Save Careers education: aspirations, learning and work (Secondary) to favourites

Careers education: aspirations, learning and work (Secondary)

KS3 Students should have the opportunity to learn:

1. that everyone has a different pathway through life, education and work; that all jobs and careers have different challenges and rewards; routes into work, training and other vocational and academic opportunities

2. to review their values and personal qualities, and develop their strengths, interests and skills; how these might impact their future education and career choices

3. to identify their own early career aspirations, and how to manage feelings about future employment, including anxiety, worry or uncertainty

4. how to set realistic yet ambitious targets and goals; the benefits of setting ambitious goals and being open to opportunities in all aspects of life

5. to identify transferable skills and qualities that will benefit someone throughout their education and career; how to develop study, organisational, research, digital, and presentation skills, flexibility, creativity and initiative

6. about different work roles, career pathways, employment sectors, types and patterns of work, including employment, self-employment, entrepreneurialism and voluntary work; the factors that might influence a person’s type of employment

7. factors, including employment rights, and fair recruitment and working practices, that can contribute to a positive work environment

8. the options available to them at key stage 4, sources of information, advice and support, and the skills to manage this decision-making process

9. how external influences, including stereotypes and family or cultural expectations, can affect key stage 4 option choices; how to manage emotions and pressures relating to options, including how to challenge influences that may limit aspirations

KS4: Students should have the opportunity to learn:

10. how to evaluate and further develop their study and employability skills (including presentation, public speaking and leadership skills), respond to feedback, assess their personal strengths and areas for development, and use this to inform goal setting

11. how strengths, interests, skills, qualities and aspirations can change and develop; how this might relate to future career choices and employability, acknowledging that they may go on to have work roles that do not yet exist, due to societal, environmental and technological changes

12. the range of opportunities available to them for career progression, including in education, training and employment

13. how careers can impact, and be impacted by, the natural environment, community and society, politics and the economy

14. the nature of the labour market, including the impact of AI and other influences; local, national and international employment opportunities

15. different employment sectors and types, and changing patterns of employment, including hybrid or home working, zero hours contracts and the gig economy

16. how a range of factors might influence career decisions (e.g. contract types, salary, risks and rewards, working patterns, the labour market, personal circumstances, qualifications, values, interests and strengths)

17. how to research the labour market, job opportunities, workplaces, role requirements and recruitment processes; how to align their values with possible career choices

18. how to communicate their personal strengths and maximise their chances when applying for education or employment opportunities; the importance of recording achievements and experiences; how to write a CV and develop interview skills

19. how to challenge stereotypes about particular career pathways, evaluate different role models, maintain high aspirations for their future, set realistic yet ambitious goals, and embrace new opportunities

20. about the information, advice and guidance available to them on next steps and careers; how to access appropriate support, be proactive and flexible and make the most of opportunities

21. the benefits and challenges of cultivating career opportunities online; safe and positive ways to create and share content

22. strategies to manage their online presence and how to evaluate its impact, including both reputational risks and career opportunities

23. how to research, secure and take full advantage of any opportunities for work experience that are available; how to draw on their work experience, and the skills developed, to support future applications

24. about preparing for work experience, including professional and respectful communication in the workplace, personal safety considerations, confidentiality (when it should be kept and when it might need to be broken) and how to seek help if concerns arise during work placements