The value of Careers Leader Training for academy trusts
11 Oct 2021
The value of Careers Leader Training for academy trusts
Klara and Rachel are both National Lead Practitioners for Careers Education at Ormiston Academies Trust(OAT). In this blog post with Adam, a Careers Leader at Ormiston Bushfield Academy, theyreflectonthe value of thefullyfundedCareersLeader training.
Why should trusts provide Careers Leader Training?
The unique role of a Careers Leader is a fantastic opportunity to have an impact on the lives of young people. In 2018, Sir John Holman articulated that ‘career guidance is one of the keys to social mobility,’ so we need passionate and driven individuals to lead a careers programme that makes a real difference for our pupils - particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Yet, the size of the role, and the influence that is needed to perform it well, can be underestimated by schools, and can sometimes be given to colleagues with little experience or any training.
High-quality careers training is vital for our Careers Leaders; they need to fully understand the complexities of the role and why it is so important. At OAT we want our Careers Leaders to have training to feel empowered and confident to perform their roles well.
Here are some quotes from Careers Leaders who have completed the bursary funded offer from CEC:
"Completing the Post Graduate Award in Careers Leadership was empowering, informative and helped give direction to the careers program at my academy. Being new to post, I found the conference to be particularly insightful- the seminars and recommended reading helped me to understand the history of CEIAG in the UK and contextualise my agency as acareersleader in driving change.
In addition to informing the academy development plan, having the opportunity to inspect how CEIAG was delivered and researchingleadership theories, empowered me to become an informed, knowledgeable, and active leader within the school."
- Adam Tan,Careers Lead, STEM Lead and Teacher of Science,Ormiston Bushfield Academy
“Completing the accredited L7 PGA inCareers Leadership allowed me to fully understand the role of theCareers Leader and gain new insights and ideas to support improved provision. The qualification improved my knowledge, skills and understanding of leadership, management, co-ordination and networking, and has given me the tools I need to perform this role successfully and effect change.
The course allowed me to read around the subject of career theory, which gave me confidence in revising the design of the career programme in school and make the necessary improvements to provision to meet the GatsbyBenchmarks. It also provided a reminder of policies and frameworks to support practice.
I was able to network and collaborate with other Careers Leaders and share best practice and ideas. The course made me reflect on how exciting this role is, as it impacts on every student, getting them ready for their future ‘world of work’. It has helped raise the profile of careers and ensure the importance of a ‘whole school’ approach is recognised. Since completing the course, I have been able to help gain the Quality in Careers Standards at my school and raise the GatsbyBenchmarks even further. I have also been able to offer support to other academies within thetrust to gain theirQiCSas well.
The funded Careers Leadertraining that the CEC provides is invaluable, interesting and inspiring.”
- Rachel McCarthy, Careers Leader at Ormiston Forge Academy and OAT Lead Practitioner for Careers and Eco -Trust.
Author
Klara and Rachel, National Lead Practitioners for Careers Education at Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT). Adam, Careers Leader at Ormiston Bushfield Academy.
The funded Careers Leader training that the CEC provides is invaluable, interesting and inspiring.Rachel McCarthy, Careers Leader at Ormiston Forge Academy
Our next steps
The CEC bursary has been crucial in driving up the standard of careers leadership, and the bursary has had an incredible impact.Currently 19ofour33 secondary academieshavea bursary fundedCareersLeader who has completed the programme andas part of the 2021-22careers strategicplan is toencourage new, and remainingCareersLeaders to benefit from this training.The selection of courses is fantastic, and we fully respect the autonomy of the Careers Leaders to be able to choose the right training package for their own needs.
Asnationalleadpractitioners, we must be confident that any CPD we recommend is high quality, professional and robust training. We are very grateful to the CEC for supporting ourCareersLeaders with their challenging role; ultimately one that benefits young peopleand enables them toplan well for their futures.
All Careers Leaders require outstanding training
Weoffertraining courses to help Careers Leaders understand their role and develop the skills required to strategically embed a careers programme in their school or college. All Careers Leaders working in state-funded secondary schools and colleges, including SEN and AP, are eligible to apply for a fully funded training placewith a £1000 bursary uponcomplete.