Careers

Careers Education, Information and Guidance (CEIAG) and Work-Related Learning (WRL)

Providing the knowledge and tools to progress into a rich and fulfilling career that can make a difference is at the heart of our careers programme.

Through a planned programme of activities, Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (‘CEIAG’) and Work-related Learning (‘WRL’), Harris Academy Falconwood will help students take their place as suitably qualified and responsible adults within society. Our focus is to raise aspirations from Year 7 and educate our young people about the world of work and/or further study. Our dedication to our students’ futures is crucial in building a foundation for managing their lifelong career and learning.

We believe it is important to expose every child to a variety of different opportunities when it comes to further education or the world of work. We are very fortunate to offer impartial advice based on the individual needs of each student. We can provide a varied programme that meets the individuals needs, working in partnership with our Federation Careers Advisor (Lesley Tannock), parents, carers, teachers and external employers and training providers.

For the most up to date opportunities for students, please follow the link to our Careers Padlet: https://padlet.com/HAFCareers/haf-careers-uwdzy0462pdelxqr

HAF Unifrog Never too early to start thinking about your career 

All pupils from Years 7 have access to the Unifrog platform, designed to support pupils in making the most informed decisions about their futures. This has a range of tools that are suitable for all year groups. Each pupil has their own personal account that provides a wide range of information related to their interests and aspirations. 

How to log on: 

Pupils access the platform by clicking a link in their welcome email, where they create a password and can begin using the platform. They login to Unifrog using their school email address (ending in @harrisfalconwood.org.uk) and password and they can do so from any computer, tablet or smartphone. 

 

Key features of the platform include: 

Exploring Pathways: 

Explore what subjects students would be interested in studying and how these choices can lead to different career paths and higher education. 

Career Exploration: 

• BBC Bitesize Careers - Find advice from people who've found the right path for them 
• Career Pilot - Allows students to explore, complete quizzes and make plans
• Careermap - Provides a free and very informative magazine called Careermag which is aimed at parents that provides a wealth of information about the labour market, prospective salaries and career pathways
• National Careers Service - The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance on learning, training, career choice, career development, job search, and the labour market. It can be accessed online, by telephone, and face to face (for people aged 19 and over).
• Prospects - Looks at different job profiles, search by sector or by job title

 

Pathways and next steps Information and Support:

• Apprenticeship Information Pack for Parents/Carers - find out more about apprenticeships and the many opportunities on offer
• Find an Apprenticeship - Government website for apprenticeships in England 
• GCSE choices and University - Tips to pick the right GCSE subjects 
• Harris Careers Education - Offers support on Sixth Form Options, Higher Education, World of Work & Training, Job Opportunities and News & Events
• Informed Choices (Russell Group) - Use Informed Choices to help you understand which subjects open up different degrees, particularly at Russell Group universities
• T-levels Info for Parents - Find out more about T-levels, hear from other parents, find more information on options, find out why employers back T-levels, search for T-levels near you 
• The Apprenticeship Guide - The Apprenticeship Guide provides a range of information focused on apprenticeship pathways. From what types of apprenticeships are available, how to apply and prepare for interviews and case studies, it is a great location to discover more about apprenticeships
• Parents’ Guide to National Careers Week - provides parents with the information they need to help their teenage children make the right choices to create successful futures after GCSE and sixth form
• UCAS - Further Education - Sixth form, college and apprenticeships 

 

Career experiences: 

• Do it - Volunteer website for lots of different industries, not just charities 
• Springpod - Offers free virtual work experience from top employers as well as degree taster sessions 

 

Work Experience:

As part of our careers education programme, all students in Years 10 and 12 are provided with the opportunity of a two-week work experience placement. Students are encouraged to find their own placement to simulate the job application process.

• Year 10 Work Experience will take place from Monday 14th July until Friday 18th July 2025
• Year 12 Work Experience will take place from Monday 7th July until Friday 18th July 2025

Why do we do Work Experience?

Work Experience is more than just making tea whilst in a workplace, it will help you stand out from the crowd on applications for courses, training and jobs. The placement is designed to allow you to test out ideas, develop your skills and give you some motivation for the future. More than that, work experience is also an opportunity to discover what you don’t want to do.

What is Work Experience?

As a basic definition, work experience is unpaid time spent in a business or workplace to learn about a job, company, or industry.  Work experience is not meant to be easy, instead it is meant to provide you with a wealth of learning opportunities about careers, working and yourself.