Careers provisions for schools blog

Standing Ovation | Oct 2018
“It’s not where you started but where you finish”

Options

We are at an era when students have the option of continuing their learning as full-time students in FE, HE or take up Apprenticeship.  Most students do not intend to go to university due to the cost involved. A growing number of students choose the Apprenticeship route. This option provides students with the opportunity to earn a wage while studying for a recognised qualification. Quality impartial careers intervention provide students with the advice and guidance they need to choose their option and progression route.

The Apprenticeship Route

Students who choose the Apprenticeship route enjoy working in their chosen profession. They join firms and industries at different levels and progress to higher Apprenticeship. Students find that the chance to learn ‘on-the-job’ appeals to them. As Apprentices students often learn about something one day and apply it in the office the next in contrast to university students who must study for a number of years before they can apply their skills. The idea of working in an office environment appeals to some students hence Apprenticeship. Some students from an early age like the thought of earning a wage. Students that choose the Apprenticeship route are committed to the length of the training period. In some cases, students are concerned that they would miss out on the social aspect of things when they do not go to university but they soon discover that the social side of the firm or company is great.

Your role as an Apprentice

An Apprentices’ day to day routine is highly varied. Students spend one day a week at college or university studying and four days a week working in the office. In some cases, students start off with an administrative role and progress to the equivalent of what a trainee or junior staff does – processing files, participating in data processing, participating in planning, strategising and business development events all in collaboration with the training provider, college or university.

The Challenge

Students soon develop the likeness, enjoyment and challenges of their responsibilities. The thought and realisation that their career is already underway and that they may implement the skills they have gained which enhances their motivation. This is a great way of learning and developing employability skills plus the thought of being qualified in 12 – 18 months.

The Finish Line

The JGA group – a training and development organisation based in London recently hosted a graduation ceremony to celebrate the academic achievement of those who successfully completed their training. Some of the students came from customer-facing backgrounds and small to medium enterprises. Some students came with the intention of starting their own business and achieving a level 3 and higher Apprenticeship qualification. The ceremony included the presentation of a diploma certificate and photos with students and parents.

In the Words of the Achievers

“It is important to appreciate that you will be doing a college course or university degree while working at the same time. This means that you have to be committed and hard-working however the reward makes the work worthwhile.” – Apprenticeship Achiever 2018

Students were asked for their reaction to the ceremony; here is what they said:

Q?What is your best piece of advice for people considering applying for an Apprenticeship?

I want to say that it has been a great experience working with The JGA Group … I was able to learn so much. I would like to thank you guys for getting me to where I am today” – Academic Achiever 2018. 

Let The JGA Group work with you to develop the future of your student. 


Christina Chuku
Careers Education Executive | The JGA Group

Gatsby Benchmark | Sept 2018
“Find out how schools careers provision is changing”

A word from our careers guidance practitioner
The summer holiday is behind us and the autumn term is now in full swing.

One of the big themes for schools and colleges this academic year is ‘The Gatsby Benchmark’. This undoubtedly means that schools/colleges must step out of their comfort zone and put exact measures in place to meet this requirement. However this does not need to be a challenging task.

The Gatsby Benchmark requires all schools and colleges to have an embedded careers education and guidance programme that is accessible and understood by pupils, parents and teachers. The JGA Group can support schools and colleges with achieving this benchmark by providing 1-1 or group guidance interviews to help students understand themselves and their needs, confront barriers, develop new perspectives and make progress at key transition points. Each student will receive an action plan summarising the interview and practical next step actions.

The requirement also states that schools and colleges must provide every student and their parents with access to good quality information about future study options and labour market opportunities. The JGA Group’s Careers Development Practitioners possess Level 7 Careers Guidance qualification and have 20+ years’ experience in helping students explore career and labour market information in education establishments across all key stages. Our Guidance practitioners can support your students with researching post 16/18 progression opportunities including alternative pathways to Higher Education, Apprenticeship and work-based-learning.

Schools and colleges must address students’ needs individually – JGA recognise that pupils have different career guidance needs at different stages of their learning. We provide bespoke opportunity programmes for advice and support tailored to the needs of each student. This encourages high expectations and successful outcome for students of all backgrounds.

Work with The JGA Group and look ahead to achieving your Gatsby Benchmark.

See what we can do for your school: Download our prospectus

Christina Chuku
Careers Education Executive

The JGA Group
September 2018