In Toto Ed Careers Development Plan
Purpose
To provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to make informed decisions about post-secondary education and career pathways, and to develop lifelong career management skills.
Student Career Development Stages
Stage 1: Self-Discovery (Years 7–9)
Goal: Help students explore their interests, values, skills, and personality.
Activities:
- Career interest inventories and personality assessments (e.g., Holland Codes, Myers-Briggs).
- Reflective journals or self-assessment exercises.
- Class discussions about hobbies, values, and future aspirations.
- Introduction to different job sectors and roles.
- Develop a personal profile or portfolio.
Outcomes:
- Basic awareness of self.
- Initial list of career interests.
- Understanding of how personal traits influence career options.
Stage 2: Career Exploration (Years 10–11)
Goal: Expose students to a range of career options and educational pathways.
Activities:
- Guest speaker sessions and industry talks.
- Career fairs and field trips to workplaces.
- Shadowing opportunities with professionals.
- Use of online tools, for example Xello Careers Platform and National Careers Service.
- Courses or modules on employability skills (communication, teamwork, time management).
- Develop a draft career action plan.
Outcomes:
- Broader understanding of career options.
- Awareness of educational requirements for different careers.
- Identification of potential career interests aligned with personal strengths.
Stage 3: Career Planning & Preparation (Years 12–13)
Goal: Help students create actionable plans for post-secondary education or training.
Activities:
- Personalised career guidance and goal-setting.
- Resume and cover letter writing workshops.
- Mock interviews and professional communication practice.
- Work experience placements or internships.
- Application assistance for college, apprenticeships, or employment.
- Finalize and refine individual career development plan (ICDP).
Outcomes:
- A clear post-secondary plan.
- Development of job search and professional skills.
- Increased confidence in decision-making.
- Preparedness for further education or workforce entry.
Cross-Curricular Integration
- Embed career-related content in core subjects (e.g., using maths in finance careers, science in healthcare).
- Encourage project-based learning related to real-world problems and careers.
Evaluation & Review
- Annual review of each student’s career development portfolio.
- Surveys to measure student confidence and readiness.
- Track post-secondary destinations (college, work, etc.).
- Feedback from students, parents, and industry partners.
Supporting Tools & Resources
- Online career exploration platforms Xello
- Career development workbook or digital portfolio
- School-based career resource centre
- Access to virtual job tours and online mentorship
Links to the Gatsby Benchmarks and SEND provision
1. A Stable Careers Programme
SEND Adaptation:
- The programme should be personalised and integrated into Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
- Careers provision should be flexible and reviewed regularly to match developmental and cognitive abilities.
Example: A special school might hold monthly career development sessions focusing on real-world skills like travel training or workplace communication.
2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information (LMI)
SEND Adaptation:
- Provide LMI in accessible formats (e.g., visual aids, simplified language, symbols).
- Help parents/carers understand LMI to support decision-making.
Example: Using pictorial charts or videos to explain what different jobs involve and their local availability.
3. Addressing the Needs of Each Student
SEND Adaptation:
- Career guidance must be highly individualised.
- Set realistic but aspirational goals aligned with abilities and interests.
Example: A student with moderate learning difficulties might aim for supported employment, while another might pursue college with tailored support.
4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
SEND Adaptation:
- Use practical, hands-on activities to relate subjects to career paths.
- Adapt lesson content to demonstrate relevance to daily living and workplace skills.
Example: Maths lessons include budgeting for a shopping trip; literacy includes writing a CV or role-playing interviews.
5. Encounters with Employers and Employees
SEND Adaptation:
- Organise supported visits and inclusive employer interactions.
- Employers need preparation/training to effectively interact with SEND students.
Example: Invite a local employer to run a tactile workshop on a simple workplace task.
6. Experiences of Workplaces
SEND Adaptation:
- Offer structured work experience, possibly in supported internships or job shadowing.
- Use familiar staff or job coaches to accompany students.
Example: A supported work placement at a local café with a TA present to guide and assist.
7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education
SEND Adaptation:
- Include visits to SEND-specific pathways in FE colleges and supported courses.
- Information should be provided in easy-read formats or with visual schedules.
Example: A college visit includes a sensory tour and a chance to try adaptive technology.
8. Personal Guidance
SEND Adaptation:
- Access to careers advisers with SEND experience.
- Sessions may require longer time slots, repeat visits, and input from carers.
Example: A careers session includes parents and the SENDCO, with visual tools to help the student express their preferences.