Careers

Choosing which direction to take after leaving school is a big decision. We’re here to support our students and make sure they know about all the options open to them.

The curriculum is complemented by a variety of trips and activities that take place out of school to encourage and build on the learning that takes place in the classroom.

In order for our pupils to experience successful adult lives, it is important that they are exposed to a variety of social situations to promote confidence and adaptability – we strive to ensure that all pupils are provided with a range of activities to support this.

The school broadly follows the National Curriculum with a particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy and strives to engage even the most reluctant learners with a stimulating and broad provision. Pathways can be tailored to individual interest and ability, with a clear emphasis on potential career opportunities and college programmes at Post-16 level.

We provide vocational courses utilising external providers for various vocational subjects and use Gatsby Benchmarks as guidelines for our careers and work experience programmes.

Waterloo Lodge School is proactive in building and maintaining good relationships with local colleges, apprenticeship providers and employers.

A wide range of advice, guidance and information is on offer to all our pupils through various channels: College and training provider visits, taster days, CV building, completing college applications and, if necessary, accompanied to college interviews, etc

Labour Market Information (LMI)

LMI refers to any relevant information about the current state of the jobs market.

LMI can include information like:

The industries and businesses that operate in a certain location.
The types of jobs that exist and what they involve.
How many of those jobs there are.
The skills that are currently or will be in high demand.
Commute and travel to work patterns.
Typical rates of pay.
Career progression opportunities.

Learning about LMI will help pupils to understand what opportunities are available to them and how they can best take advantage of them. Based on LMI, pupils can decide things like:

Are there job opportunities for them where they live?
What are the different salaries for different jobs and careers?
How long will it take for them to rise through the ranks in their career to their desired position, and are they willing to do the work to get there?
Is college, university, an apprenticeship, or working their way up from an entry-level job the right path for them?

Both these links have information on LMI, different work sectors. Lancashire Start is also what we use for virtual work related learning

https://lancashire.startprofile.com/page/home-page

Labour Market Information – Shaping Futures

Post 16 Transition Plans

We welcome enquiries from employers or training providers wishing to speak with our pupils regarding career pathways or if employers are able to offer any work experience or apprenticeship opportunities.

We offer support throughout the whole transition pathway from school onto the next stage of their lives with expert guidance from our designated careers lead. If you require a careers meeting to discuss apprenticeship, work experience, vocational or college placements please contact the school office.

For any questions or enquiries please contact our careers lead Chloe Brown.

Alternatively email: admin@waterloolodge.co.uk

Waterloo Lodge Careers Programme 2024 – 2025

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 governments 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.