Careers

Careers and Preparation for Adulthood.

Preparing pupils for life beyond school is an important part of the curriculum at Waterloo Lodge. We recognise that every pupil’s journey is different and support them to explore a range of pathways, including further education, training, employment, volunteering and greater independence in adult life.

Careers education is embedded throughout our Independent Living Skills curriculum and wider school offer. Pupils are encouraged to develop aspirations, explore their strengths and interests, and gain an understanding of the opportunities available to them. Learning is supported through careers lessons, employer encounters, workplace visits and independent careers guidance.

We use the Gatsby Benchmarks to help inform our careers programme and ensure pupils have meaningful opportunities to learn about the world of work. Pupils benefit from visits from local employers, colleges, training providers and the Job Centre, helping them make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Real-life experiences form an important part of our approach. Pupils regularly access the local community, take part in volunteering opportunities and, where appropriate, undertake work-related learning and work experience placements. These opportunities help pupils develop confidence, independence, employability skills and a greater understanding of life beyond school.

Waterloo Lodge maintains strong links with local colleges, apprenticeship providers and employers. Pupils are supported throughout the transition process, including college visits, taster days, applications, interview preparation and transition planning, ensuring they feel confident and prepared for their next steps.

Labour Market Information (LMI)

As part of our careers programme, pupils are introduced to Labour Market Information (LMI), helping them understand the opportunities available in their local area and beyond. This includes learning about:

Different industries and employment sectors

The skills employers are looking for

Routes into employment, including college, apprenticeships and training

Career progression opportunities

Travel and commuting options

Typical rates of pay and working conditions

Developing an understanding of LMI helps pupils make informed choices about their future education, training and employment options.

Useful resources include:

Lancashire Start

Labour Market Information – Shaping Futures

Further Information

For further information about careers education, work-related learning, transition planning or post-16 pathways, please contact our Careers Lead, Chloe Brown, via the school office or email admin@waterloolodge.co.uk.

Waterloo Lodge Careers Programme 2026 – 2027

Useful Career Websites

www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers

has a variety of quizzes and short videos to support students in looking at career options.

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

The government hub for careers advice, for people of all ages, where you can find help drafting letters, CVs, exploring your skills or seeking careers advice.

www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships

The national apprenticeship service website provides general advice and information about apprenticeships. Also advertises current vacancies.

www.jobapplications.co.uk

This site has useful videos, demonstrating how to complete online applications for many top companies in the UK, as well as providing detailed information on salaries and interviews. Applications can be printed directly from this site.

https://apply.army.mod.uk/roles

If you are 16 or 17 you’ll start your Army training at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. 98% of soldiers enrol on an apprenticeship making the Army one of the largest apprenticeship programmes in the UK.

https://www.kingstrust.org.uk/

This organisation works with key partners on a range of initiatives that help young people on their journey towards getting a job. Every young person should have the chance to embrace exciting new opportunities, they help 11 to 30 year olds who are unemployed or struggling at school to transform their lives.