Careers Education

Year Group	Autumn Term	Spring Term	Summer Term	Gatsby Benchmark
7	Classroom based activities — Who am I? Who am I going to be? How is the world of work changing and how can I prepare for the future? An introduction to Labour Market Information. Delivered in CPSHE lesson. Employability skills explored using the Skills Builder Programme. *Meet the career advisor — ‘Real or Fake Jobs’. Delivered in CPSHE lesson. Sector spotlight — Renewable Energy	Classroom based activities — Exploring jobs and careers that suit my interests. How can I develop my skills? Challenging stereotypes in the world of work. Delivered in CPSHE lesson. *Meet the career advisor — Group work session with careers advisor— ‘Real or fake jobs’. Delivered in CPSHE lessons. Sector spotlight Spring Term 1 — Health and Social Care	Classroom based activities — What are the different sectors of employment? Finding local labour market information by exploring industries in the local area. Delivered in CPSHE lesson. Experience of the workplace Sector spotlight Summer Term1-The Food Industry Summer Term 2- Construction	2,3,5,6
	Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment available on request for all students.
8	Classroom based activities — What skills are employers looking for? Delivered in CPSHE lesson. Exploring vocational and academic study. Exploring Labour Market Information. Employability skills explored using the Skills Builder Programme Delivered in CPSHE lesson. Sector spotlight — Renewable Energy	Classroom based activities — Step into the NHS — National Competition, delivered in CPSHE lesson. Meet the people who work in the NHS. Career pathways — delivered in CPSHE lessons. Apprenticeship presentation. University presentation. Sector spotlight — Sprint Term 1- Health and Social Care	Classroom based activities — What is an entrepreneur? How can I be enterprising? Why is budgeting important? How is finance linked to my career aspirations? Group work session with careers advisor. Delivered in CPSHE lesson. Enterprise Day Experience of the workplace Sector spotlight Summer Term 1-The Food Industry Summer Term2- Construction	2,3,5,6,7
	Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment available on request for all students.
9	Classroom based activities — What are career pathways and what are my choices? Exploring the difference between technical and academic qualifications? delivered in CPSHE lessons. Sector spotlight — Renewable energy	Classroom based activities — Career pathways and GCSE choices. The ‘Real Game’. Delivered in CPSHE lesson Apprenticeship presentation. Visit to University. Career Fair — on site Sector spotlight Spring Term 1 — Health and Social Care	Classroom based activities What are employment laws? How can we challenge inequality in the workplace? Delivered in CPSHE lesson. Women in Engineering Event Skills Builder Challenge Day — Social Entrepreneur STEM Fair Sector spotlight — Summer Term 1 — The Food Industry Summer Term 2 — Construction	2,3,5,6,7
	Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment available on request for all students
10	Classroom based activities — How does labour market information influence my ideas? How can I plan for my future career? Individual guidance — one to one career advisor appointment on request Sector spotlight — Renewable energy	Classroom based activities — Preparing for the world of work. Delivered in CPSHE lessons. Events — CV writing workshop. —Interview skills workshop and mock interviews. Experience of the workplace. Individual guidance — one to one career advisor appointment on request Sector spotlight — Spring Term 1 — Health and Social Care	Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment for all students Classroom based activities — Making the most of career events. Delivered in CPSHE lessons Events — GIFHE Taster Sessions Franklin Experience sessions Skills Fair. Experience of the workplace. Sector spotlight — Summer Term 1 — The Food Industry Summer Term 2 — Construction	2,3,5,6,7,8
	Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment for all students
11	Classroom based activities. Post 16 options. Preparing a personal statement to support post 16 application. Applying for post 16 courses via Lincs2. Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment for all students *Assemblies delivered by GIFHE, Tollbar Sixth Form, Franklin sixth form college, Bishop Burton, HETA, Catch, Avant Apprenticeships. Sector spotlight — Renewable energy	Classroom based activities — Financial Capability — mortgages and renting. Why is it important to pay into a pension? What if I have to borrow money in the future? Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment for all students continues * Continuation of Assemblies delivered by GIFHE, Tollbar Sixth Form, Franklin sixth form college, Bishop Burton, HETA, Catch, Avant Apprenticeships. Sector Spotlight — Spring Term 1 — Health and Social Care	Classroom based activities — How do I prepare for a part time job? What laws protect workers? What are trade unions? Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment for all students continues Sector spotlight — Su1 — The Food Industry	2,3,5,6,7,8
	Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment for all students
12	Tutorial based activities: Careers questionnaire highlighting individual student careers needs. University of Sheffield: Study skills. University of York — Next Steps York Programme. Working Lunch: Minimum of four invited pathways. HYMS widening participation programme. BGU Careers in Education — Preteaching Award. University of Leeds — Access programme. University of Sheffield — Discover Sheffield programme. Youth Independent Advisory Group. Trips and Visits: ‘We are Great Grimsby’ trip celebrating local success stories and inspiring local students to aspire. Work experience opportunities: Individual student arrangements. Programme of internal work experience opportunities published. Department Careers: Individual department subject discussions, webinars and visits. Individual Guidance: Students can request a careers appointment at any time, in addition to the two they are scheduled throughout their Sixth Form studies.	Tutorial based activities: Inspirational Speaker — My Careers Journey. Career focus tutorial programme — employability skills. National Apprenticeship Week — Alumni celebration. Working Lunch: Minimum of four invited pathways. Humberside Police. Forrester Boyd Accountancy Renewable Energy. Health. Creating a LinkedIn profile. Trips and Visits: Year 12 — year group trip to the University of Hull Careers week Fayre- apprenticeship and local industry focus. Work experience opportunities: Individual student arrangements. Internal work experience opportunities undertaken. Department Careers Individual department subject discussions, webinars and visits. Individual Guidance Students can request a careers appointment at any time, in addition to the two they are scheduled throughout their Sixth Form studies.	Tutorial based activities: University of Lincoln — Personal Statement. Next Steps University Application. Working Lunch Minimum of four invited pathways. District Judge Career and work experience opportunity. Law. Engineering. Politics. Military service. Applying for Oxbridge and Early Entry. Trips and Visits: Year 12-year group trip to Leeds Beckett University UCAS exhibition. Work experience opportunities Individual student arrangements. Internal work experience opportunities undertaken. Department Careers Individual department subject discussions, webinars and visits. Individual Guidance Students can request a careers appointment at any time, in addition to the two they are scheduled throughout their Sixth Form studies.	2,3,4,5,6,7,8
	Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment for all students upon request along with a schedule ensuring all are invited for at least two meetings during their sixth form time
13	Tutorial based activities: University of Sheffield — Which Course? University of Lincoln — Interview Success. University application support. How to write a CV. Successful futures-Apprenticeship. Mock interviews. Working Lunch: Minimum of four invited pathways. University of Leeds — Access Programme. Youth Independent Advisory Group. Gap Year and Volunteering. Work experience opportunities: Individual student arrangements Internal work experience opportunities undertaken. Trips and Visits: ‘We are Great Grimsby’ trip celebrating local success stories and inspiring local students to aspire. Department Careers: Individual department subject discussions, webinars and visits. Individual Guidance: Students can request a careers appointment at any time, in addition to the two they are scheduled throughout their Sixth Form time.	Tutorial based activities University of Hull — Student Finance. Inspirational Speaker — My Careers Journey. National Apprenticeship Week — Alumni celebration. Working Lunch: Minimum of four invited pathways. Humberside Police. Forrester Boyd Accountancy. Renewable Energy. Health. Creating a LinkedIn profile. Work experience opportunities Individual student arrangements. Internal work experience opportunities undertaken. Department Careers Individual department subject discussions, webinars and visits. Individual Guidance Students can request a careers appointment at any time, in addition to the two they are scheduled throughout their Sixth Form studies.	Tutorial based activities University of Sheffield — Transition Support Assembly to university or career. Refection questionnaire highlighting final careers needs Working Lunch Minimum of four invited pathways. District Judge Career and work experience opportunity. Law. Engineering. Politics. Military service. Department Careers Individual department subject discussions, webinars and visits. Individual Guidance Students can request a careers appointment at any time, in addition to the two they are scheduled throughout their Sixth Form studies.	2,3,4,5,6,7,8
	Individual guidance. One to one career advisor appointment for all students upon request along with a schedule ensuring all are invited for at least two meetings during their sixth form time

The majority of Tollbar MAT Sixth Form College leavers choose to continue their studies by moving on to degree level courses at university. Every year. Our students embark upon a variety of diverse and exciting courses, and we believe that A Level study at Tollbar MAT Sixth Form College provides an excellent foundation for degree level study.

In recent years, significant numbers of students have progressed to study at prestigious Russell Group institutions, and students have also been successful in obtaining places to study at both Oxford and Cambridge University. We are exceptionally proud of the high-quality destinations that our students move on to, and all students benefit from extensive support to assist them in choosing the right course and university for them.

All students have the opportunity to:

• Attend specialist talks led by University Ambassadors.
• Attend the UCAS Convention at Hull University where the majority of universities are represented.
• Attend Open Days at universities.
• Attend Master Classes at universities.
• Receive specialist assistance in writing their Personal Statements.
• Participate in a mock interview if appropriate.
• Attend Student Finance talks.
• Speak to a specialist Sixth Form Careers Adviser within the College.
• Parents/carers can attend talks advising them about the UCAS process, to assist them in supporting their children/guardians.

While at Tollbar MAT Sixth Form College, students will be given the opportunity to consider various employment opportunities open to them when they leave College - should they decide not to pursue Higher Education.

Opportunities include the following:

• Tollbar MAT Sixth Form College has developed links with local companies specialising in Accountancy, Finance, Law, Engineering and the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries, working with them to help promote apprenticeship opportunities for Tollbar students.
• Students have access to the College Careers Service Advisors who assist students in considering apprenticeship and employment opportunities.
• The Sixth Form Leadership team helps support students through the apprenticeship and job application process by offering advice on writing a CV, completing a successful application form and writing a well-structured, focused covering letter. Mock interviews can be organised to assist students in preparing for the interview process.
• Students are offered the Alternative to Higher Education Booklet which details Leaver Programmes, Apprenticeships and Sponsored Degrees.

Over the past two years, a number of students decided to pursue the apprenticeship route and were successful in attaining positions across a variety of industries - notably in accountancy, finance, aeronautical engineering, petrochemical/chemical/pharmaceutical companies, renewable energy, business and administration, retail as well as pursuing positions in the Armed Forces.

There are a variety of reasons why students take gap years. Some students wish to take a break from education; others would like to see the world, experience employment in order to save money ready to start university the following year, or organise a work experience placement to improve their chances of employment.

There are many ways of spending a gap year, including:

• Paid employment in order to save money for University.
• Organising some paid or voluntary valuable work experience.
• Travelling or working abroad.
• Partaking in an organised gap year trip.

If students are considering taking part in an organised gap year, ensuring they have completed their research is a necessity. Good starting points include various websites - such as Year Out Group since member organisations are required to abide by a code of practice and should be reputable.

Ideally students should consider the following questions when approaching gap year organisations:

• Who can take part and how are candidates selected?
• What is known about the company providing the gap year experience?
• What are the cost implications?
• How will time be spent?
• Who will benefit and why are UK people required?

At Tollbar MAT Sixth Form College, we retain strong links with our alumni, and are always delighted to hear of successes involving our former students. Over the years, Tollbar students have gone on to achieve great success in their further studies beyond.

Please check back here regularly for updates on how our alumni are getting on. If you are a former student, and are interested in sharing your success with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Apprenticeships

Matilda Fairgrieve

• Tollbar Sixth Form 2020 leaver
• A-Levels studied: Psychology, Media and Business

What are you doing now?

Now completing a degree in BA Business Management and the Human Resource, alongside part time work as a student ambassador at the University of Leeds.

What do you feel is the best thing about doing a degree?

The best part about my degree is the comprehensive study of business, including modules on current economics and finance. Furthermore, being in a vibrant city surrounded by new people.

How did Tollbar Sixth Form help you prepare for a degree?

Tollbar Sixth form helped me to prepare by providing me with excellent critical analysis skills from a range of teachers across my A levels subjects, which is useful for essay assignments. Moreover, Tollbar's confidence in my communication skills encouraged me to pursue a role in the Business School as a course representative, involving meeting with senior faculty to discuss student queries and problems.

---

Olivia Simpson

• Waltham Toll Bar Academy School Leaver 2021
• Apprenticeship: Viking Inspection
• Trade: Business Administration/Reports Author Apprentice

What do you feel is the best thing about doing an apprenticeship?

The most beneficial thing I have found from doing an apprenticeship is having the chance to have a break from full time education and learn a skilled role that feels completing different from learning in the classroom. I have also been able to meet a range of aged people and grasp an idea of what it is like to be working yet still being allowed time for my educational studies, 20% of my total working hours in fact. Due to the nature of my apprenticeship it has been interesting for me to learn a completing different craft that I would not have learnt about in full time education as widely.

How did Tollbar help you to prepare for an apprenticeship?

At Tollbar I was privileged to have a lot of help from my teachers in searching and creating an account on UCAS to apply to Universities and write my personal statement towards applying for various degree courses. However, once I knew this was not for me straight away after finishing college, I was able to speak to business teachers to gain further background knowledge before I started applying for various business apprenticeships so that I was confident in my applications with not studying business as one of my A-levels. This did not set me back in my goals to study a business apprenticeship at all.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Going back, I would’ve perhaps liked to have had the opportunity to speak to more people and reached out to people who have done an apprenticeship themselves or are completing one. This would’ve given me more confidence towards starting my apprenticeship as I was only the person in my year who had made the decision to not go to University. This being said, I have been pleased with my decision to do an apprenticeship and I am open to answer any questions, worries or concerns about starting a career this way.

---

Harvey Newby

• Waltham Toll Bar Academy School Leaver 2016
• Apprenticeship: Phillips 66 Humber Refinery
• Trade: Fabrication and Welding

What do you feel is the best thing about doing an apprenticeship?

I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone. The best thing about doing an apprenticeship is the freedom you have - getting paid whilst learning. My company, like many others, has also given me the opportunity to study a HNC and HND in Mechanical Engineering.

What does a day in the life of your apprenticeship include?

I am a 4th year apprentice now. After leaving school, I started my apprenticeship with HETA (Humberside Engineering Training Association). They are a training provider that different companies use to take on apprentices.

I studied for a full year at HETA, before going to my company for the next 3 years. During this time, I studied one day a week at Grimsby, and then North Lindsey College for my HNC and HND. I learnt my trade amongst other things, such as health and safety and technical drawing.

I finished my NVQ Level 3 qualification a year early, and even though I am still on my apprenticeship, Phillips 66 has given me the opportunity to join the HSE (Health, Safety and Environmental Team). This year, I hope to gain a NEBOSH and a Level 3 teaching qualification, to become a HSE Advisor and Trainer at the Refinery.

How did Tollbar help you to prepare for an apprenticeship?

Tollbar gave me the tools I needed to be in the position I am today. Not just technical, but social and communication strengths that play a vital part in the work I do. Without this skillset and my apprenticeship, I might not have been able to buy a house at the age of 18!

---

Max Searby

• Tollbar Sixth Form 2019 leaver
• A-Levels studied: History, Psychology and PE.
• Apprenticeship: Siemens

What do you feel is the best thing about doing an apprenticeship?

For me an apprenticeship gave me the hands-on approach to learning I needed and enjoy. I am being paid (above national apprenticeship wage) to gain my qualifications, which will include a degree.

What does a day in the life of your apprenticeship include?

My first year has been five days in the classroom learning. My second year will only be one day in the classroom, and four days on site. This will then leave my third and final year all being on site. During my third year, I am also going on a six-month placement to Denmark, which is all paid for by the company.

How did Tollbar Sixth Form help you to prepare for an apprenticeship?

I would definitely say that all the support and advice that the staff offered leading up to, and during the apprenticeship application process really helped. When I was speaking to Siemens about details, I was going back and forth to my teachers to discuss points and ask for help. The staff, both teachers and sixth form managers, were really supportive and helpful. My advice to anyone thinking about apprenticeships is to really concentrate in the tutorial time when your tutor talks to you about things like what to write on a personal statement, or how to lay out a CV. The information transfers to everything, whether it is university or an apprenticeship.

---

Sophie Fowler

• Tollbar Sixth Form Leaver 2018
• Apprenticeship: Chartered Business Management Degree Apprentice with Morrisons

What do you feel is the best thing about doing an apprenticeship?

The best thing for me has been being able to gain vital experience in several areas and progress in the business whilst doing a degree funded by Morrisons. I have been able to build a positive reputation for myself within the company and have a guaranteed job at the end of my degree. Having the opportunity to work across many different departments means I now have a much better idea of where I would like my career to go in the future and I have built a wide support network to help me get there.

What does a day in the life of your apprenticeship include?

During my first six months, I learnt about every department in the store and what is needed for our business to be successful. I then progressed to do a couple of different team management roles over the next six months including customer services and stock and systems where I learnt how to successfully manage a team and get results from my department. Now, I take a senior management position in running my store and coaching other colleagues. I go to university in Sheffield for a week every six weeks and have had the opportunity to do many things with Morrisons for my development including being taught to cook by the chefs in head office, visiting manufacturing and logistics depots and having regular meetings with the leaders of the business.

How did Tollbar Sixth Form help you to prepare for your apprenticeship?

The teachers at Tollbar supported me through my entire application process. They went through mock interviews with me and allowed me to spend my Wednesday afternoons shadowing a senior manager at Morrisons so that I would be able to get an insight into the role I was applying for. Time was also spent on writing an effective CV which I will take forward with me when I apply for jobs in the future. I can’t thank the staff at Tollbar enough for all the support.

---

Tom Mills

• Tollbar Sixth Form Leaver 2019
• Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship — EasyJet — Based with BAE at Humberside Airport
• A-level Courses: Maths, Biology, Chemistry

What do you feel is the best thing about doing an apprenticeship?

For me, the apprenticeship route has been valuable due to the actual hands-on experiences of being in the workshop whilst learning, and not just in a classroom. I’m developing personal and people skills, whilst also learning the skills of the job. My apprenticeship was a much better choice for me than university, as I am in the workplace from the very start.

What does a day in the life of your apprenticeship include?

The first eight months of my aircraft engineering apprenticeship have been based in the classroom five days a week. Here, I have been learning the theory aspects whilst earning a good wage, above the national apprenticeship wage. Following this, I will be based in the workshop for 3 months. The next period of my training involves moving down to Gatwick, where I will go on a shift pattern of four days on four days off for 15 months. My wage goes up significantly during this time. At the end of the 15 months, I have an assessment, and will hopefully be awarded the qualification and license, allowing me to graduate from the apprenticeship scheme.

How did Tollbar Sixth Form help you to prepare for your apprenticeship?

My A-levels and time at Tollbar Sixth Form really stood me in good stead. I feel I am better prepared than some of the other people on the course, and this is mainly due to learning the skills of managing a workload. I can cope with the time demands placed on me with deadlines, and have good organisational skills which I developed at Sixth Form. The Sixth Leadership Team helped me complete my application and provided references, supporting the process fully.