Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance
This page will highlight some of the most reliable and useful sources which provide impartial advice and guidance every step of the way. However, don’t forget about those close to you parents/siblings/relatives are all great sources of information and advice, as well as your form tutor and class teachers.
At Prudhoe Community High School we have a dedicated Careers Advisor ‘Richard Allnutt’ from a company called ‘CareerWave’ who is available for 1:1 interviews, advice and guidance on most Fridays throughout the school year. All students will have at least one 1:1 interview by the end of year 11 and a further interview by the end of year 13. Students will be given an appointment time. However, if they wish to have an earlier appointment they should see Mr Nesbitt if they are in Years 10-11 or Mr Burgess in the LRC if they are in Years 12 -13. Alternatively they can drop into the careers office on Friday break or lunch time for an informal chat with Richard who will be happy to help.
Key staff within school
Mr Nesbitt – Assistant Headteacher and Careers Leader
Miss Earl – Head of Sixth Form
Miss Bowman – Higher Education Champion
Mrs Williams – Independent Careers Advisor (Careerwave)
Mr Burgess – LRC Manager and 6th Form Mentor
External support
Gill Burridge is a Careers Advisor with Northumberland County Council who works closely with the school to support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, to ensure students and parents/carers are aware of the progression opportunities available to them.
Sources of advice and information
T Levels (New)
A T Level is a new qualification that students can study after their GCSEs. These are two year courses that are seen as an alternative to A Levels, other post 16 courses or an Apprenticeship. They have been designed by businesses and employers and focus on the skills and knowledge that you would need for a specific industry. Students will spend 80% of their time within the class room and 20% (approximatley 45 days) on a work placement. There are currently 16 subject areas available to study now with a further seven starting in September 2023.
For more information please see the following website: T Levels for students
UCAS
Our year 13 students will apply to university through the UCAS website. However, there is lots of information on the site for students in all year groups. There is information on further education courses, undergraduate and postgraduate courses as well as alternatives to university such as apprenticeships. There is also a dedicated section for careers advice.
Unifrog
You can login to unifrog and search all available information on different courses and apprenticeships in one place. You can work through a range of activities and build your CV. Most students will use unifrog within school sessions however you can also use the site outside of school at any time.
National Careers service
The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities. You can create your own lifelong learning account and access a range of useful tools from real-life case studies and careers guides to web and telephone chats with independent, impartial fully-qualified careers advisor.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are extremely competitive and will require a proactive approach from students to secure a place, the Careers Office can support with the application and interview process. Students (and parents) may also find the below document useful in planning for, researching and applying for apprenticeships:
It is strongly recommended that any student who is considering applying or pursuing an apprenticeship has as up to date and accurate CV.
Please see below for guides on how to apply for apprenticeships. These have been provided by Amazing Apprenticeships
How to write a covering letter
Your step by step guide to applying for an apprenticeship
Careerwave
Our school guidance provider also have a range of useful information on their website:
Insights – Useful articles and information that is also broken down into different areas of the North East.
Subjects – Search a range careers websites that focus on specific subject areas (e.g. English, Maths and Science).
Industry Sector – Search a range of careers websites on specific industry sector (e.g. Business, Health, Sport).
Careerwave have also produced a useful booklet on post 16 choices that can be found here. Choices at post 16
Excellence in Careers Education
