Careers

Careers at In Toto Ed

Creating a career pathway for students is an important part of our ethos at In Toto ed. To us, careers education is important because it's the perfect time for students to explore different career paths, develop skills, and begin setting goals for the future. We provide tailored career guide for teens to help them discover their passions, build skills, and prepare for a successful career journey. At In Toto Ed, we aim to focus on key areas within our careers support programme:

Self-discovery

At In Toto Ed, we encourage students to identify key strengths and interests by giving students the opportunities to set creative personal goals and exploring the activities they enjoy the most to create their own career pathways based upon their personal strengths, passions and skills.

Exploration

We offer students the opportunity to take part in work experience to enable them to grasp their interests within the workplace setting. This gives students insight into their career trajectory and allows students opportunities to explore and research their interests.

Career Goal and Support

Our students are offered 1:1 time with staff to ensure that they can make sustainable career goals to help them make meaningful steps to secure their futures. Staff set realistic, achievable and meaningful goals.

Destinations

There are numerous career destinations available for students, depending on their interests, skills, and the level of education they are pursuing. Here are some broad categories and specific fields within them that can serve as potential career paths for students.

Students can attend college to learn vocational skills and develop their understanding of a specific trade. These trades can cover a range of different skills: electrical engineering, plumbing, painting and decorating.

Students on the academic pathway can attend university to access a range of subjects and explore different careers pathways.

In Toto Ed Careers Programme 2025-2026

Programme Overview:

The In Toto Ed careers programme is designed to guide students through career exploration, skill development, and transition into the workforce or higher education. We will focus on providing students with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to make informed decisions about their career paths and future endeavours.

Programme Goals:

Career Awareness: Introduce students to a wide range of careers, industries, and professional roles.
Self-Assessment: Help students identify their strengths, interests, values, and skills.
Skill Development: Provide students with practical skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Exposure to Real-World Experiences: Facilitate work-based learning experiences, such as internships, job shadowing, and industry visits.
College & Career Readiness: Prepare students for post-secondary education or entering the workforce.
Networking: Connect students with professionals, mentors, and alumni to provide real-world insights and career advice.

Programme Structure:

1. Career Exploration (Key Stage 3)

Objective: Introduce students to a broad range of careers, industries, and educational paths.
Activities:
- Career Days: Invite guest speakers from various industries to share their career journeys and provide advice.
- Career Interest Surveys: Help students assess their interests using online tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or Holland Code.
- Industry Research: Assign students to research various industries and career paths, including the required education, skills, and growth opportunities.

2. Self-Assessment & Skill Development (Key Stage 4)

Objective: Encourage students to identify their strengths, interests, and career goals while building foundational skills.
Activities:
- Skills Inventory: Students complete a self-assessment to identify their strengths and areas for growth.
- Skill Workshops: Offer workshops on essential skills like communication, problem-solving, leadership, time management, and teamwork.
- Personality & Career Fit: Help students understand how their personality traits match with various career options and provide tools for making informed career decisions.
- Job Shadowing & Career Exploration: Provide opportunities for students to shadow professionals in different careers, allowing them to get a first-hand look at various professions.

3. College & Career Planning (Key Stage 5)

Objective: Assist students in preparing for college or entering the workforce with a clear and actionable plan.
Activities:
- College & Career Guidance: One-on-one meetings with a guide to discuss options for higher education, trade schools, or direct employment.
- Job Search Strategies: Teach students how to search for jobs, internships, and apprenticeships. Include resume building, cover letters, and interview preparation.
- Application Support: Provide guidance on applying to colleges, scholarships, and vocational training programs.
- Mock Interviews: Organize mock interviews to help students develop confidence and refine their interviewing skills.
- Networking Events: Host career fairs, where students can meet representatives from various industries and colleges.
- Professional Mentoring: Match students with mentors who can offer career advice, internships, and networking opportunities.

4. Real-World Experiences (All students)

Objective: Provide hands-on learning opportunities to help students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Activities:
- Internships/Work Placements: Partner with local businesses and organisations to offer internship or work placement opportunities in various fields.
- Industry Visits: Arrange for students to visit local businesses, factories, hospitals, labs, and other institutions to learn about different careers.
- Job Fairs: Host an annual job fair with local companies and organizations, allowing students to explore potential job opportunities.
- Workshops by Professionals: Invite professionals to run workshops on specific careers or industry sectors, allowing students to ask questions and gain insights.

This careers programme is designed to help students develop a strong understanding of themselves and the world of work, allowing them to make informed decisions about their futures. The goal is to ensure that each student is prepared, confident, and capable of pursuing their desired career path or continuing their education.

How to find support

There are many useful websites to use to support students’ careers journeys and have helpful advice and planning tools to help students achieve their goals.

Year 11 destinations

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training with formal study, allowing individuals to earn a wage while gaining practical skills and knowledge in a specific field. It's essentially a job with structured training that leads to a recognised qualification. Apprenticeships are available in various sectors and at different levels, from entry-level to degree-equivalent.

Here's a more detailed breakdown

Key Features:

Earn while you learn:

Apprentices are employed and paid a salary, like a regular employee.

Structured training:

Apprenticeships involve a combination of on-the-job experience and off-the-job learning, often one day a week at a training provider or college.

Recognised qualifications:

Apprenticeships lead to nationally recognized qualifications, such as NVQs, diplomas, or even degrees.

Variety of sectors:

Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries, from traditional trades to modern sectors like technology and healthcare.

Different levels:

Apprenticeships are offered at various levels, from Intermediate (equivalent to GCSEs) to Degree (equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree).

Helpful links

Universities

Studying for a degree offers numerous benefits, including enhanced career prospects, higher earning potential, and personal growth. A degree can lead to better job opportunities, increased earning power, and a more fulfilling career path. Furthermore, the experience of earning a degree can boost self-esteem, develop valuable life skills, and create networking opportunities.

Helpful links:

Jobs for students

What are the options?

Part time jobs are a good option for young people, as they encourage independence and financial confidence, as well as a wealth of other helpful skills to develop confidence in the workplace.

Benefits of Part Time Work

Skill Development

Time Management:

Working to a specific timescale helps students develop their organisational skills and helps them develop crucial time management skills.

Communication Skills:

In the modern world, communication skill development is crucial in developing interpersonal skills within the workplace.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

Working as part of a team in a part-time job teaches valuable teamwork and collaboration skills.

Problem-Solving:

Part-time jobs often involve encountering and resolving various challenges and this helps establish a firm grasp of problem-solving skills.

Responsibility and Accountability:

Taking on a job, even part-time, creates a sense of responsibility and accountability in order to evaluate the young person’s performance.

Career Benefits:

Work Experience:

Part-time jobs provide valuable early work experience, which can be a real advantage when applying for future jobs or college admissions.

Career Exploration:

Exploring different part-time roles can help young adults discover their interests and potential career paths, developing interest and curiosity.

Networking:

Building a professional network through part-time work can open doors to future opportunities and mentorship.

CV Building:

Even part-time work experience can be a valuable addition to a CV, showcasing skills and experience to potential employers.

Personal Development:

Confidence Building:

Successfully completing tasks and receiving positive feedback in a work environment can boost self-esteem and confidence.

Independence and Self-Reliance:

Earning their own money and managing their own schedule can create a sense of independence and self-reliance.

Social Skills:

Interacting with coworkers and customers can improve social skills and build confidence in social situations.

Sense of Accomplishment:

Achieving goals and receiving recognition for their work can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction