Careers

Parents and Carers

Here at WBCA we are committed to providing high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) to enable our students to make informed and incisive decisions about their future.

We will ensure that students are confident and prepared for the next stage in their education journey. We will encourage all students to consider a broad range of careers and pathways that are right for them and use contacts from the world of work, further and higher education.

At Key Stage 3, careers information is integrated within the Form Time Personal Development Sessions, where several units focusing on Careers are covered, the Literacy for Life curriculum where careers are linked to specific subjects and will also be delivered via a series of Focus Days, stand-alone events and opportunities.

Click here to visit the Careers Newsletters Site where you can see our regular Careers and Guidance Newsletters

If you would like to provide any feedback on our Careers offering or have any suggestions please contact careers@wbca.shirelandcat.net

Our Goal

The overall goal of the careers programme for students is:

Self-Development: Understand themselves and the influences on them
Career Exploration: Investigate opportunities in learning and work
Career Management: Make and adjust plans for their desired pathway
Transition: Being fully equipped to transition into their chosen pathway

supporting our careers provision

At WBCA we use the Gatsby Benchmarks and the CDI Framework to develop and improve our careers provision.

Gatsby Benchmarks

A stable careers programme
Learning from career and labour market information
Addressing the needs of each pupil
Linking curriculum learning to careers
Encounters with employers and employees
Experiences of workplaces
Encounters with further and higher education
Personal guidance

CDI Framework

Careers from Year 9

There will be a special focus on careers in Years 9, 10 and 11.

The range of activities will be delivered by employers, further and higher education representatives, training providers, preparation organisations, teaching staff and the careers adviser.

Learning activities will include:

Employability skills and preparation for work
Options at Year 9
Enterprise activities
Work Experience in Year 10
Introducing Higher Education
Progression options – Post 16
Apprenticeships
Further Education
CV preparation and completing application forms

Readiness for Work

To get students work-ready we will ensure that:

Students will complete Careers units of work within Year 9 L4L and Year 10-11 Form Time Programme.
Students will have developed a CV and Cover letter by the end of Year 10.
We have developed students’ research skills so that they can make good use of the information they gain.
We have involved local businesses and community groups in the career development of the students.
We have run visits to Universities, workshops, careers-related shows and conferences for students to raise aspirations and their careers knowledge and awareness.

Careers Programme and Policies

The Academy has a statutory duty to publish additional content regarding the careers programme including the careers lead.

Contact details for the WBCA Careers Co-ordinator

Mrs Jennifer Evans, HR and Careers Lead
jadams@wbca.shirelandcat.net
0121 393 4850

Mr Marcus Smith, Assistant Principal
msmith@wbca.shirelandcat.net
0121 393 4850

This information will be reviewed in July 2025.

Monitoring and measuring the impact of our careers programme

Students will complete an annual questionnaire to determine their preferences for careers and areas of industry and their knowledge of the topics.

We will use Student Voice and Careers and Guidance interviews to assess the impact of our Careers Programme.

We will monitor and track student destination data for 3 years and form a WBCA Alumni Community.

We use Compass+ to track encounters with providers and employers and in-school activities. This allows us to evaluate the quality of our provision against the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Useful links and information

LMI – Careerometer

Ever wondered what the average pay or working hours are for a particular job? Try the widget here to find out: