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Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance

Careers Guidance Resources for College Careers Leaders

Following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, young people will be faced with a very challenging labour market.

This is supported by clear emerging evidence that young people are being disproportionately impacted through unemployment and a significant reduction in apprenticeship opportunities. World class careers guidance coupled with high impact support, linked to the local economy, is arguably now more critical than ever. The January 2021 Skills for Jobs White Paper further highlights that colleges have a key role in boosting productivity, strengthening communities, and supporting individuals.

AoC is working with the Careers and Enterprise Company to provide resources, webinars and information for the leaders, governors and careers guidance professionals in the FE sector to help support colleges in their careers guidance offer.

Join the College Careers Community. CEC is encouraging colleagues within FE to join a virtual community to share best practice and resources to drive innovation in careers education.

NEW Action Research Opportunity for 2024 - Parental Engagement

The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) is delighted to be working in partnership with the Association of Colleges (AoC) to launch a range of careers education focused action research projects supporting our mission to help every young person find their next best step.

Action research is a powerful tool which promotes innovation and improvement within a range of professional sectors as day-to-day practitioners are empowered to identify issues, find solutions and build in best practice within their everyday working environment.

We have already welcomed applications for the careers action research project based on one of the following themes:

1. Developing a quality careers education programme for an
underrepresented group(s)
2. Co-ordinating and standardising the quality of delivery for CEIAG across a
multisite institution (including enrichment, skills development, embedded
and stand-alone activity)
3. Creating innovative approaches to developing meaningful employer
engagement and partnerships

We are now adding a careers action research project on parental engagement.

You will find further details in the following guide: Careers Action Research Project Parental Engagement

To apply to run the careers action research project on parental engagement, please complete the application in the guide.

We would strongly recommend that anyone considering putting in an application ensures their Careers Leader/team complete the new CPD modules on parental engagement from the CEC where these principles are explored in more detail with accompanying resource and support: Parental Engagement CPD from CEC

Applications will close on 23rd February 2024 at 17.00

Careers Leaders Training

Careers Leaders training is making a real difference. The Careers & Enterprise Company offer both a fully funded training option and a free online induction for newly appointed Careers Leaders to help them understand the value of the role and the careers education landscape.

Over 2,000 Careers Leaders have already completed the fully funded training with 82% of Careers Leaders reporting a faster improvement towards achieving the Gatsby Benchmarks*.The training equips Careers Leaders with all the knowledge they need across leadership, management, co-ordination and networking to implement a strategic, whole school/college approach to careers. This year, The Careers & Enterprise Company has partnered with nine high quality training providers to deliver this training.

Choose from distant, face-to-face or blended learning courses
Network and make new connections with other Careers Leaders.
Improve your knowledge of the role and gain access to a qualification (up to level 7)
All Careers Leaders are eligible to apply for a fully funded training place.

*source: Impact evaluation of Careers Leader Training, 2018-2020

For more information, view the evaluation report.

Showcasing Best Practice

Please view the following short films showcasing some innovative work in careers education being done in three colleges. The films have been produced by the colleges with support from the Careers and Enterprise Company and focus on linking sustainability and careers, developing a skills framework and creating effective employer engagement.

Middlesborough College

Lancaster and Morecambe College

Barnsley College