Careers

Careers Provision at Merit

(Next review date of published information: Summer Term 2023) 

 

Merit recognises its statutory duty to provide impartial and confidential careers education to all our students in Years 7 to 11 and to give students access to careers information, advice and guidance.

 

We aim to broaden horizons, raise aspirations and help students to make the most of a range of opportunities on offer during their time at Merit.

 

Merit PRU: Provider Access Policy

 

Introduction

This policy statement sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to the school for the purpose of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.

 

Pupil entitlement

All pupils in years 8 to 13 are entitled:

• to find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point;
• to hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and group discussions and taster events;
• to understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

For pupils of compulsory school age these encounters are mandatory and there will be a minimum of two encounters for pupils during the ‘first key phase’ (year 8 to 9) and two encounters for pupils during the ‘second key phase’ (year 10 to 11). For pupils in the ‘third key phase’ (year 12 to 13), particularly those that have not yet decided on their next steps, there are two more provider encounters available during this period, which are optional for pupils to attend.

 

These provider encounters will be scheduled during the main school hours and the provider will be given a reasonable amount of time to, as a minimum: 

• share information about both the provider and the approved technical education qualification and apprenticeships that the provider offers
• explain what career routes those options could lead to
• provide insights into what it might be like to learn or train with that provider

(including the opportunity to meet staff and pupils from the provider)

• answer questions from pupils.

 

Meaningful provider encounters

One encounter is defined as one meeting/session between pupils and one provider. We are committed to providing meaningful encounters to all pupils using the Making it meaningful checklist.

Meaningful online engagement is also an option, and we are open to providers that are able to provide live online engagement with our pupils.

 

Previous providers 

 Last Year we invited the following providers from the local area to speak to our pupils:

• Staffordshire University (Key Stage 3 and 4)
• NHS: Next Generation Nursing (optional for key stage 3 and 4 students with an interest in health
• Hinkley Point – Careers in Energy and Utilities (Key Stage 3 and 4)
• RSPCA – Careers working with animals (Key Stage 3)
• ASK Apprenticeships and technical qualifications (Key Stage 3 and 4)

 

Destinations of our pupils

Last year our year 11 pupils moved to range of providers in the local area after school:

• Newcastle College – 3
• Stoke 6^th form college - 1
• Stoke College – 2
• Strathmore College – 1
• Equality Training – 3
• City College – 3
• Stafford College – 1
• Martec Training - 1

 

Management of provider access requests

Procedure

A provider wishing to request access should contact Sarah Whiteley, Co-headteacher, Merit PRU, swhiteley4@meritpru-stoke.org.uk 01782 928 983

 

Opportunities for access

The school offers the six provider encounters required by law (marked in bold text) and a number of additional events, integrated into the school careers programme. We will offer providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to pupils or their parents or carers. 

Please speak to our Careers Leader to identify the most suitable opportunity for you.

 

 

Premises and facilities

The school will make the main hall, classrooms or private meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and pupils, as appropriate to the activity. The school will also make available AV and other specialist equipment to support provider presentations. This will all be discussed and agreed in advance of the visit with the Careers Leader or a member of their team.

Meaningful online engagement is also an option and we are open to providers that are able to provide live online engagement with our pupils.

Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature at the school library.

 

Complaints:

Any complaints with regards to provider access can be raised following the school complaints procedure or directly with The Careers & Enterprise Company via provideraccess@careersandenterprise.co.uk 

 

Approved by Governors at Curriculum and Standards Committee

Next review: Summer Term 2024

Signed: Chris Bird Chair of Merit Management Committee                                                    Sarah Whiteley, Co- Head teacher and Careers Leader

 

Assessing and measuring the impact of our careers provision:

We use the GATSBY Benchmarking system to ensure that our careers provision steadily grows and improves year on year. We also aim to assess impact through regular evaluations such as questionnaires of student and parent voice. We work closely, every term, with the Local Authority (Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Careers and Enterprise Company). We currently review our careers provision every term.

Useful careers links

Resources for Employers

Resources for parents and teachers

NSCG Update

 

Please find below a range of subject videos for you to view.

 

Newcastle

Apprenticeships: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmKwnHZiplY

Access to HE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eok58gW-7Uo

Hairdressing & Beauty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-7T5LQprks  

Higher Education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mLBm3oT8uM

Computing & IT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AheRNWBqK1c

Creative Arts & Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufj3qbCucCI

Early Years & Health and Social Care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_HTWwWOrmY

HNC/D Performing Arts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG7d6mGHf38

Maths & English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTIRZRl3l7Q

Construction & Engineering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVFQpfKaxSI

A Levels & A+ Programmes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0hjy4ImxvI

Business, Accounting & Travel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFIfgbKN4FI

Music & Performing Arts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5n8e4tHVEs

Sport & Exercise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPg_712Wkc4

Public Services: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1WNAk5Lxbs

Foundation Studies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0aKWabbg9M

 

Stafford:

Virtual Campus Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDOfr5AaTKQ

NEW BUILD! Skills & Innovation Centre Walkthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhzK8_VVlQI

Foundation Studies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1uP5OTzX3M

A Level & A+ Programmes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-jBLcr3ICQ

Sport & Public Services: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQDLcKqr3rc

Creative Arts, Film & Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBGsOYGSXMQ

Music & Performing Arts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0fHCo1KXTU

Health & Social Care and Early Years: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpmd5z30xNk

Maths & English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rin-pjldU84

Hairdressing & Beauty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPRrgjjUWC0

Hospitality & Catering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZBeX4KPy80

Business, Computing, IT & Accounting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTGLEcid_x8

Access to HE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cCP5FiciZk

Higher Education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amF0l-fBAVc

Engineering, Construction & Motor Vehicle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0-HOlxSoXQ

Apprenticeships: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM7GxcDad_E

 

Apprentice Videos:

TT Pumps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmS_m30WEhY

NHS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekAUsF4-KGs

NHS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekE6r6nlKNc

Littleton Arms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR8iL0fY1e8

Briggs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toizKMMjnWo

Amie Nicole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR1BnHg_kMQ

Caitlin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTFuliPpSFs

Promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YnkPuynKGs

 

Misc:

A Levels at Newcastle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQFF4UGDq0s

BTEC at Newcastle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yf_nUzDpzM

Apprenticeships at NSCG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILC4EnS3ock

Academy of Sport: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6nR1w_L6b0

Honours Programme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtfJ-wuujC0

A Level Results Day 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwjNda0ucrI

Welcome to Palmbourne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L66xaq3C_WY

BTEC at Stafford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMXnfnIvhJ0

Art Exhibition Stafford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_aak4ZWcso

A Levels Results Day at Stafford: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlCTADQbKwk

 

Vacancy Snapshot - This Webpage shows Students a selection of very well-known Companies and Familiar Brands that employ Apprentices.

Great to add the link to your School Careers Website, and great to share with Students to explore during tutor time or PSHE sessions for example.

https://amazingapprenticeships.com/vacancies/

 

Live Broadcasts – A selection of bite-size videos (each about 15 minutes long) Interviewing Apprentices from different sectors to talk about their experiences.

Great to add the link to your School Careers Website, and great to share with Students to explore during tutor time or PSHE sessions for example.

https://amazingapprenticeships.com/live-broadcasts/

 

Apprenticeship Champions – All Teachers and Careers Leaders can sign up to be an Apprentice Champion. This is free and gives access to extra resources and information.

You also get invited to Events where you can network and share ideas and information -  and meet with some of the country’s leading apprenticeship employers.

https://amazingapprenticeships.com/champions/