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The Gateway Learning Community

The Gateway Learning Community

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Student Careers Zone


Searching for career inspiration and ideas? Here you’ll find useful information and tools to help you plan for your future and meet your aspirations.

Unifrog is an integral part on the careers curriculum and is used in school throughout the academic year. All students have access to their Unifrog account and we would strongly encourage logging in for independent research regularly at home too.

Unifrog is a complete destinations platform that allows students to search for opportunities and make applications for their next steps. The database is packed with information about career routes and the current labour market. There are lots videos and articles to discover and live webinars you can join that focus on specific industries.  You’ll find really useful information about colleges and sixth forms spanning the country, with great advice regarding, courses, the difference in qualifications, distance, travel and bursaries. You can even search for live apprenticeships and make a short list to help you stay in control of your own destination.

Click here to log in https://www.unifrog.org/sign-in

If you are having trouble logging in to your account, please see Mrs Fuller during your break or after school.

Information about events and opportunities for students can be found on your Careers Google Classroom. This is updated regularly, so check in, so you don’t miss out!

Useful links and websites looking at different career paths:

National Career Service

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/home

Prospects (job profiles)

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles

Springpod

https://www.springpod.com/

Careers Box

http://www.careersbox.co.uk

icould

http://www.icould.com

Not going to uni?

http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk

Studential

http://www.studential.com

Mooc

https://www.mooc.org

Success at Schools (Careers Advice)

https://www.successatschool.org/

Speakers for Schools

https://www.speakersforschools.org/

You can get more support and advice from Inspire Hub

24-28 Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5EB  01375 413 735

thurrockcareers@thurrock.gov.uk

www.thurrock.gov.uk/career-support-for-young-people/thurrock-careers

Further Education at College and Sixth Form

Are you thinking of Further Education at College or Sixth Form? There are a range of subjects and qualifications you could opt for.

The academic route is A levels. You will typically study three complimenting subjects for 2 years. Each Subject studied will end in an examination. You could then continue on to higher education at University or enter the world of work, embarking on your chosen career.

The vocational route includes a range of qualification types including BTEC, NVQ, CACHE, UAL. You will be focusing on one particular subject or industry. These courses are very practical and you may be required to attend a work placement too. These courses are mainly coursework-based, although some do include assessments for some units studied.

T-Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to 3 A levels, a T Level focusses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.

  1. Attend as many College and Sixth Form Open Evenings as possible. These are usually with in the first term of Year 11. You can find dates and times advertised on the college web sites, in the career’s office and on your Careers Google Classroom.
  2. Choose subjects you enjoy, excel in or that will support your next steps and career aims.
  3. Consider the distance how you will travel each day.
  4. Ask about a bursary. You may be eligible for financial support to help with the cost of travel or study equipment.
  5. Ensure that the College or Sixth Form can provide the additional support you require.

Colleges and their Open Evenings 2024-2025

Apprenticeships / T Levels

If classroom-based learning is not for you, you may want to consider an Apprenticeship.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: You will work, typically, for 4 days a week, whilst being paid and then take part in formal training one day a week, either in the workplace, at a local college or with a training provider that will lead to a recognised qualification.

Links for live apprenticeship vacancies:

amazingapprenticeships.com

www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

www.thelightbulbapprenticeships.com

www.seetec.co.uk

Thurrock Council's Job Vacancies

https://www.thurrockopportunities.co.uk/

https://www.adzuna.co.uk/

www.southessex.ac.uk

www.nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk

https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students

Traineeships

What does a traineeship offer? Traineeships are a work-based education. You will be trained in the skills needed for a particular job. Usual training programs with work experience for young people are unpaid.

Links for Traineeship providers:

GOV.UK www.gov.uk/find-traineeship

J&E Training, Hairdressing Academy www.j-etraining.com

Eden Training, Health and Social Care www.edentraining.co.uk

Vocational Training Service www.vts.ac.uk

Central Training Group www.centraltraininggroup.com

Hall of Ivy www.hallsofivy.co.uk

Life Skills www.learnaliving.co.uk

TCHC Group www.tchc.net

The Princes Trust www.princes-trust.org.uk

T Levels

https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to support your community whilst gaining vital skills essential to the world of work.

For local opportunities, go to:

www.thurrock.gov.uk

www.volunteeressex.org

  1. Volunteer work adds value to your CV.
  2. You can gain confidence and develop your social skills.
  3. It may lead to paid work.
Future Aspirations

Thinking of going to University? Check out www.ucas.com

Free Resources

Looking for support creating a CV, cover letter or need interview tips? Follow the links below for some great advice.

www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/cvs/cv-templates

www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/cover-letters/cover-letter-templates

www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/interview-techniques/job-interview-tips

 

Upcoming Events

For an overview of the Careers Activities and Events - please click here

Student Feedback

"I really enjoyed the taster day at Cambridge University. It expanded my knowledge of university life and standards required." - Oheema Year 10

"I really enjoyed the visit to Cambridge University. It helped me to know what subjects to choose for my A-Levels and what grades I should get to get into University. It has also made me appreciate the Gateway Academy more because of the opportunity they have given me." - Immanuella Year 10