--- title: "Careers Information for Parents/Carers" url: "https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers/careers-information-for-parents-carers" school: "The Orme Academy" --- # Careers Information for Parents/Carers ![](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/images/images/038.jpg) ### A Parent/Carer’s Guide – What do you need to know? As a parent/carer, you are incredibly influential when it comes to the decisions your child makes in all areas of their lives and that is especially true when it comes to their education and careers. We know that the choices which are open to your child today may be very different from when you were in their position and you may feel as if you’re unsure about what advice to offer. With that in mind, we want to try and make it as easy as possible for you to talk to your child about their options confidently; knowing that the information you have is as accurate and as up to date as possible. You don’t need to become a qualified careers adviser to be able to offer your child advice and support with their education and career decisions. The most important thing you can offer is the knowledge of where to find the right information, so you can do the research into their options together. The information and links shared on this page will help to support you and your child with making those all important decisions. Post 16 Pathways ### What's your next move? Young people must stay in some type of education or training until the age of 18. There are many options available when you turn 16, look at what option best suits you and your situation, strengths and interests. Some courses keep your options open by giving you the chance to study different subjects or you could take a work-related course that will give you skills and work experience. You may need specific qualifications for your career choice, so always do some research. ### Continue your studies #### A levels **Description:** Study a subject you took at GCSE in greater depth or choose a new one like economics, law or psychology. You could take 3 broad subjects you are interested in to keep your career options open or choose ones you need for a specific career. **Duration:** 2 years **Assessment:** Mostly exams at the end of the course [**Level of study:**](https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels) 3 **Entry requirements:** Typically 5 GCSEs Grade 9-5 (including English and maths), some subjects have additional entry requirements (many require grade 6 in certain subjects) **Work experience:** Usually 1 week during year 12 **Leads to:** University/college, higher and degree apprenticeships, work **Find out more:** [UCAS Information about A levels](https://www.ucas.com/further-education/post-16-qualifications/qualifications-you-can-take/levels) #### T Levels **Description:** Designed in partnership with employers to give you the skills and knowledge to get on in the workplace. Combines classroom learning with industry placements to prepare you for skilled work or higher level study. 1 T Level is the equivalent of 3 A levels. **Duration:** 2 years **Assessment:** Exams, projects and practical assignments [**Level of study:**](https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels) 3 **Entry requirements:** Course dependent **Work experience:** At least 45 days on industry placement **Leads to:** University/college, higher and degree apprenticeships, work **Find out more:** [Gov.uk information about T Levels](https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students) #### Technical and vocational qualifications **Description:** Qualifications which teach you how to do tasks specifically related to the industry and role you want to be involved in. **Duration:** Course dependent **Assessment:** Can include coursework, skills tests and exams [**Level of study:**](https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels) 1+ **Entry requirements:** Course dependent **Work experience:** Course dependent **Leads to:** Apprenticeship, work, college or university **Find out more:** Speak to your local provider or talk to an adviser #### Applied qualifications **Description:** Qualifications that give you a broad overview of working in a specific sector, like business, media, engineering, leisure or science and technology. A mix of classroom-based learning with the chance to get some practical skills. **Duration:** Course dependent **Assessment:** Course dependent (coursework and exams) [**Level of study:**](https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels) 3 **Entry requirements:** Yes, course dependent **Work experience:** Course dependent **Leads to:** University/college, apprenticeship, work **Find out more:** [Information about applied qualifications](https://www.aqa.org.uk/applied-general) ### College websites Follow the links below to take you directly to the college websites to view the courses available. College prospectus are available in the careers room. ![](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/images/images/colleges.jpg) ### Combine work and study #### Apprenticeships **Description:** Intermediate, advanced higher and degree apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job skills training with off-the-job learning. You'll get training that is relevant to your job and be paid a salary. Start at a level to suit you, with support if you have special needs or a disability. **Location:** You’ll spend 80% of your time in the workplace and 20% off-the-job with some study in a college or training centre **Duration:** A minimum of 1 year **Entry requirements:** Will be dependent on the industry, job role and apprenticeship level **Qualifications:** apprenticeship certificate, diploma, degree and masters depending on level **Leads to:** Work, next level of apprenticeship, further education, higher education **Find out more:** [Gov.uk information about Apprenticeships](https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/) **Traineeships** **Description:** A course that includes a work placement that will get you ready for an apprenticeship or a job. You’ll get work experience and some help to apply for your next steps. You can also improve your maths and English skills. **Location:** You’ll spend a minimum of 70 hours in a work placement with the rest of your time in college or a training centre **Duration:** 6 weeks to 1 year **Entry requirements:** You need to be aged between 16 to 24 or up to 25 with an Education Health and Care Plan with no higher than a level 3 qualification **Qualifications:** English, maths, digital and work-related qualifications **Leads to:** Apprenticeship, further education, work **Find out more:** ask your local college or training provider or speak to Janet Kemp (careers adviser) ### Useful websites Follow the links below to find out more about apprenticeships and to view the opportunities available. [![apprenticeships-logo-black](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/images/images/apprenticeships-logo-black.jpg "Apprenticeships")](https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/) Everything you need to know about becoming an apprentice, including a search feature which allows you to search for current apprenticeship vacancies. [![about ASK Amazing Apprenticeships](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/images/images/about_ASK_Amazing_Apprenticeships.png "ASK Apprenticeships")](https://amazingapprenticeships.com/resources/?all-ages=1) A leading organisation in the education sector, founded to tackle misconceptions about apprenticeships and promote the benefits. [![HH](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/images/images/HH.jpg "HH")](https://higherhorizons.co.uk/) All-About-Apprenticeships 1.63 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/All-About-Apprenticeships.pdf) Higher-and-Degree-Apprenticeships-Explained 1.68 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/Higher-and-Degree-Apprenticeships-Explained.pdf) Subject Specific Apprenticeships 845 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/Subject_Specific_Apprenticeships.pdf) ### Apprenticeship opportunities at college ### Apprenticeship & Training Providers ### Career opportunities in the armed forces ### Continue to university If you are thinking of going to university, you need to consider your KS5 pathway. Some university courses have specific entry requirements so you need to do your research to ensure that your decision making in Year 11 allows you to progress to your chosen university or degree. The links below will help you to make those informed decisions. [Higher Horizons+](https://higherhorizons.co.uk/) are part of the Uni Connect Programme, funded by the Government to deliver free and impartial higher education outreach to schools and colleges across Staffordshire. They have resources available for students, parents and carers, which include, the benefits of university, tips on your UCAS application and personal statement, and the facts about student finance. The [Russell Group](https://russellgroup.ac.uk/about/our-universities/) is a collection of the twenty-four highest ranking universities in the UK. They maintain the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with local and national business and the public sector. [UCAS](https://www.ucas.com/) support young people making post-16 choices, as well as those applying for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. ### Local Universities - [University of Chester](https://www1.chester.ac.uk/) - [University of Derby](https://www.derby.ac.uk/) - [Keele University](https://www.keele.ac.uk/) - [Manchester Metropolitan University](https://www.mmu.ac.uk/) - [Staffordshire University](https://www.staffs.ac.uk/) - [University of Wolverhampton](https://www.wlv.ac.uk/) Labour Market Information (LMI) ### What is Labour Market Information? Labour Market Information (LMI) is a useful tool to help research future jobs in the local area, understand the skills needed for certain roles and the demand for future employment. LMI helps to break down the complex ‘world of work’– ranging from descriptions of different careers, their entry routes, promotional prospects, salaries paid, skills and qualifications needed, etc. Crucially for young people, LMI also covers future demand – what kinds of jobs will be in demand after leaving school and what kinds of skills will be needed. ### Why is Labour Market Information Important to Young People? *‘It is vital, in an environment where new industries are emerging and many of the most important jobs of the future don’t yet exist, that individuals have access to high-quality labour market information and earnings data to underpin their choices’.* Anne Milton MP ### Explore different occupations using Careerometer Careerometer can be used to explore and compare key information about occupations, help you learn about different occupations and identify potential careers. It provides access to a selection of UK headline data relating to pay, weekly hours of work and future employment prospects for different occupations, as well as description of the occupation. Simply type in the title of the job you are interested in and the widget provides a series of options from which you can select the most relevant to you. You can then look up another two occupations and compare. You can also select ‘display the UK average’ and compare the information with the occupation you have selected. [Embedded content](https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/cm2/index.html) ### Explore jobs linked to your skills and interests using Skillsometer Skillsometer can help you discover what jobs you might like to do in the future. You will be presented with a series of statements. Select the emoji that shows how you feel about each statement. You will be given suggestions of jobs linked to what you most enjoy doing. [Embedded content](https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/cm3/widget.html) ### Local Labour Market Information ![](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/images/images/labourmarketinfo_(002).png) Please see the documents below which show recent LMI for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire - Labour Market Information 612 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/Stoke-on-Trent_and_Staffordshire_-_LMI.pdf) Local Labour Market Outlook - SOT & Staffordshire Jan 2021 220 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/Local_Labour_Market_Outlook_-_SOT_-_Staffordshire_Jan_2021.pdf) Careers Research ### Useful Websites The links below will take you to a wide range of careers websites giving you up to date information to help you plan your future. [The National Careers Service](https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/) is a good starting point to get advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. [Higher Horizons (Students)](https://higherhorizons.co.uk/students/) have all of the facts about higher education. Information includes, pathways to studying at university, the application process, student life, accommodation, student finance, and subject specific information. There is also an option to 'ask the expert' if you have any specific queries. Find out about jobs and careers from people currently doing them. [icould](https://icould.com/) has videos, articles and quizzes to help you find out more about the different careers available. Use the [Find an Apprenticeship](https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship) search tool on the gov.uk website to find the latest apprenticeship vacancies. [The Uni Guide ](https://www.theuniguide.co.uk/)offers advice and guidance on what to study, and how to get there. [Prospects](https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/getting-a-job/choose-a-career) offers practical advice to get you started with your career plans. Careers Resources Useful documents sharing the latest careers related information. Parents' Guide to Careers (NCW 2021) 2.53 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/Parents-_Guide_to_Careers_(NCW_2021).pdf) provides an overview into the different pathways and opportunities available. [Higher Horizons - Parents/Carers](https://higherhorizons.co.uk/parents/) explains all the facts about higher education and debunks some of the common myths about university. Everything you need to know, relating to pathways to university studies, applications, accommodation and student finance. Ebacc DfE guide for parents and carers 993 KB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/DfE_EBacc_Leaflet.pdf) Please view the specialist Parents’ Packs, filled with the latest advice and guidance, supported by the National Apprenticeship Service: Parent Pack Jan 2022 2.76 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/Parent-Pack-Jan-2022.pdf) Parent Pack December 2021 1.51 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/PDF-Parent-Pack-December-2021.pdf) Parent Pack July 2021 4.54 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/PDF-parent-pack-July-21.pdf) Parent Pack June 2021 3.21 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/PDF-parent-pack-june-21.pdf) Parent Pack May 2021 3.91 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/PDF-parent-pack-may-21.pdf) Parent Pack April 2021 3.98 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/Parent-Pack-April-2021-1.pdf) Parent Pack March 2021 3.70 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/Parent-Pack-March-2021.pdf) Parent Pack Feb 2021 3.66 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/Parent-Pack-Feb-2021.pdf) Parent Pack Jan 2021 2.97 MB [Open for printing](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/files/documents/about-us/Parent-Pack-Jan-2021.pdf) ### Careers - [Careers](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers) - [Careers Information for Employers](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers/careers-information-for-employers) - [Careers Information for Parents/Carers](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers/careers-information-for-parents-carers) - [Careers Information for Staff](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers/careers-information-for-staff) - [Careers Policies](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers/careers-policies) - [Careers Research](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers/careers-research) - [Community and Business Partners](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers/community-and-business-partners) - [Destination Data](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers/destination-data) - [Labour Market Information (LMI)](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers/labour-market-information-lmi) - [Post 16 Pathways](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/careers/post-16-pathways) - [![MyVoice](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/images/partners/MyVoice_logo.png)](https://form.thesafeguardingcompany.com/331e8fc1-f1a1-412f-aba4-0b210c3c459b) - [![CEOP](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/images/partners/ceop-button2.png)](https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/) - [![Shaw Education Trust](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/images/partners/trust-logo.png)](https://shaw-education.org.uk/) [Embedded content](https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2399.599011129068!2d-2.22618042305312!3d53.02757099852704!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x487a42aa46150b8d%3A0x2ed74f3984358408!2sThe%20Orme%20Academy!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sen!4v1719400982317!5m2!1sen!2sen) ![The Orme Academy](https://files.schudio.com/the-orme-academy/images/logo/logo_(5).png) **The Orme Academy** Milehouse Lane Wolstanton Staffordshire ST5 9JU Tel: 01782 742900 Email: [![Shaw Education Trust](https://files.schudio.com/shaw-education-trust-2/images/logo/set-misc/footer-logo-v1.png)](https://shaw-education.org.uk) **Shaw Education Trust** Kidsgrove Secondary School Gloucester Road Kidsgrove ST7 4DL VAT: GB 358822467 Tel: 01782 948259 Email: Company Number: 09067175 ### Useful Links: - [Governance](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/about-us/governance) - [Policies](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/about-us/policies) - [Shaw Education Trust](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/about-us/shaw-education-trust) - [GDPR](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/parents/gdpr) - [Contact Us](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/contact) - [Subjects](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/curriculum/subjects) - [Diary Dates](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/termdates) - [My Concern](https://login.thesafeguardingcompany.com/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F) - [ParentPay](https://www.parentpay.com/) - [Arbor](https://login.arbor.sc/?scrlybrkr=6ac361f6) ### Newsletter ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheOrmeAcademySET) - [X](https://twitter.com/TheOrmeAcademy) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/theormeacademyset/) © Copyright 2024–2026 The Orme Academy School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://theormeacademy.org.uk/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)