Careers at Garstang Community Academy

 

Careers Lead: Sarah Procter | s.procter@garstang.fcat.org.uk | 01995 603226

Careers Adviser: Paula Askew | p.askew@garstang.fcat.org.uk | 01995 603226

 

Events

 

National Apprenticeship Week

What is an Apprenticeship

National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the value of apprenticeships and highlight the wide range of pathways available to young people. Throughout the week, students will be exploring how apprenticeships combine practical training with real-world experience, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed for future careers. It’s an ideal moment for families to start conversations at home about future aspirations and the different routes into employment.

Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting their child’s decision-making. Encouraging them to research different industries, discussing their strengths and interests, and exploring apprenticeship vacancies together can make a real difference. Families can also visit the official National Apprenticeship Service website, attend virtual employer events, or speak with our school’s careers adviser for personalised guidance. 

Further Reading and Support for Parents & Carers 

• Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships  
• Parent and Carer webinar: Understanding apprenticeships Date: 9^th Feb 6:30pm  
• EDF Apprenticeships Parent and Careers Guide 

To support this event further, we have several events taking place in school

This week a group of our year 11 students took part in an apprenticeship workshop where they registered on the Government’s official Find an Apprenticeship website. They can now start searching and applying for real vacancies throughout the year.

Find an Apprenticeship: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship  

We’ve encouraged students to explore a range of places when looking for opportunities:

• Use the Government vacancy website 
• Search on Indeed: https://uk.indeed.com/  
• Check college and employer websites for apprenticeship openings
• Look on social media or post that you’re seeking an apprenticeship
• Approach local employers directly — offering work experience or volunteering can sometimes lead to an apprenticeship

Please support your young person by reminding them to check these sites regularly. New vacancies appear all year round.

Events

Friday 6^th Feb – Our weekly Future Friday in form time will be all about apprenticeships. 

Monday 9th Feb – JTL will be delivering a year 11 information session to those students interested in apprenticeships in plumbing and electrical installation

Monday 9^th Feb - Lunchtime Apprenticeship Q&A in the careers room with Mrs Askew. Everyone is welcome! 

Drop in any time between 1:25 and 2:05. 

Monday 9^th Feb 6:30pm Parent and Carer webinar: Understanding apprenticeships 

Tuesday 10^th Feb – Northwest Ambulance Service Live Chat. https://www.nwas.nhs.uk/careers   Ask questions about careers in the ambulance service When: 1-2pm & 4-5pm 

Wednesday 11^th Feb – Workplace visit to Forbes Solicitors to explore careers and apprenticeships linked to Law

Wednesday 11^th Feb – Apprenticeship Search in F6. Log and explore live job vacancies – open to all year groups, drop in over lunch. 

Thursday 12^th Feb – Apprenticeship Search in F6. Log and explore live job vacancies – open to all year groups, drop in over lunch.

Leyland Trucks Webinars (various times throughout the week) Register your interest here:
https://hubs.li/Q040s-QF0

   

 

National Careers Week

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All students receive the following three strands of careers education and guidance:

1. Wider Curriculum
   The wider curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed in the world of work through a range of activities related to economic well-being.
2. General Careers Advice
   General careers advice and specific guidance on progression routes are provided by the school’s independent Careers Adviser, Paula Askew.
3. Links with the Community and Local Businesses
   Excellent links exist with the community, local colleges, training providers, and employers. These partners are invited into the school to offer advice and guidance on progression routes. Employer encounters are also incorporated into the curriculum, enhancing student engagement and understanding.

Information, Advice, and Guidance

 

CV Builder

Paula Askew, an independent careers adviser, works in Garstang Community Academy four days a week. Students in Years 10 and 11 are automatically booked for 1:1 appointments where they can explore career aspirations. Paula helps students identify suitable courses, highlight relevant colleges, sixth forms, and training, and provide a clear action plan.

Students can also request an interview by speaking to Miss Procter or their form teacher. All students receive an action plan summarizing key points discussed and outlining steps to be taken.

Paula Askew's Role:

• Deliver bespoke careers advice and guidance.
• Provide a clear action plan for each student.
• Advise and guide on opportunities after Year 11.
• Support students in completing applications.
• Promote apprenticeship pathways and help search for vacancies.
• Explore university pathways.
• Provide information about the Labour Market (LMI).

Year Group Focus Areas

Year Group	Careers Activities
Year 7 & 8	Focus: Enterprise and Economic Understanding via PSHE. Business Enterprise project with the NHS. "Learn to Earn" event. Careers Convention (November). Introduction to online careers tools (KUDOS). Careers Library access.
Year 9	Careers Convention and library access. Pathways Assembly with local colleges. Year 9 options and transition support. Lunchtime CV and application sessions. Careers lessons on personal statements, apprenticeships, and challenging stereotypes.
Year 10	Careers Convention. College Taster Days (summer term). 1:1 Careers Interviews. Mock Interviews with local employers. Careers lessons covering employability skills, apprenticeships, and CV writing.
Year 11	Careers Convention. Subject-specific masterclasses from local colleges. Apprenticeship workshops. College/sixth form group sessions and lunchtime drop-ins. Employer information sessions. Careers lessons on interview techniques and action planning.

Key Career Events

• Year 10 Mock Interviews: All Year 10 students receive a mock interview with a local employer.
• College Taster Days: Year 10 students can participate in taster activities at colleges such as Preston College, Cardinal Newman, and Blackpool Sixth. Lancaster & Morecambe College also visits to deliver tasters.
• Careers Convention (November): All year groups attend the annual careers convention.
• Future Friday: Each Friday, a different career is introduced during form time, providing insight into various career paths. Students can request specific careers to be included.
• College/Sixth Form/Apprenticeship Drop-ins: Lunchtime drop-ins with local providers to ask questions and gain advice.
• Industry Days: Year group-specific industry days, based on demand and availability, such as Sustainability and Green Careers & Faraday STEM Challenge.

The GCA Careers Programme

The school has mapped out the CEIAG provision according to the Career Development Institute framework. The careers programme is differentiated to ensure progression, focusing on key transitional points and tailoring support for each year group.

We'll keep updating the accordion tool below with useful resources to help students explore different careers - and the jobs that haven't even been invented yet!

 

The Student Journey

 

The Parent Journey

Careerometer Widget

This interactive tool helps students navigate different career areas, what's involved, and salary potential.

Local Labour Market Information

Lancashire LMI includes helpful information about jobs and career opportunities in your area as well as information about local education and training provision. 

It will support you on your journey towards the world of work, helping you make informed choices and be employment ready.

Click here to access Lancashire LMI page

 

Careers and Post16

Careers in the NHS