Carers & Work Related Learning

Careers and Work-Related Learning at Clyst Vale School 

At Clyst Vale Community College, we are committed to ensuring that every student is prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. Our Careers and Work-Related Learning Programme helps students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future and to achieve their aspirations.  

We believe that high-quality careers education should help students understand themselves, explore the full range of opportunities available to them and develop the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Through a carefully planned programme of careers education, employer engagement, workplace experiences and personal guidance, we help students make ambitious but realistic choices about their next steps. 

Our Careers Programme 

Our aim is to help every student investigate the wide range of opportunities available to them and make informed decisions about future education, training and employment. 

Our careers programme is designed to help students: 

• Develop self-awareness and understand their strengths, interests and aspirations. 

• Explore the full range of post-16 and post-18 opportunities available to them. 

• Understand local, regional and national labour market information. 

• Develop employability, enterprise and career management skills. 

• Build confidence when making decisions about their future. 

• Prepare successfully for key transitions throughout their education and beyond. 

Careers education is delivered through our PSHE programme, Deep Learning Days, tutorial programme, curriculum subjects, assemblies, enrichment activities, employer encounters, workplace experiences and individual guidance.  

Gatsby Benchmarks 

Our careers provision is structured around the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance, the nationally recognised framework for high-quality careers education. 

The Gatsby Benchmarks ensure that students benefit from: 

• A stable careers programme. 

• Learning from career and labour market information. 

• Support that meets the needs of every student. 

• Curriculum learning linked to future careers. 

• Encounters with employers and employees. 

• Experiences of workplaces. 

• Encounters with further and higher education providers. 

• Personal careers guidance.  

Careers Education Across the Curriculum 

We believe that every subject contributes to students' career development. 

Teachers help students understand how the knowledge and skills they are developing can be applied in future study, training and employment. Through curriculum learning, students gain an understanding of how different subjects connect to careers, industries and future opportunities, helping them recognise the relevance of their learning beyond the classroom.  

Employer Encounters and Workplace Experiences 

Meeting employers and experiencing the workplace helps students understand the opportunities available to them and develop the skills valued by employers. 

Throughout their time at Clyst Vale, students have opportunities to participate in: 

• Careers fairs and networking events. 

• Employer talks and workshops. 

• Industry-specific presentations. 

• Workplace visits. 

• Enterprise and employability activities. 

• Mock interviews. 

• Work experience opportunities. 

• Encounters with apprenticeship, education and training providers.  

These experiences provide students with valuable insights into the world of work and help them make informed decisions about their futures. 

Independent and Impartial Careers Guidance 

All students have access to independent and impartial careers guidance to support them in making informed decisions about future pathways.  

Students receive personalised support at key transition points and are encouraged to explore the full range of opportunities available, including: 

• Sixth form and further education. 

• Apprenticeships and technical qualifications. 

• T Levels. 

• University pathways. 

• Employment and training routes. 

• Local and national labour market opportunities. 

Our aim is to ensure that every student leaves Clyst Vale with a clear understanding of the options available to them and the confidence to pursue their chosen pathway. 

Student Entitlement 

Every student at Clyst Vale School is entitled to: 

• Access high-quality careers education and guidance. 

• Receive impartial advice about future options. 

• Meet employers and employees from a range of sectors. 

• Participate in workplace experiences and work-related learning. 

• Learn about academic, vocational and technical pathways. 

• Meet representatives from colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers and training organisations. 

• Receive support when making important decisions about future education and career pathways. 

• Access up-to-date information about future learning and employment opportunities.  

Post-16 and Post-18 Pathways 

We are committed to ensuring students understand the full range of progression opportunities available to them. 

These include: 

• A Levels and sixth form study. 

• Vocational qualifications. 

• T Levels. 

• Further education courses. 

• Apprenticeships. 

• Higher and Degree Apprenticeships. 

• Universities and higher education institutions. 

• Employment and training opportunities.  

Students are encouraged to consider all pathways and to choose the route that best reflects their ambitions, strengths and interests. 

Supporting Every Student 

We recognise that every student's journey is unique. 

Careers support is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring that all young people can access meaningful guidance and opportunities. Additional support is available for students with SEND, disadvantaged students and those who may need further assistance in planning their next steps.  

Working in Partnership 

Our careers programme is strengthened through partnerships with employers, training providers, colleges, universities and local organisations. 

These partnerships help students gain first-hand experience of future opportunities and ensure that careers education remains relevant, ambitious and responsive to the needs of the modern workplace.  

Careers Contacts

For further information about Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG), employer engagement or work experience opportunities, please contact: 

Miss Abigail Hadley - Careers Leader 

Email: careers.lead@clystvale.bep.ac

Mrs Sally Trump - Careers Adviser 

Email:

careersadvisor@clystvale.bep.ac

Evaluating Our Careers Programme

We are committed to continuous improvement and regularly evaluate the impact of our careers provision through: 

• Gatsby Benchmark assessments. 

• Student feedback. 

• Parent and carer feedback. 

• Employer and partner evaluations. 

• Destination data and progression outcomes.  

This helps us ensure that our careers programme continues to meet the needs of students and prepares them successfully for future education, training and employment. 

LINK TO PAGE SECTIONS

Careers Programme (Year 7 – 11) 

Work Experience

Apprenticeship Information 

Post 16 Providers 

Post-16 Providers 

Exploring Your Post-16 Options 

At Clyst Vale School, we are committed to ensuring that all students fully explore the wide range of opportunities available after Year 11 so that they can make informed and ambitious decisions about their future. 

There is no single "best" route after GCSEs. Students should consider a range of pathways including sixth form study, further education colleges, apprenticeships, technical qualifications, T Levels and specialist providers. Our role is to ensure that every student has access to accurate, impartial information about all available options. This commitment is reflected in our careers programme and provider access arrangements.  

Learning About Post-16 Opportunities 

Throughout Years 10 and 11, students have multiple opportunities to hear directly from post-16 providers and explore different progression routes. 

These opportunities include: 

• Presentations from colleges, sixth forms, training and apprenticeship providers. 

• Careers fairs and post-16 events. 

• Assemblies and workshops. 

• Personal guidance interviews with our Careers Adviser. 

• Open evenings and taster events. 

• College and sixth form visits. 

• Information sessions for students and parents. 

• Support with applications and progression planning. 

By providing repeated opportunities to engage with providers, we ensure students can revisit their choices as their interests, aspirations and plans develop.  

Local Sixth Forms 

Many Clyst Vale students choose to continue their studies in a sixth form setting. 

Popular destinations include: 

• The King's School Sixth Form, Ottery St Mary 

• Colyton Grammar School Sixth Form 

• Sidmouth College Sixth Form 

• Independent sixth forms including The Maynard School  

Students are encouraged to attend open evenings and visit multiple providers before making decisions. 

Further Education and Specialist Colleges 

Many students choose to continue their education at further education colleges, where they can access a broad range of academic, vocational and technical qualifications. 

Local providers include: 

• Exeter College 

• Bicton College 

• Petroc College 

• Exeter Mathematics School 

These providers offer pathways including A Levels, T Levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and specialist industry programmes. 

Apprenticeships and Technical Pathways 

Apprenticeships provide students with the opportunity to earn whilst they learn and gain valuable industry experience alongside recognised qualifications. 

Students receive information about: 

• Apprenticeship opportunities. 

• T Levels. 

• Technical qualifications. 

• Degree apprenticeships. 

• Employment with training. 

• Industry-specific career pathways. 

We work with apprenticeship providers, employers and training organisations to ensure students understand the full range of technical and vocational routes available.  

Support for Students and Families 

Choosing a post-16 pathway is an important decision and we encourage students and parents/carers to explore all available options. 

Support includes: 

• One-to-one careers guidance. 

• Support with applications. 

• Advice on entry requirements. 

• Open event information. 

• Guidance on apprenticeships and training opportunities. 

• Information about financial support and travel arrangements where relevant. 

Parents and carers play an important role in helping students make informed choices and are encouraged to attend careers and post-16 events alongside their child.  

Useful Post-16 Provider Links 

Sixth Forms 

• https://www.thekings.devon.sch.uk 

• Colyton Grammar School Sixth Form 

• https://www.sidmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk 

Colleges and Specialist Providers 

• Exeter College 

• Bicton College 

• Petroc College 

• Exeter Mathematics School 

Apprenticeships 

• Amazing Apprenticeships 

• https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship 

• UCAS Apprenticeships 

Provider Access 

Clyst Vale School welcomes requests from approved education and training providers to speak to students about technical qualifications, apprenticeships and post-16 pathways. 

Information about how providers can access students can be found in our Provider Access Policy. This policy sets out how we ensure students have meaningful encounters with a wide range of providers and have access to impartial information about future education and training opportunities.  

Apprenticeships  

What is an Apprenticeship? 

An apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience whilst continuing to learn and study towards nationally recognised qualifications. 

As an apprentice, you will be employed by a company, earn a salary and spend time developing your knowledge and skills through structured training. Apprenticeships combine practical experience with formal learning, allowing young people to gain qualifications whilst building a career. 

For many students, apprenticeships provide an excellent alternative to full-time college or sixth form study and can lead directly to long-term employment, further training or higher-level qualifications. 

Why Choose an Apprenticeship? 

Apprenticeships allow you to: 

• Earn whilst you learn. 

• Gain real workplace experience. 

• Develop industry-specific skills. 

• Achieve recognised qualifications. 

• Build professional networks and contacts. 

• Progress to higher-level qualifications and degree-level study. 

• Begin a rewarding career in your chosen sector. 

Apprenticeships are available in a huge range of industries including: 

• Engineering 

• Construction 

• Business Administration 

• Digital and IT 

• Health and Social Care 

• Education and Childcare 

• Finance and Accountancy 

• Hospitality and Catering 

• Agriculture and Land-Based Industries 

• Manufacturing 

• Creative and Media Industries 

• Public Services 

Apprenticeship Levels 

There are apprenticeship opportunities available at a range of levels: 

This means apprenticeships can provide progression all the way from Year 11 through to degree-level qualifications and professional careers. 

Apprenticeships at Post-16 

Many students choose to apply for apprenticeships after Year 11 rather than attending sixth form or college full-time. 

Employers often look for applicants who can demonstrate: 

• Good attendance and punctuality. 

• Strong communication skills. 

• Commitment and reliability. 

• A positive attitude towards learning. 

• Motivation and enthusiasm. 

• Relevant work experience or employer engagement opportunities. 

Students interested in apprenticeships should begin researching opportunities during Years 10 and 11 to understand the requirements, application processes and deadlines. 

Apprenticeships After Sixth Form 

Apprenticeships are not just an alternative to sixth form. Many students choose to complete A Levels or Level 3 qualifications before progressing to: 

• Higher Apprenticeships. 

• Degree Apprenticeships. 

• Professional Training Programmes. 

These routes enable students to continue their education whilst gaining significant workplace experience and avoiding many of the costs associated with traditional university study. 

Support at Clyst Vale 

At Clyst Vale, we ensure that all students receive impartial information about apprenticeship pathways alongside information about sixth forms, colleges and university routes. 

Students have opportunities to: 

• Attend careers events and provider presentations. 

• Access one-to-one careers guidance. 

• Learn about local, regional and national opportunities. 

• Receive support with applications and CV writing. 

Our aim is to ensure that every student understands the full range of pathways available and can make informed decisions about their future. 

Finding Apprenticeships 

A number of excellent resources are available to help students explore apprenticeship opportunities: 

National Apprenticeship Service 

The government's official apprenticeship website allows students to search and apply for apprenticeship vacancies across England. 

Find an Apprenticeship 

Amazing Apprenticeships 

A leading source of information, advice and guidance for students, parents and teachers. 

Amazing Apprenticeships 

UCAS Apprenticeships 

Information about Higher and Degree Apprenticeships, including opportunities with major employers. 

UCAS Apprenticeships 

Apprenticeships.gov.uk 

Useful information explaining how apprenticeships work and the opportunities available. 

How Apprenticeships Work 

Support for Parents and Carers 

Information specifically designed to help families understand apprenticeship pathways. 

Support for Parents and Carers 

Local Opportunities 

Many employers across Devon and the South West offer apprenticeship opportunities for school leavers and sixth form students. 

Students regularly secure apprenticeship opportunities with: 

• Local engineering and manufacturing companies. 

• Construction and building firms. 

• IT and digital organisations. 

• Healthcare providers. 

• Public sector employers. 

• Agricultural and land-based businesses. 

• National employers with local training programmes. 

Vacancies are advertised throughout the year, and students are encouraged to check apprenticeship websites regularly. 

Carers Programme (Year 7-11)

Work Experience

Apprenticeship Information

Post 16 Providers