Careers Hub Opening Times  - Monday-Friday 0815-1545

Contact Details

  • Miss Hilson - Careers Lead jhilson@tgschool.net  Tel: 01787 375 232

  • Mrs Osborne – Careers Manager kosborne@tgschool.net

  • Mrs Cook - Careers Administrator and work experience co-ordinator pcook@tgschool.net

Careers Activities/Events in School

Information For Parents/Carers

What can parents/carers do to help their child with decisions about their future? - It is widely recognised that parents/carers are the most influential force in a young person’s career and education. We understand it is hard to know how to support your child in the difficult decisions they have to make along their education and career journey. This is especially true as the choices and qualifications may well have changed since they were at school. Hopefully these guides and links to useful websites will help answer some of your questions, and ensure you have up to date information to support your child.

Weekly Careers Newsletter

Please click here for a copy of our weekly careers newsletter in the form of a padlet to help you find the information you need more easily. Here are a few of the regular items you will find in the newsletter - 

  • School career events - employer workshop dates, enrichment day activities etc
  • Apprenticeship and job adverts
  • University and college open days, events and taster lectures
  • Current parent guides for parents
  • Work experience opportunites
  • Inspirational talks from industry experts

If you have any ideas about any other information you would like to see in the newsletter please get in touch with Mrs Osborne on kosborne@tgschool.net

How can your young person explore the world of work and different career options? From Year 9 students are given access to a school careers platform called Morrisby which allows them to complete a psychometric test which then matches them to suitable careers. Students can carry out research on those careers, such sarary information, qualifcations needed, LMI (see explanation further down this page) and more. Students log in using their school email address and chosen password or a generated login and password they are supplied with. Students can, if they wish, give permission for their parents to access their account at the bottom of the home page. If you would like to find out more about this system please watch this video here.

Where can your young person find out more about regional jobs and opportunities?   The Source is a great website created by Suffolk County Council to help inform young people about their option. Alternatively there is a Suffolk based careers site called Icanbea.org here that contains a useful CV builder and information about local vacancies etc. 

How can I help my child develop useful skills for the workplace?  - The Skills Builder Partnerships website https://www.skillsbuilder.org/ provides some useful exercises you can work through with your child to develop the 8 top skills required by employers. Scroll down the home page and click on "Explore the Framework"

Subject Guides

If students are interested in finding out where particular subjects can lead them please see the great resources below that provide a list of jobs, different routes and skills learnt whilst studying  - 

Art & Design - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/ArtandDesign2020/

Biology - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Biology2020/

Business Studies - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Business2020/

Chemistry - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Chemistry2020/

Computer Science - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/ComSci2020/

Design and Technology - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/DesignandTech2020/

Drama - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Drama2020/En

English - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/English2020/

Geography - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Geography2020/

History - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/History2020/

Maths - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Maths2020/

Modern Foreign Languages - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Languages2020/

Music - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Music2020/

Physical Education - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/PE2020/

Physics - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Physics2020/

Psychology - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Psychology2020/

Religious Studies - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/ReligiousStudies2020/

Sociology - https://79590737.flowpaper.com/Sociology2020/

Post 16 Options 

After sitting GCSEs and completing Year 11 students have four options available to them. A-Levels, BTECs, T-Levels or an Apprenticeship. It is a legal requirement for children to stay in some form of education until they are 18yrs old so students will need to opt for one of the above choices. Applications to college or 6th form usually need to be made by the end of the year prior to their exams in Year 11. 

The Parents’ Guide to Post 16 Options (full edition)  and (summary edition)-  available from A Parent's Guide website

What are A-Levels ?  click here

What are BTECs ? click here

What are T-Levels ? click here

What are Apprenticeships ? click here

What is a Traineeship? click here

Where can I study A-Levels? 

At a local 6th Form College such as......

Where can I study BTEC/Vocational Courses or T- Levels? 

At a local vocational college such as......

Travel bursaries are available to those who meet the eligibility criteria please click for here for information

Current Apprenticeship Opportunities

West Suffolk College - Apprenticeship Vacancies

Colchester Institute - Apprenticeship Vacancies

Government Official Search - Apprenticeship Vacancies

Independent Training Providors

TCHC Ipswich 

TCHC offers a range of government-funded services to young people, jobseekers, employers, and employees throughout the East of England (Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk).

Our advisers are ready and waiting to offer you all the advice and help you need to move your career and your business forward. They can identify any funding available to support your objectives.

Currently in Suffolk our programmes include:

  • Training and support for young people 16-18 not currently working or studying through our MyGaps Study Programme.
  • Training, support and work experience for young people 16-24 through our Step Forward programme.
  • Training and support for jobseekers through our Opportunity Suffolk programme.
  • Business start-up training for jobseekers or those affected by redundancy.
  • Apprenticeships.

For more information about TCHC click here

For information about other Independent Training providors in Suffolk click here for Suffolk County Council's THE SOURCE website aimed at providing useful career related information to young people. 

Train for an exciting and rewarding career in the trades with a JTL apprenticeship.

JTL is a leading national independent training provider, with over 25 years’ experience of successfully delivering electrical and plumbing & heating apprenticeships to the building services engineering sector.

A JTL apprenticeship can be started from the age of 16 (once you have a National Insurance number) and completed within 4 years. Our programmes are ideal for anyone who is practically minded, and who wants to start earning a wage straight away.

There is plenty of demand for new talent in the sector with excellent earnings potential (fully qualified electricians and plumbers can earn salaries of £32k and over) and huge potential to progress up the career ladder. 

Click here for more info

Post 18 Options

After students in our 6th form sit their A-Level or BTEC qualifications they have three choices available to them ; University, Apprenticeship or Employment. Here are some resources students and parents will find useful in researching each option -

University - the UCAS website is an extremely helpful website allowing you to research university courses all over the country as well as apprenticeship information, career options and provides detailed information about the application process itself. Students can create their own login name to personalise their experience on the site.

For a comprehensive guide How Student Loans Work please see the compare the market guide by clicking on the blue text in this sentence. This detailed guide helps students understand the ins and outs of financing higher education and helps them navigate these processes smoothly by making informed decisions when applying for student loans.

Please see A Parent's Guide  website for the following - 

The Parents’ Guide to University

The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships

The Parents’ Guide to Post 18 Options (summary)

The Parents’ Guide to Study and exam revision (sixth form)

Apprenticeships - Please see above links to Apprenticeship Vacancies and Guides. Students can also find a great deal of information on apprenticeships on the shared Google Drive in the Careers Folder under General Careers Information/Resources

Finding a Job - There are many job websites such as Indeed.com and Suffolk Jobs Direct where students can search for jobs that match their skills and qualities. It is important to think about Labour Market Information at this point, please see section at the bottom of this page for more information.

Are you interested in applying to Universities in the United States? 

Given its history and quality of higher education, it’s not surprising that the U.S. is a top destination for international students. According to the Institute of International Education, in the 2021-22 academic year, 4.7% of students in U.S. postsecondary institutions were international.

This guide, featuring insight from Blanca Villagomez, a program counselor, and coordinator at the University of California, will help international students prepare for enrollment at a U.S. institution. It covers the application process, researching colleges, financial aid, post-graduation information, and information on individual states.

https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-colleges/study-in-the-usa-guide-for-international-students/

SEND Students

For information on post 16 options for young people with educational needs and disabilities please see Suffolk Local Offer. More information about what support is available can be found on the Suffolk Councy Council website here . 

Another useful website for local SEND support is SENDIAS https://suffolksendiass.co.uk/  (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service)  a confidential and impartial information, advice and support service on issues related to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). It is free, easy to access and confidential. We can help children, parents and young people take part in decisions that affect their lives.

Once a Year 11 SEND student has attended open evenings and applied to college during the Autumn term of Year 11 we advice them to contact the Additional Learning Support teams at that college to start a conversation about the requirements their child will need at their new place of study. All necessary notes will be transferred to the college to ensure a smooth transfer. Please speak to Mrs N Wilby or Mrs K Osborne if you have any concerns.

Further Education Provider

Telephone Number

Email

Link to Web Page

West Suffolk College

01284 716 257

sendserviceswsc@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk

https://www.wsc.ac.uk/find-a-course/supported-learning

Colchester Institute

01206 712 339

ALS@colchester.ac.uk

https://www.colchester.ac.uk/support/

Suffolk One

01473 556 627 ask for SEND team

send@suffolkone.ac.uk

https://www.suffolkone.ac.uk/students/additional-learning-support

Suffolk New College

01473 382700

als@suffolk.ac.uk

https://www.suffolk.ac.uk/study-with-us/inclusive-learning/

Employers

If you are a local employer who would like to get involved with our school careers programme please see the document entitled "Information for Employers” in the orange section to the right of this page, for details.

All School Years

TGS Careers TV - the careers department have been building a library of 20 minute interviews with professionals about their jobs, to give students a taste of the varied career opportunities availalbe to them in the future. Students can access these recordings via the Google Drive in the Careers folder.

Enrichment Day activities – Three days each year students are provided with a programme of activities which cover Careers and PSHE education.  We plan activities such as Speed Employer Networking, employer led activities and Charity events. Visits to and from TGS Universities, Colleges and employers to share information and roadshows to promote healthy living and career opportunities.

Visits to Careers Fairs – meet local employers, colleges and universities to gain information.

Visits to Local Employers – we schedule suitable visits throughought the year for year groups that compliment their study in subjects such as Business, IT, Science etc

Virtual Work Experience / Volunteering

Students are expected in Year 10 and 12 to arrange work experience either directly with their own contacts or by speaking to Mrs Cook in the careers hub. Either way Miss Perkins needs at least 3 weeks notice prior to the start date to seek permission from teachers if it is during term time. If it is during the holidays please just notify Mrs Cook so she is aware of what students are taking part in and can ensure they receive the credit for their ROA. 

We encourage students to use their Morrisby account first to explore ideas and help them narrow down their choices before having a conversation with Mrs Cook in the Careers hub during break or before school. Attendance will need to be at 95% if they are taking time out of school unless they have special permission from a member of the seniot leadership team. Paperwork will need to be completed and handed to Mrs Cook 30 days prior to the work experience.

There are many exciting virtual work experiences available from the providors below that can be organised outside school at weekends or during holidays for Years 10-13. If you cannot find what you are looking for please email Mrs Cool for assistance in finding a virtual work experience that you are interested in. 

Multiple Sectors

Speakers for Schools - A varierty of great work experiences on offer. Free to register just sign up at weekends and during holidays Register Here

InvestIN Education - InvestIN Education are an organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between school and industry by equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future. They predominantly do this by providing immersive career experiences for students aged 12-18 in 15 different industries, from the popular Medicine and Law, through to up-and-coming careers like International Politics and Forensic Science. Their programmes offer an invaluable insight into each career, through interactive activities, exclusive site visits and industry-specific career coaching - all led by top professionals. Their flagship Summer Experiences run throughout July and August for 1 or 2 weeks in length, with shorter taster experiences taking place at weekends throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. Pricing starts from £165. To find out more, please do visit their website (www.investin.org), where full timetable breakdowns, testimonials and further information can be found. Please notify Ms Cook if you do sign up to a workshop so that she can keep a record of what students have taken part in.

SpringPod - Brought to my attention by a 6th form student wanting a virtual work experience opportunity in law, this platform offers a wide variety of options such as journalism, finance, teaching, marketing, engineering and many more  click here

Young Professionals - Helping thousands of school students to accelerate their careers in apprenticeship and work experience programs in areas such as Technology, Law, Finance, Business etc. Click here for events

Operations Wallacea - An organisation who run overseas biodiversity research projects, The work placements they are proposing offer students with an interest in science, geography, English, marketing and project management the opportunity to work alongside their team of internationally-renowned scientists, business development, marketing and expedition management experts. For more information see their website click here

Healthcare Sector

Allied Healthcare Mentor - Tried and tested by a 6th form student these virtual work experiences are run by healthcare professionals and are a great way of introducing you to a variety of different careers within the NHS. Click here for more information

Medic Mentor - A national non-profit medical organisation set up to help students get into medicine. To find out more please visit their website  - click here

Care Development East - A new NHS Work Experience Portal has been created offereing virtual work experience opportunities in a number of different areas including Physiotherapy, Operations Department Practitioner, Nursing, Learning Disability Support and Midwifery and more to be added soon. To sign up please click here. 

For a more extensive list of virtual work experience opportunities please click here. Click on “Access resource here” to download the document. Alternatively sign up to the careers weekly newsletter for a regular update of virtual work experience options in different sectors.

For a parent’s guide to virtual work experience and it's benefits click here.

Volunteering is a great way of gaining experience whilst helping others. Volunteer Suffolk will help you find many local opportunities to get involved with such as Girl Guide/Scout Groups and the Befriending Scheme. 

The Bridge Project - Join our team

3rd Sudbury Scout Group - Graham Toy Chairman@sudburyscouts.org.uk 07393 668 557 

Suffolk Libraries - During the summer holidays they are looking for students to help with their summer reading programme for 4-11 year olds. Tasks include; helping read to children, hand out awards and help them pick new books. If interested please go to the school library or call 01787 315 195.

Half Ribbons (Years 7-9)

All students are regularly encouraged by the Heads of House, tutors, subject teacher and support staff to get involved in the half and full ribbon scheme to award student's activities in the following areas - 

  • Progress
  • Community
  • Sport
  • Employabilty
  • Creativity

Students need 6 pieces of evidence for each to receive their half ribbon badges. This can include letters from teachers, Heads of House, external club leaders etc, annotated photos of them taking part in activities or awards received.  The aim of thise scheme is to encourage all students to take part in the varietry of activities on offer in school as well as out of school clubs and voluntery work. Please see your childs planner for more information. Students are encouraged to visit the Careers Hub regularly to put their evidence into their Record of Achievement folder and receive a stamp so they can see progress made towards each half ribbon. 

Full Ribbons (Years 9-11)

Overlapping with the half ribbons in Year 9 students can begin working on their full ribbons which will be awarded to them during graduation in Year 11. Whilst covering the same areas as the half ribbon i.e Community, Sports, Creative Arts, Commitment to Learning and Employability the criteria is more extensive. The framework for these ribbons can be found in the links on the right of this page and in your child's planner.

Extra Curricular Activities

We encourage all students to sign up to a variety of extra currilcular activities such as debating, choir, badmington, drama club football, gardening and many more.  Joining one or more after school clubs builds student's confidence and broadens their interests allowing them to develop skills such as teamwork, aiming high , listening, speaking, problem solving etc. Please click here to download a list of current clubs on offer - enrichment club list

We also support - 

 Duke of Edinburgh Awards  - please contact Mrs Crawford on lcrawford@tgschool.net for more information. For more information about what we do at Thomas Gainsborough School see here

National Citizen Service (Summer Camp) - See here for more information  or contact Miss Hilson on jhilson@tgschool.net 

Labour Market Information

Labour Market Information (LMI) can help students make more informed decisions about which jobs to consider in the future based on it's upward or downward trend. The tool below allows them to compare two different jobs to see which ones are growing or contracting. For more information please see  https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/. 

This is not designed to crush the dreams of our students, passion is the most important factor in choosing a career path however it is important they are aware of what to expect should they choose certain career paths over others.

The 8 Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance

In 2013 Sir John Holman wrote “The Good Careers Guidance Report” in which he details the 8 key benchmarks designed to provide a framework for improving careers provisions in schools. Please see our “Careers Learning Journey” above to see which benchmarks we are looking to meet at each stage of a students career education. For more information see the Gatsby Benchmark website here.

Our aim is to provide students with information from a variety of different sources, to allow them to make informed decisions regarding options, further education, higher education, apprenticeships and future career pathways. If you have any questions about the Careers Programme at Thomas Gainsborough School, or you would like to know how we are doing in relation to meeting the above benchmarks, please email Mrs Osborne who would be happy to share that information with you.

In order that students and their parents have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their futures, we have added some links to sites and documents below which we hope you find useful.

UPDATED OCTOBER 2024 

The Baker Clause

The Baker Clause came into force initially for schools and colleges in England on the 2nd January 2018 and has recently been amended and updated in Jan 2023. It stipulates that -

  • Schools must act impartially and not show any bias towards any route, be that academic or technical.
  • Schools should promote the full range of technical options.
  • Schools must open their doors to other education and training providers, providing a range of opportunities for providers to talk to all year 8 - 13 pupils about their offer.
  • Pupils should be aware of the benefits of apprenticeships, T Levels and other approved technical education qualifications. Schools should make every effort to improve their performance against the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks.
  • Governing bodies and senior leaders should review their arrangements for provider access and prepare and publish a policy statement on the school website.

Update in Jan 2023

  • Two encounters for pupils during the ‘first key phase’ (year 8 or 9) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend, to take place any time during year 8 or between 1 September and 28 February during year 9.

  •  Two encounters for pupils during the ‘second key phase’ (year 10 or 11) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend, to take place any time during year 10 or between 1 September and 28 February during year 11. • 

  • Two encounters for pupils during the ‘third key phase’ (year 12 or 13) that are mandatory for the school to put on but optional for pupils to attend, to take place any time during year 12 or between 1 September and 28 February during year 13. 

Schools should encourage all pupils to attend the encounters, however, optional attendance for older pupils recognises that, while many 16-to-18-year-olds will benefit from finding out more about post-18 technical options, some will be in the sixth form having made a firm decision to pursue their chosen pathway. 

We are delighted to have retained the national Quality in Careers Standard using the Career Mark approach provided by Complete Careers.  Valid until Nov 2024.