As a parent, you are one of the most influential people in your child’s life and in the best possible position to support your child as they consider their future, review their options and make choices.  Here at QEGS we have a good Careers Programme providing education, information, advice and guidance.  There are also some excellent online websites are available on the Pupil/Student tab on this website they and also you can use.

Research shows that children look to their parents first when they want career advice.  Whilst some young people have a very clear idea of where they see their pathway leading them, others may take a while to decide – you can help by:

• Starting the conversation
• Focus on skills and behaviour your child will need, rather than specific jobs.
• Talk about goals and what your child finds fulfilling.
• Be open-minded and encouraging.
• Talk about what careers experiences your child has had at school (lessons, visits, tutor time, PSHE and assemblies).
• Be patient as your child’s choices may change.
• Remember it’s your child’s decision on what direction they want to go.

We realise it can be challenging to know how to ask the right questions, so here’s our Top Five Tips to get started:

• Start with their interests, skills, abilities and values – get them to write them down.
• Talk about their likes and dislikes of different school subjects
• Encourage them to link their skills and interests by using the websites Career Pilot, iCould or the National Careers Service Skills Assessment

Life After Year 11

Career Pilot https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/

iCould https://icould.com/

National Careers Service Skills Assessment Skills assessment | National Careers Service

• Identify 3 different jobs they may like to explore using the Career Pilot, iCould or the National Careers Service Job Profiles, through their Explore Careers section.

National Careers Explore careers | National Careers Service

• Share your own experiences and talk about your own job or career and those of the wider family.

Pupils and students are always welcome to contact Mrs Powell Head of Careers for any help and guidance. Parents and Carers also have the opportunity to attend careers interviews to support pupils and students. If you would like to attend an interview please contact Mrs Judith Powell, Head of Careers jpowell@qegsblackburn.com 01254 686300 ext 608.

Extra Information

Parental Guidance from The Careers Writers Association – Home

Parents of Pupils with SEND

Pupils with SEND will receive support in their choices for education and employment through our CEIAG strategy ensuring they are well informed and are able to achieve their aspirations.

The School’s SENDCo, Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL or Deputy DSLs) and the Careers Lead meet on a regular basis to discuss appropriate interventions for pupils with additional needs.

The links on this page will direct you to Careers, Information and Guidance on post 16 pathways for pupils with SEND.

Further education colleges:

• Blackburn College
• Accrington and Rossendale College
• Burnley College
• Cardinal Newman College
• Myerscough College
• Nelson and Colne College
• Preston’s College
• Runshaw College

Below are links to the Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen local offer pages.  They have a larger range of services, support and guidance for pupils with SEND and their pathways for post 16 education and employment.

• https://www.bwd-localoffer.org.uk/kb5/blackburn/directory/localoffer.page
• https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/children-education-families/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities/education/

Further useful links for exploring post 16 options for SEND pupils:

Guide to apprenticeships (SEND)

•  https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/intoapprenticeships

BASE offer support to those with disabilities find employment.

• https://www.base-uk.org/about-british-association-supported-employment

United Response provides a range of support services for adults and young people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs or physical disabilities.

• https://www.unitedresponse.org.uk/what-we-do