Careers at Rushden Academy
The guidance below is intended to assist pupils and parents/carers to make informed choices about careers and to share our career plan. Every faculty has career links within their Scheme of Learning and staff talk regularly to pupils about careers linked to their subject specialism. We also follow a careers program in form time, skills lessons and on Learning for Life days, amongst others.
We have an active careers talk program that lots of local and national employers are part of. If you feel as an employer/business that you could offer some support and guidance or offer to talk to pupils about opportunities in your area of expertise then please contact the school in the first instance by email or phone.
Mr Trevor Billam
Tel: 01933 350391
What is Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)?
Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance programmes play a major part in preparing young people for the opportunities and responsibilities they will experience during the course of their working life. The guidance helps young people make decisions and about next steps and it is vital that all 11-18 year olds have the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices. We strive at all times to conform to the current "best practices" in Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance laid down by the government.
Rushden Academy is committed to providing a planned programme of CEIAG for all students in Years 7-13, in partnership with outside agencies (Colleges, TENC 6th Form, Apprenticeship providers, Prospects and Universities). Rushden Academy is required to monitor destination data as part of our CEIAG policy.
The careers programme is designed to meet the needs of all students at Rushden Academy. It is personalised to ensure progression through activities that are appropriate to students' stages of career learning, planning and development. The careers programme includes career sessions, Friday Careers sessions with employers, guidance in Skills lessons, career guidance activities (group work and individual interviews), information and research and other outside agency intervention. More details are available via the link at the side of this page.
Useful links
Huxlow & Rushden Academy 6th Form
Our academy program can be viewed at the side of this page but an addition there are some useful links below about the National Careers Service and options for studying at Post-16.
NATIONAL CAREERS SERVICE
Since the 1st October 2014, the National Careers Service has been enhanced to provide more support to Young People. It is the intention of the National Careers Service to complement, not duplicate any existing provision, so all young people have access to information and advice to help them make informed decisions about their career progression.
To assist young people in their career planning, the National Careers Service has extended the Lifelong Learning Account facility to anyone aged 13 and over. An account can be used to safely store personal documents and Skills Health Checks all in one place. Skills Health Checks are online activities which analyse an individual's strengths, motivations, skills, interests and personal styles. The account also provides the option for the production of an Action Plan.
The National Careers Service points of contact for young people aged 13-18 are:
- Online through the website and webchat at: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
- Telephone helpline (0800 100 900) for anyone aged 13 and over – Option 1 for 13-18 years olds to speak to a professionally qualified young person's adviser
The National Careers Service website has a link specifically designed for young people with information about the transition points, such as going to college or starting an Apprenticeship. Job profile and labour market information can also be found which can help to inform young people about the world of work.
National Careers Service Website
The Government led Inspiration Agenda aims to inspire young people and the wider community to raise their aspirations and support their progression into sustainable opportunities that meet the economic needs of the local areas.
The Government's Inspiration Vision statement can be found here.
Post 16 Pathways
There are many routes to take post-16 and some are listed below.
SIXTH FORM
As part of Huxlow and Rushden Academy 6th Form we offer a range of courses in both A-Levels and Level 3 BTEC qualifications. Students would normally choose 3-4 courses to be completed over a two year period. Students are usually required to have achieved 4 Grade 4s in English and Maths in order to secure a place at either Huxlow and Rushden Academy 6th Form or another Sixth Form College.
Course subjects
Subjects offered at Sixth Form are much the same as are studied in school (KS4) but are of a higher level. There is also the opportunity to study other subjects such as Psychology and Sociology. For more information please refer to the Huxlow and Rushden Academy 6th Form prospectus.
FE COLLEGES
FE colleges generally offer vocational (work-related) and specialist qualifications. They tend to provide courses for 16-18 year olds as well as adult learners, and often have close links with the community.
Course subjects
FE colleges offer a wide range of courses at a variety of levels. Each college is different, so you will need to check with your chosen college what courses are available. As a guide, the type of subjects on offer include:
- Catering and Hospitality; Travel and Tourism; Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy;
- Childcare and Social Care;
- Fashion; Art and Design;
- Computing and Information Technology;
- Vehicle Mechanics; Construction; Painting and Decorating.
FE Colleges often offer courses such as English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to help students develop their English Language skills.
Course and qualifications levels
Popular courses include NVQs, BTECs, Apprenticeships, Foundation Degrees, HNCs and HNDs. If you didn’t do well at school, Entry Level Courses generally offer another opportunity to gain qualifications and enable you to go on to study further college courses at a higher level.
TRAINEESHIPS
Traineeships are an ideal opportunity for young people, aged 16 to 24, who are motivated to get a job but lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for.
Those who have been unsuccessful when applying for an apprenticeship or other job due to a lack of skills and experience are most likely to be good candidates for a traineeship.
Traineeship opportunities are advertised regularly on the government website www.gov.uk/government/collections/traineeships-programme#traineeships:-overview-for-young-people under find a traineeship
APPRENTICESHIPS
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice you’ll:
- work alongside experienced staff
- gain job-specific skills
- earn a wage and get holiday pay
- get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week)
Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
Who can apply?
You can apply for an apprenticeship while you're still at school. To start one, you'll need to be:
- 16 or over by then end of the summer holidays
- living in England
- not in full-time education
More guidance on applying can be found on
The Apprenticeship helpline can be contacted through
Telephone 0800 015 0400
8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
