Parent Careers Zone
Understanding how the careers team are working with your young person.
Students form year 7 to year 11 will have access to a careers programme, readying them for the world of work, impartially informing them about opportunities and encouraging their aspirations.
All students will have a Unifrog account which they will use in school, but are also able to access at any time. Unifrog is a database which enables students to research career paths, search for courses at colleges and sixth forms, explore live apprenticeship opportunities and much more. Students can then store the information and create a short list, giving them responsibility and ownership of their own destination options when leaving school and moving on to their next steps.
Students can click here to log in https://www.unifrog.org/sign-in
If your young person is having trouble logging in to their account, they could see Mrs Fuller during either of their breaks or after school. Alternatively, they could email anna.fuller@theglc.org.uk.
Year 11 students will attend a careers interview to discuss their aspirations and next steps. This will be by appointment and it is vital that students do not miss their allotted time.
Office Opening Times [No appointment needed] |
Information about events and opportunities for students can be found on the Careers Google Classroom. This is updated regularly and student will receive notifications when new information is posted.
Events
Support
Your young person can get more support and advice from Inspire Hub
24-28 Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5EB
01375 413 735
thurrockcareers@thurrock.gov.uk
www.thurrock.gov.uk/career-support-for-young-people/thurrock-careers
Further Education at College and Sixth Form
Are you or your young person thinking of Further Education at College or Sixth Form? There are a range of subjects and qualifications they could opt for.
The academic route is A levels. You will typically study three complementing subjects for 2 years. Each subject studied will end in an examination. You could then continue on to higher education at university or enter the world of work, embarking on your chosen career.
The vocational route includes a range of qualification types, including BTEC, NVQ, CACHE, UAL. You will be focusing on one particular subject or industry. These courses are very practical and you may be required to attend a work placement too. These courses are mainly coursework-based, although some do include assessments for some units studied.
T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent in size to 3 A levels, a T Level focusses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships.
- Attend as many College and Sixth Form Open Evenings as possible. These are usually within the first term of Year 11. You can find dates and times advertised on the college websites, in the careers office and on the Careers Google Classroom.
- Choose subjects you enjoy, excel in or that will support your next steps and career aims.
- Consider the distance you will travel each day.
- Ask about a bursary. You may be eligible for financial support to help with the cost of travel or study equipment.
- Ensure that the College or Sixth Form can provide the additional support you require.
Colleges and their Open Evenings 2024-2025
Adult Education
The learning never stops! If you are looking to upskill there are lots of options open to you.
Thurrock Adult Community College tacc.ac.uk
USP www.uspcollege.ac.uk/courses-apprenticeships/our-courses/our-adult-courses
South Essex College Workforce www.southessex.ac.uk/workforce/adults
ACL Essex aclessex.com/?doing_wp_cron=1662457837.7978639602661132812500
National Careers Service nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Amazing Apprenticeships amazingapprenticeships.com
Ucas www.ucas.com
Apprenticeships
If classroom-based learning is not for your young person, they may want to consider an Apprenticeship.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: You will work, typically, for 4 days a week, whilst being paid and then take part in formal training one day a week, either in the workplace, at a local college or with a training provider that will lead to a recognised qualification.
Links for live apprenticeship vacancies:
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
www.thelightbulbapprenticeships.com
Thurrock Council's Job Vacancies
Traineeships
What does a traineeship offer? Traineeships are a work-based education. You will be trained in the skills needed for a particular job. Usual training programs with work experience for young people are unpaid.
Links for Traineeship providers:
GOV.UK www.gov.uk/find-traineeship
J&E Training, Hairdressing Academy www.j-etraining.com
Eden Training, Health and Social Care www.edentraining.co.uk
Vocational Training Service www.vts.ac.uk
Central Training Group www.centraltraininggroup.com
Hall of Ivy www.hallsofivy.co.uk
Life Skills www.learnaliving.co.uk
TCHC Group www.tchc.net
The Princes Trust www.princes-trust.org.uk
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to support your community whilst gaining vital skills essential to the world of work.
For local opportunities got to:
- Volunteer work adds value to your CV.
- You can gain confidence and develop your social skills.
- It may lead to paid work.
T Levels
Future Aspirations
Thinking of going to University?
UCAS www.ucas.com
Open University https://www.open.ac.uk/
Free Resources
Looking for support creating a CV, cover letter or need interview tips? Follow the links below for some great advice.
www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/cvs/cv-templates
www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/cover-letters/cover-letter-templates
www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/interview-techniques/job-interview-tips
Other useful websites with information on different careers paths include:
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/home
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles
http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
Parent Feedback
“I have read the prospectus of many schools in Thurrock and have seen a lot of mission statements, but only at The Gateway Academy did I see evidence of a school putting into practice what they preach.”
“Overall, the GLC inspires the children to dream big through dedication and hard work.”
“I feel that education should be about encouraging the children to find their passion and therefore their place in the world, whether that be through Sport, Art, Design, Music, Drama, Dance, all the while absolutely not compromising on the standard of academic achievement. The attitude and facilities of the GLC allows their students to be the best versions of themselves so should they stay in Thurrock it is through choice not circumstances. I want that for my children.”