Our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Programme
At Whitstone, we recognise that it is essential for students to learn about career pathways and the world of work, whilst developing employability skills alongside the academic curriculum. Our CEIAG programme provides students with information, advice and guidance throughout their time with us to ensure they are equipped to make appropriate decisions about their career pathway.
Our programme includes:
- Meaningful experiences that connect learning to the world of work, including college visits and visits from local businesses industries to bring real-world context into the classroom
- Work experience (WEX) programme that gives students hands-on opportunities to explore different career paths and develop employability skills in real workplace settings
- Exploration of all learning pathways – we ensure students are aware of the full range of post-16 options including university, college and apprenticeships, helping them understand the requirements and opportunities each pathway offers
- Mentoring for all students, with additional targeted support for our pupil premium and SEND students to ensure every young person has the guidance they need to succeed
- One-to-one careers guidance – every student has a meeting with a suitably qualified careers advisor during their time with us to help them make the best choices for their future
How we deliver our programme
Our CEIAG provision is delivered through a combination of:
- Discrete careers sessions, including careers lessons, assemblies and tutor time activities
- Integrated curriculum learning where subject teachers make explicit links between their subjects and career opportunities, helping students see the relevance of their academic studies to the world of work
- Personalised support tailored to individual needs through one-to-one guidance, mentoring and careers portfolio development
- Opt-in enrichment activities, including careers fairs, employer visits, and workplace experiences
Our commitment to quality
We are committed to continually developing our CEIAG programme to ensure we provide the best opportunities for our students. All our activities are designed to address the six CDI learning areas:
- Grow throughout life – learning and reflecting on strengths and development
- Explore possibilities – understanding the full range of opportunities and pathways
- Manage career – actively planning and learning from experiences
- Create opportunities – being proactive and building positive relationships
- Balance life and work – considering wellbeing alongside career ambitions
- See the big picture – understanding how the economy, politics and society connect to career choices
Our programme activities are also linked to the 8 essential employability skills and the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks of quality careers guidance.
Working in partnership
We welcome contact from employers, further and higher education institutions, and apprenticeship providers to work with us to build on the range of opportunities we can provide for our students to engage in the world of work.
| Careers Staff | |
|---|---|
| Careers Leader | Mrs Rachel Findlay Email: Rachel.Findlay@whitstoneschool.org |
| SLT Careers Lead | Mr Neil Elsegood |
| Careers Administrator | Ms A Pickaver Based on the Careers desk in Library Email: Alannah.Pickaver@whitstoneschool.org |
| Enterprise Advisor | Mr Martin Symons |
Whitstone Academy has the benefit of a key business volunteer who works with us on a strategic level, encouraging the development of our careers programme and connecting us to the business community across the county. This role is recognised nationally as an Enterprise Adviser (EA) and they are part of the Somerset Careers Hub community of support driving the connection between careers education and the business sector.
Somerset Careers Hub
Employer Engagement
At Whitstone, we believe that connecting our students with local and national employers is essential to preparing them for their future careers. Real-world insights from businesses like yours help our young people understand the opportunities available to them and develop the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
We’re looking for employers who share our commitment to inspiring the next generation and are willing to engage with our students in meaningful ways.
Why Work With Us?
Partnering with Whitstone offers benefits for both our students and your organisation
For our students:
- Real-world insights into different industries and career pathways
- Understanding of workplace culture and employer expectations
- Opportunities to develop essential employability skills
- Inspiration and motivation to achieve their goals
- Access to positive role models from diverse backgrounds
For your organisation:
- Help shape the future workforce with the skills your industry needs
- Raise your profile within the local community
- Demonstrate your commitment to corporate social responsibility
- Connect with potential future employees and apprentices
- Give your staff rewarding opportunities to develop their own skills through mentoring and volunteering
How You Can Get Involved
We welcome employer involvement in many different ways, and we’re happy to work flexibly around your availability and expertise. Opportunities include:
Talks and Presentations
Share your career journey, explain what your industry does, or talk about the skills and qualifications needed in your sector. These can be delivered in-person or virtually.
Workplace Visits
Host groups of students at your workplace to give them a behind-the-scenes look at your organisation and the variety of roles within it.
Work Experience and Work Shadowing
Provide students with hands-on experience of the world of work, helping them develop professional skills and understand workplace expectations.
Careers Fairs and Events
Attend our careers events to meet students, answer their questions, and showcase the opportunities your organisation offers.
Mock Interviews and Application Support
Help students prepare for recruitment processes by conducting practice interviews or reviewing CVs and application forms.
Mentoring
Build an ongoing relationship with a student, offering guidance, support, and encouragement as they navigate their career choices.
Curriculum Projects
Work with our teaching staff to bring real-world context to classroom learning through industry-related projects and challenges.
Enterprise Activities
Support students in developing their entrepreneurial skills through enterprise challenges or business competitions.
Our Commitment to You
We understand that your time is valuable. When you work with Whitstone, we will:
- Provide clear information about what’s involved and what we’re asking of you
- Ensure students are well-prepared and briefed before any encounter
- Be flexible and work around your schedule
- Provide appropriate safeguarding information and support
- Gather feedback to ensure the experience is valuable for everyone involved
- Recognise and celebrate your contribution to our students’ development
Making a Difference
Employer engagement is more important than ever as young people face exceptional challenges including the impacts of the climate emergency, and changes to the UK’s relationships with the European Union and other parts of the world. Your involvement can make a real difference in helping our students navigate these challenges and build successful, sustainable careers.
Get In Touch
We’d love to hear from you, whether you have a specific idea in mind or would simply like to explore how we might work together.
Please contact our Careers Leader:
Mrs Rachel Findlay
rachel.findlay@whitstoneschool.org
01749 345555
We look forward to partnering with you to inspire and prepare the next generation for the world of work.
Together, we can open doors to opportunity for our young people.
Employers | CEC Corporate Web
Information for Students
Throughout your time at Whitstone, you’ll have opportunities to explore and plan for your future career. You’ll receive impartial careers guidance before leaving school, along with many chances to reflect on your skills and begin planning your next steps.
When thinking about your future, it’s important to understand current employment trends and what jobs are available – this is called Labour Market Information (LMI).
Your Career Development Journey
Your career development at Whitstone is built around six key learning areas from the CDI (Career Development Institute) Framework:
- Grow throughout life – Learn about yourself, your background, and your strengths through reflection
- Explore possibilities – Discover the full range of opportunities open to you and learn about recruitment processes and different workplace cultures
- Manage career – Take an active role in managing your career, make the most of opportunities, and learn from setbacks
- Create opportunities – Be proactive and build positive relationships with others
- Balance life and work – Consider how to balance your life as a worker and/or entrepreneur with your wellbeing, other interests, and your involvement with family and community
- See the big picture – Understand how the economy, politics, and society connect with your own life and career
These areas will help you develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for a successful and fulfilling career.
Unifrog
National Careers Service
Skills Assessment
www.careerpilot.org.uk
Careers Programme - Information for Parents and Carers
Welcome
At Whitstone, we’re committed to preparing your child for their future career and helping them make informed decisions about their next steps in education, training, and work.
We know that you play a vital role in supporting your child’s career development. Research shows that parents and carers are often the biggest influence on young people’s career choices. That’s why we want to work in partnership with you to ensure your child has access to high-quality careers guidance and support throughout their time at school.
Our Approach to Careers
Our careers programme is designed around the Career Development Institute (CDI) Framework, which focuses on six key learning areas:
- Growing throughout life – helping students understand themselves, their strengths, and their values
- Exploring possibilities – introducing students to the wide range of career options and pathways available
- Managing career – developing the skills to plan ahead, set goals, and bounce back from setbacks
- Creating opportunities – building confidence, networks, and the ability to make things happen
- Balancing life and work – understanding wellbeing, finances, and managing different life roles
- Seeing the big picture – connecting personal choices to the wider world of work, the economy, and society
What Your Child Will Experience
Throughout their time at Whitstone, your child will:
- Receive impartial careers guidance before leaving school
- Have regular opportunities to reflect on their skills and plan for their future
- Learn about Labour Market Information (LMI) to understand current employment trends and available opportunities
- Participate in careers lessons, employer encounters, workplace visits, and other enriching experiences
- Develop a personal careers portfolio to track their progress and achievements
How You Can Get Involved
We encourage you to:
- Talk to your child about their interests, aspirations, and career ideas
- Attend parents’ evenings and careers events
- Support your child in researching different career pathways
- Share your own career experiences and those of family and friends
- Help your child make the most of the opportunities we provide
On this page, you’ll find more detailed information about our careers programme, upcoming events, and resources to support your conversations at home.
If you have any questions about our careers provision, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Findlay Careers Lead.