--- title: "Careers and Post16" url: "https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/careers-and-post16" school: "Garstang Community Academy" --- # Careers and Post16 # Careers at Garstang Community Academy **Careers Lead:** Sarah Procter \| \| 01995 603226 **Careers Adviser:** Paula Askew \| \| 01995 603226 A strong careers programme grows with our students, which is why we keep this page regularly updated with the latest opportunities, guidance, and events. In line with the Gatsby Benchmarks, we aim to provide clear, current, and meaningful information that helps every student explore their future with confidence. Our careers policies are reviewed and updated annually to ensure they remain accurate, ambitious, and fully aligned with national expectations. Whether looking for work experience, apprenticeship pathways, college/university options, or employer links, this page is designed to support our pupils and parents at every stage of their journey. ### [Events](https://nationalcareersweek.com/) [National Careers Week](https://nationalcareersweek.com/) --- 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](http://barclayslifeskills.com/i-want-to-use-my-online-presence-to-get-ahead/school/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! Careers | [Agriculture, sustainability and animal care](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cw9ydv3l74qt) | |---| | [Art, fashion and design](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cpevl4p4p4zt) | | [Business, marketing and finance](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/c44dvle5jemt) | | [Education and childcare](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cxvx2n3zxkqt) | | [Engineering, construction and manufacturing](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cnm3nrj16r3t) | | [Healthcare and frontline services](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cpevl4pq6z4t) | | [Hospitality, catering and retail](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cr2re5vq3vet) | | [Law, politics and government](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/ckxjydplq41t) | | [Media](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cljdxvywe6rt) | | [Performing arts](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cerwn4l35mrt) | | [Science and technology](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cmdmvnxwzlet) | | [Sport](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/ckxjydpd39zt) | | [Travel and leisure](https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/cw9ydv3eddyt) | ## The Student Journey ![](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/images/news/Student_Journey_for_website_25-26.pptx.jpg) ## The Parent Journey ![](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/images/news/FOUR_PATHWAYS_TO_YOUR_FUTURE.jpg) ![](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/images/news/Parent_Journey_for_website.jpg) ## **Careerometer Widget** This interactive tool helps students navigate different career areas, what's involved, and salary potential. [Embedded content](https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/cm2/index.html) **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](https://lancashire.startprofile.com/page/home-page) ### Careers and Post16 A Parent's Guide to Higher Education 3.83 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/A_Parent-s_Guide_to_Higher_Education_Choices.pdf) An Introduction to Apprenticeships 2.29 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/An-introduction-to-apprenticeships_Students_PRE_RECORDED_Garstang_(2).pdf) Apprenticeship Hints and Tips for Parents & Carers 3.75 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Apprenticeship-Hints-Tips-for-Parents-Carers-V2.pdf) Assembly & Encounters List 26-27 221 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/College_and_Employer_Encounters_26-27_(1).pdf) Careers Policy 439 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Careers_Policy_-_Nov_27.docx(1).pdf) College Open Days 2026-27 133 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Open_Days_2026-27.docx.pdf) Explore Your Options After Year 11 1.04 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/KS4_to_KS5_Transition_Booklet_Final_2024.pdf) Gatsby Benchmarks 371 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Gatsby_Benchmarks.docx.pdf) Guide to Applying for Apprenticeships 3.48 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Guide_to_applying_apprenticeship.pdf) How do I write a CV? 437 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Rapid-Read_How-do-I-write-a-CV-1.pdf) Labour Market Information 84 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Labour_Market_Information.docx.pdf) Navigating Your Path to College Success 4.02 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Navigating_your_Path_to_College_Success_(5).pdf) Post 16 Options 253 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Post_16_options.pdf) Provider Access Policy 139 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Provider_Access_Policy_Jan_25.docx.pdf) What is an apprenticeship? 957 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/What-is-an-apprenticeship-1.pdf) ### Careers in the NHS Careers in the NHS 846 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/files/documents/Garstang_Website_(1).pdf) ### Related News ![Image of GCA Students Gain Inspiring Career Experience at Royal Lancaster Infirmary](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/images(1).png) 6 November 2026 ### [GCA Students Gain Inspiring Career Experience at Royal Lancaster Infirmary](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/news/2026-11-06-gca-students-gain-inspiring-career-experience-at-royal-lancaster-infirmary) ![Image of Year 10 & 11 Childcare Students Explore Early Years Careers & Apprenticeships](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/IMG_6905.jpeg) 4 November 2026 ### [Year 10 & 11 Childcare Students Explore Early Years Careers & Apprenticeships](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/news/2026-11-04-year-10-11-childcare-students-explore-early-years-careers-apprenticeships) ![Image of Students Inspired at the 350 NHS & Social Care Careers Fair](https://files.schudio.com/garstang-community-academy-2/imagecache/720x440c/news/Step-into-the-NHS.png) 21 October 2026 ### [Students Inspired at the 350 NHS & Social Care Careers Fair](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/news/2026-10-21-students-inspired-at-the-350-nhs-social-care-careers-fair) [View All News](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/news/tag/careers) ### Curriculum - [Your Child's Journey](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/your-child-s-journey) - [Curriculum Overview](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/curriculum) - [Extra Curricular](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/extracurricular/extracurricular) - [Student Leaders](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/student-leaders) - [Year Group Learning](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/curriculum/year-group-learning) - [Careers](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/careers-and-post16) - [Apprenticeship Vacancies](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/apprenticeship-vacancies) - [Personal Development](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/personal-development) - Reading - [Reading](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/reading) - [Your eLibrary](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/reading/accelerated-reader) - [FCAT Literary Canon](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/reading/fcat-literary-canon) - [Recommended Reads](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/reading/recommended-reads) - [The WIKI Way](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/reading/the-wiki-way) - [Assistive Technology](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/reading/assistive-technology-for-reading) - [Turn on the Subtitles](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/reading/turn-on-the-subtitles) - [Revision](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/curriculum/revision) ### Garstang Community Academy Garstang Road Bowgreave Garstang PR3 1YE 01995 603226 ### Useful Links - [Student Email (Gmail)](https://www.gmail.com) - [Google Classroom](https://classroom.google.com/) - [Facilities Hire](https://northwestschoolhire.co.uk/) - [Privacy Statement](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/old-website-pages/privacy-statements) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582638844533&locale=en_GB) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/garstangcommunityacademy2024/?hl=en) ### Translation © Copyright 2016–2026 Garstang Community Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://garstangcommunityacademy.com/img/logo/dark.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)