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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.