The eight Gatsby Benchmarks outlined by the Gatsby Foundation are a framework that schools and colleges can use to improve career guidance, better preparing students for life after education. In this series, we look at each benchmark and offer advice for putting it into practice.
Benchmark 1: A Stable Careers Programme says, "Every school and college should have an embedded programme of career education and guidance that is known and understood by pupils, parents, teachers and employers." That includes two things:
- A stable, structured careers programme that has the explicit backing of the senior management team, and has an identified and appropriately trained person responsible for it;
- The programme should be published on the school or college’s website so learners, parents, college staff and employers can access and understand it; and it should be regularly evaluated, with feedback from learners, parents, college staff and employers.
Why is it important?
According to Youth Employment UK, UK businesses struggle to recruit young, work-ready staff – which might be why youth unemployment has been growing since 2005. It’s reported nearly 1 million young people (equivalent to 1 in 5) are currently unemployed, and unemployment remains three times higher for young people than for other age groups.
One way to set up both young people and the businesses recruiting them for success is for schools and colleges to prioritise motivational, inspiring employability skills and careers learning that’s aligned with the needs of the economy and local labour market. As CEO and Director General of City & Guilds Chris Jones explains, "A step change is needed in the education system to move away from a pure focus on academia towards a curriculum that meets the needs of employers."
A stable careers programme empowers students to make informed choices about their careers, helping them identify relevant, fulfilling career options, then get the right skills and experience (as well as grades) to pursue them. Visionpath partner Donna Mason, Careers Leader at Roding Valley, takes a holistic approach, “planning a programme that builds from Year 7 through to Year 13 and gives students the time to learn the essential skills required to have a real understanding about careers.” As she explains, “it’s important that it’s a planned programme and one that’s revised annually, so that it supports students at key transition times.”
How should it work?
Promote
Make sure students, parents and carers are aware of and able to engage with your careers programme by sharing it on your school or college website, clearly outlining the programme for each year. Share activities in email communications and on social media channels to reach not only your school or college community, but increase your institution’s visibility among local employers who might be able to support your programme.
Prioritise
Grades and careers insight are equally important for supporting students’ professional progression, so it’s crucial your careers programme is fully embedded in students’ learning and development. That means encouraging, supporting and prioritising careers activities as you would other curriculum subjects. Donna advises you "plan activities in advance, but also engage with programmes that arise throughout the year that would be of benefit to students."
Evaluate
Regularly review your careers programme to establish its effectiveness in helping students create career goals and pathways – and be prepared to make improvements where needed to support students more effectively.
One option is inviting students to complete surveys after each careers activity to understand how helpful they found it, and how it contributed to their career planning. Another is encouraging students to share career goals, then cross-checking these against destinations after Year 13 – if they’re successful in accessing their desired pathways, great; if not, what might be standing in their way?
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The first step towards improving career guidance and better preparing students for life after education is creating a stable careers programme and making someone (trained) accountable for its delivery and success.
With more than a decade of experience connecting schools with local businesses and inspiring young people to think about their professional futures, Visionpath could be the ideal partner to support your careers lead in creating a programme that makes a real difference for students entering the workforce. Check out how we work with schools, or get in touch.
To read more about the Gatsby Benchmarks, check out our posts on Addressing Needs & Personal Guidance and Experiences of Workplaces.
