Learners Blog
Careers
Careers
BPRU has been assessed and awarded the national chartermark for Quality in Careers Standards (QiCs) in March 2024. BPRU is the second PRU in the country to be awarded having met all the Gatsby benchmarks – this is a real testament to embedding careers across our Federation of schools – Kettlebrook Short Stay School and BPRU. All of our students are offered a broad range of different experiences to help them prepare for the world of work. We actively encourage each student to explore all the pathways available to them, in order that they can make an informed choice about their next steps.
This support package includes one to one guidance interviews, group discussions, careers focused lessons, work experience (if appropriate for the student), trips to employers, colleges etc, careers events, advocacy and visits from employers and providers.
We commission an impartial qualified Careers Adviser to attend our school weekly to support our students with this journey. Ms Wright can be contacted through the school office.
Year 11’s are offered ongoing one to one support to ensure they make a successful transition into their chosen option. Our adviser monitors their progress annually beyond year 11, until their 19th birthday. We work closely with Entrust and the local authority around transition to support this process. Entrust offer continued support if needed to our post 16 students.
90% of our students engage with this service and make a successful transition into their chosen pathway. Further destination data is available from the Headteacher.
Work Experience
Our Key Stage 4 students also have the opportunity to experience the world of work at different times in Year 10 & 11. This exciting and valuable programme is extensive in Burton and beyond! Students are interviewed to explore which areas of industry that they would like to have a work based placement in. We then source a suitable safe and engaging placement based on their interests and future aspirations. We are indebted to all our work experience placement partners – without them our students would not be able to have such great opportunities and future employment. Thank you our work experience placements.
Below are a selection of weblinks which we feel may be of benefit to our young people and their parents/carers.
General
https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/restrictions-on-child-employment
Up to date information relating to working hour regulations for children and young people.
https://www.ncsyes.co.uk/
National Citizenship service offer self-discovery Summer activity programmes designed for young people aged between 15 to 17 years.
https://successatschool.org/
A webpage designed to support students through school life including career research, employer feedback, revision techniques, option awareness, recording and logging work experience and learning about HE and university life. This page has a wealth of information on offer to both students but also their parents/carers.
Career Research
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
The national careers database containing a wealth of knowledge about different career pathways. There are also activities and quizzes to help you learn more about your skills, interest and motivations.
https://www.pearson.com/uk/career-choices/PearsonUKQuizzes/General/index.html
Interesting careers quiz designed to match you to careers linked to your interests, likes and personality
https://icould.com/buzz-quiz/
A fun quiz to help you begin to help explore links between personality, likes and life/careers.
Post 16 Options
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
A national database of apprenticeship vacancies. The main tool for apprenticeship search in and our local area. Registration is necessary for applications. Your careers adviser can help with apprenticeship application processes.
https://www.findapprenticeships.co.uk/
Another useful site for searching for local apprenticeship opportunities.
Further Education Colleges and Sixth Form
Visiting local Sixth Form and FE college websites provides the most comprehensive reflection of course availability. Open events are available across the academic year.
Training Providers and Study Programmes
Speak to your Careers adviser for details of local training providers and study programmes available locally.
Labour Market Information
https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/education/Learning-options-and-careers/Where-will-the-jobs-be/Jobs-in-the-future.aspx
Labour market information collated by Staffordshire County Council in relation to skills and employment trends in and around Staffordshire.
https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/
Official labour market statistics to support learning more about employment patterns in your area.
Higher Education and University Life
https://www.ucas.com/
A site used for exploring higher education options and submitting applications.
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/
A wealth of information about university courses across the UK.
Job hunting
https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/
A small list of job search pages to help develop a better understanding of the world of work. These also provide useful links for CV building, application processes and interview skills.
Documents and Resources
