people are working through the same choices and questions.
When you have several possibilities in front of you, it can feel difficult to decide. Taking the time to explore each option with an open mind will help you feel more confident about the direction you choose.
Before you look at useful websites or resources, it can help to think about the following questions:
- What skills, qualities and interests do you have? Making a simple list can be a great starting point.
- What do you enjoy doing, including any part time work or hobbies?
- Which subjects do you enjoy the most and why?
- Have you explored different sectors and job roles? What qualifications or experience do they require? Do they need a degree, or can you enter through an apprenticeship or training route?
- If you cannot choose between options, have you tried listing the pros and cons of each one?
- Do you know the grades you are likely to achieve? This may influence the pathways available to you.
Remember, you do not have to choose only one option. For example, you can apply to college while also researching jobs or apprenticeships.
The important thing is to choose a pathway that feels right for you, supports your goals and reflects your strengths. If you need guidance, speak to teachers, careers staff or someone you trust. You do not need to make these decisions alone.
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/finding-a-job
Work Experience
The Purpose of Work Experience
Work experience is an important opportunity for you to learn about the world of work, develop your confidence and build the skills that employers value. Through your placement, you will begin to understand how workplaces operate while developing key skills such as communication, problem solving, teamwork, self-management, business awareness and the use of technology. You may also gain experience using data systems or observing how organisations stay organised and efficient.
Attending a work experience placement is one of the most effective ways to deepen your understanding of different job roles and sectors. Your placement may be arranged by your academy during term time, or you may be encouraged to organise a placement independently outside school hours. Either way, the experience gives you the chance to learn in a new environment and think ahead about possible future career pathways.
A meaningful work experience placement will introduce you to a variety of tasks and responsibilities. It helps you understand what is expected in a workplace, develop your confidence as an observer and contributor, and strengthen your ability to ask thoughtful questions, reflect on what you see and build your awareness of professional life.
What You Can Gain From Work Experience
Work experience helps you develop a wide range of knowledge, skills and insights, including:
- Understanding how organisations are structured and how they function
- Developing your thinking about future career goals
- Improving your time management and reliability
- Discovering whether a job matches your expectations
- Setting career goals with greater confidence
- Building real examples to use in future interviews
- Accessing references that may support future applications
- Exploring different job areas and shaping your career ideas
- Understanding what employers expect from their staff
- Identifying the skills and qualities needed in different professions
- Growing your transferable skills
- Experiencing working life through both observation and active participation
- Linking school subjects to real workplace tasks
- Building self-confidence and interpersonal skills
- Gaining valuable experience to add to your CV and future applications
These experiences support the Aldridge Attributes, helping you develop determination, teamwork, creativity, problem solving and self-belief.
Work Experience Placements
At Aldridge Education, your work experience may be arranged in different ways depending on your academy. This may include:
- Arranging your own placement
- Choosing from a list of potential placements provided by your academy
The timing and length of placements vary, so it is important to check your academy’s process and follow the steps you are given.
Work experience placements usually begin from Year 10 onwards. If you continue into sixth form at an Aldridge academy, you may also have the chance to complete a placement in Year 12.
A placement gives you a genuine insight into a job sector and allows you to experience real workplace tasks. This helps you better understand the skills and qualities employers look for and offers a valuable “experience of work” that will support your future decisions.
Finding a Placement
When looking for a placement, think about the type of work that interests you. While your academy may support you, it is your responsibility to secure a placement. You might:
- Ask family members or family friends
- Research organisations in sectors that interest you
- Contact companies by email, phone or letter
- Keep an open mind and explore a range of possibilities
- Consider travel arrangements and location
- Search online for companies offering work experience
- Explore opportunities in larger organisations, local charities, public services and small businesses
Many sectors such as retail, hospitality, catering, banking and community organisations offer work experience programmes.
Things to Consider
If you are unsure about your future career plans, that is completely normal. Try thinking about:
- Which subjects you enjoy most
- Your strengths
- Subjects you find more challenging
- Your interests outside school
- Jobs or careers that people you know are involved in
- Whether you prefer teamwork or independent work
- If you enjoy a structured office environment or more variety
These reflections will help you identify a placement that feels right for you.
What Employers Are Looking For
Employers do not expect you to have previous experience. They understand your age and want to see enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to learn. They look for:
- Good communication and the ability to get on well with others
- Initiative and the confidence to take part
- Enthusiasm and a positive attitude
- Reliability and punctuality
- A desire to learn new skills and contribute
Showing these qualities will help you make a strong impression and get the most from your placement.
Information for Parents and Carers
This section provides guidance, information and resources to help you support your child as they begin exploring their future options and career ideas. These early conversations can make a real difference, and your encouragement will help them feel more confident when thinking about their next steps.
Many of the guides on this site are written for pupils, but we encourage you to look through them as well. By understanding the information your child is reading, you will be better equipped to talk through their choices, ask helpful questions and support them as they make important decisions about subjects, pathways and future careers.
You do not need to have all the answers. Showing interest, listening carefully and exploring possibilities together can be incredibly valuable. Your support, combined with the opportunities offered through the Aldridge Connect programme, will help your child develop the knowledge, attributes and confidence they need as they move forward. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/ztf3f82
Careers education
Careers education is a programme of activities that involve learning about the world of work and the skills individuals require to manage their careers. Careers learning is the process that a person undertakes to acquire these skills and to develop a mindset and attitude of success.
What is Careers Information, Advice and Guidance
Careers information, advice and guidance is provided by qualified careers professionals. It is impartial, which means it is free from bias and treats all pathways fairly and equally. The aim is to help learners understand how to find reliable and relevant information so they can plan their future with confidence.
This guidance uses a range of tools and techniques that help learners develop their career knowledge, increase their self awareness, build decision making skills and learn how to manage new situations. It supports young people in recognising their strengths, exploring opportunities and making informed choices about their next steps.
What Can My Child Expect to Experience
Through the Aldridge Connect programme, your child will take part in a well planned and engaging careers education offer that supports them as they develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for their future. Each Aldridge academy delivers a structured programme that provides pupils with meaningful opportunities to explore careers, understand the world of work and begin planning their next steps.
Your child can expect a variety of experiences, including encounters with employers, opportunities to learn in real workplace settings and access to high quality careers guidance before the age of 16. This guidance may be delivered one to one or in small groups, depending on their needs. They will also receive specialist support when choosing key options, including GCSE choices in Year 9 and post 16 and post 18 pathways.
Alongside academic progress, the Connect programme helps pupils learn about different careers, the routes into them and the skills employers value. It also supports the development of essential career management skills such as researching opportunities, decision making, self reflection and presenting themselves confidently.
skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/parent-advice-and-resources
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/helping-young-people-make-education-and-career-choices
myworldofwork.co.uk/parents-and-carers
youthemployment.org.uk/careers-advice-for-parents
SEND Support
Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP / EHC Plan)What is an EHCP
An Education Health and Care Plan, often called an EHCP, is a legal document for children and young people aged up to 25 who need a higher level of support than what is normally provided through special educational needs support in school. It brings together a young person’s educational, health and social care needs in one place and clearly sets out the additional support required to help them learn, make progress and take part fully in school life.
The plan is created through discussions between families, professionals and the young person, ensuring that it reflects their strengths, aspirations and the support needed to help them achieve their goals.
What an EHCP Can Entitle Your Child to After Age 16
After the age of 16, an EHCP can continue to provide support as your child moves into the next stage of their education. This may include access to suitable courses at school, college or specialist providers, additional support to help them participate in learning, personalised programmes that build independence, preparation for adulthood and continued access to therapies or health services outlined in their plan. An EHCP can also support routes into apprenticeships, supported internships or other training opportunities. The aim is to ensure each young person has the right support to grow in confidence, develop essential skills and work towards their future goals.
If you would like further information or would like to discuss your child’s needs in more detail, please speak to your child’s school. Staff will be happy to guide you and help you understand the support available. gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/extra-SEN-help
gov.uk/government/publications/send-guide-for-parents-and-carers
Options for Further Study and Support for pupils with SEND
After leaving school, young people have a wide range of options available to them. These include specialist sixth form provision, colleges and other providers offering learning programmes, as well as residential or day placements where appropriate.
Some pupils may choose a supported internship, while traineeships and apprenticeships are also popular pathways depending on prior academic achievement and individual needs. Many pupils progress into mainstream further education if this is the right next step for them.
Further education providers across England offer courses at a variety of levels. These may include Entry Level programmes, Level 1 and Level 2 courses (equivalent to GCSE level) and Level 3 courses (equivalent to A levels). Foundation learning and pre GCSE pathways are also available for those who need additional preparation before moving on to a higher level.
Each institution will have its own entry requirements, course structures and specialist areas. It is important to visit their websites or contact them directly to explore what they offer.
Subject areas often include:
- Animal care
- Art and design
- Beauty therapy and hairdressing
- Childcare
- Construction
- Catering and hospitality
- Game design
- Information technology
- Land based studies
- Life skills and foundation learning
- Mechanics
- Media
- Sport and leisure
- Travel and tourism
This list is not exhaustive, so checking the curriculum of each provider in the area you are considering is important.
Young people who successfully complete an Entry Level 3 course may progress to a Level 1 programme. After Level 1, learners may move to Level 2 or choose employment
or voluntary work. Those studying at Level 3 may go on to further education, higher education, university, or other training routes including apprenticeships.
Funding for Further Education
For young people with an Education Health and Care Plan, funding for continued education can often be available up to the age of 25. Decisions around funding vary depending on individual circumstances. Factors such as a young person’s progress, the programme they wish to study, the suitability of local provision, their aspirations and travel considerations will all be taken into account.
Your child’s academy will be able to offer guidance on possible routes and support with planning next steps.
For pupils without an EHCP, funding is provided based on personal circumstances, needs and the requirements of their chosen programme.
Young people who have additional needs can usually receive tailored support from further education providers. This varies from one institution to another and is influenced by the learner’s achievements so far, predicted grades, future goals and any specific support requirements.
Information for Employers
Partnering With Aldridge Education
At Aldridge Education, we believe that strong partnerships between schools and employers help prepare young people for the world of work and raise their aspirations. By working with us, you can play a vital role in shaping the future workforce, supporting young people to develop essential skills and gain real insight into the opportunities your industry offers.
Our careers programme, delivered through Aldridge Connect, creates meaningful encounters between pupils and employers at every stage of their secondary education. We welcome organisations of all sizes and sectors, and we value the unique experiences and perspectives that each employer brings.
Find out more about Aldridge Connect
Aldridge Connect - Employer Guide
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways employers can engage with our academies and make a real difference to young people’s lives. Please see our An Employer’s Guide to Aldridge Connect for some suggestions about how you can get involved – this guide contains some suggestions, however we are very happy to work with employers to come up with bespoke activities.
Why Work With Us
Partnering with Aldridge Education offers benefits for both employers and pupils. By taking part, you will:
- Help young people make informed choices about their future
- Support diversity and widen access to your sector
- Develop a pipeline of motivated future talent
- Raise your organisation’s profile within local communities
- Provide meaningful development opportunities for your staff
Your involvement also supports our commitment to the Gatsby Benchmarks, particularly Benchmarks 4, 5 and 6, which highlight the importance of linking curriculum learning to careers and providing meaningful encounters with employers and workplaces.
Join Us in Shaping Future Talent
Whether you can offer an hour, a day or a week, your contribution will have a lasting impact on our pupils. We welcome employers from every sector and at every scale, and we are always eager to create new partnerships. If you would like to get involved or explore how your organisation can support our careers programme, please contact the Connect team, or your nearest Aldridge academy. Our team will be happy to discuss opportunities that work for you and your business.
Please contact our Connect Co-ordinator:
Dan McArthur-Greenall
Dan.Mcarthur-Greenall@aldridgeeducation.org
Information for Teachers
This section provides resources, guidance and inspiration to help you bring careers learning to life within your subject area. As teachers, you play a crucial role in shaping how pupils see their future possibilities, and the way you connect your curriculum to the wider world can have a lasting impact on their aspirations.
Careers education is not an additional task, but an essential part of preparing our young people for the next stage of their lives. When pupils understand how their learning links to real careers and real opportunities, they become more motivated, engaged and confident. They can see purpose in what they are studying, and this can significantly raise their ambition and sense of belonging in the world of work.
Why This Matters
Strong careers education helps pupils recognise their strengths, explore pathways, and develop the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their futures. As teachers and support staff, you are uniquely placed to make these connections meaningful by drawing on examples, topics and approaches that already feature within your subject.
Embedding careers learning is also a vital part of national expectations. It supports pupils’ personal development and strengthens their readiness for employment, further education or training. When careers learning becomes part of everyday teaching, pupils gain a richer understanding of both their subjects and themselves.
Linking to Gatsby Benchmark 4
Your contribution is especially important for Gatsby Benchmark 4, which focuses on linking curriculum learning to careers. This benchmark emphasises the importance of making explicit connections between what pupils learn in lessons and the knowledge and skills that employers value. Subject teachers therefore play a central role in ensuring that pupils see how classroom learning relates to real workplace tasks, industry contexts and future opportunities.
‘As part of the school’s programme of careers education, all teachers should link curriculum learning with careers. Subject teachers should highlight the progression routes for their subject and the relevance of the knowledge and skills developed in their subject for a wide range of career pathways.’ - Gatsby Benchmark 4
By weaving careers examples into lessons, you help pupils see the relevance of their subjects and develop a deeper understanding of the world beyond school.
How This Page Supports You
On this page you will find:
- Careers learning resources tailored for teachers
- Subject-specific examples and activities to help you embed careers in your curriculum
- Information for careers leaders and staff involved in coordinating and delivering careers activities across Aldridge academies
- Materials that can be used within PSHE, form time or enrichment sessions
Many of the guides provided on this website are written for pupils, but exploring them as a member of staff is equally valuable. Reading through these resources equips you to better support pupils with their questions, guide their thinking around next steps and contribute to a richer, more effective careers programme across your academy.
By working together through the Aldridge Connect programme, we can ensure every pupil receives consistent, high quality careers education that empowers them to move forward with confidence, curiosity and aspiration.
Aldridge Education National Inset Day Resources
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening careers learning across all academies, we devoted our National Inset Day in March 2025 to exploring Gatsby Benchmark 4 and the vital role that subject teachers play in linking curriculum learning to careers. The day brought colleagues together from across Aldridge Education to reflect on best practice, share ideas and deepen our understanding of how careers education can be meaningfully embedded in every classroom.
You can access all the presentations, materials and subject specific resources from the training session using the links below. These resources are designed to support you in weaving careers learning into your lessons with confidence, helping pupils make clear connections between what they study and the opportunities available to them in the future.
Session 1 and 2 - Careers in the Curriculum
My Learning My Future
The My Learning, My Future resources aim to increase learner engagement by showing how 27 subjects connect to careers and the world of work.
They enable subject teachers to see the benefits of highlighting the relevance of their subjects and making links to careers, pathways, and the world of work from their curriculum.
Additionally, these resources drive meaningful achievement of Gatsby Benchmark 4 and support the achievement of Gatsby Benchmarks 5, 6, and 7.
Additional resources
resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/my-learning-my-future
resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk
targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/advice-for-school-leavers#when-to-apply-for-apprenticeships