Una Discamus

Sponsored by Wellington College PTA

Careers
 Introduction 
 Key Stage 3 
 GCSE 
 A Level 
 Staff 
 STEM 

The world of work is undergoing major change with old jobs disappearing and new opportunities becoming available largely due to the impact of technology and the global market. With these facts in mind we believe that an effective careers and guidance programme is even more crucial for our young people. This view point is clearly supported by CCEA as we see Education for Employability at the heart of the revised Northern Ireland Curriculum and with the new CEIAG guidelines from the Department of Education. The aims of the department have been adapted to meet these new requirements.

The careers department are now delivering a full program of study for employability across Key stage 3. We now have six members of staff trained and delivering the program across this Key stage.

The individual lessons cover all four dimensions of Education for Employability:

  • Work in the local and global economy
  • Career Planning
  • Skills and Qualities for Work
  • Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

The ethos of the lessons is one of active participation by the pupils in stimulating learning experiences which will develop not only the knowledge but also the skills and qualities required for the world of work.

We believe that through a systematic and on-going programme of employability and career management education pupils develop:

  • A knowledge and understanding of themselves
  • A knowledge of the local and global economy as well as enterprise education
  • A knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live, the career opportunities available and the routes of entry available to them
  • And the skills and personal qualities needed to manage their career development, including the ability to make choices, formulate and implement personal career plans and cope with transition from college to Higher Education and adult life.

Year 9 students participate in the Business Insight Day run by Sentinus. The aim of the program is to foster in the students a sense of business and enterprise awareness.

In year 10 the pupils have timetabled classes - one period per week. Apart from the timetabled classes the pupils are also given one to one guidance time. Our formal careers guidance begins in Year 10 when pupils select their subjects for GCSE - a key transition period for our pupils. This guidance takes the form of a 15 minute interview between the pupil, the parent and a member of the careers department. In this interview we assess the pupils ability in particular subjects and see the implications of subject choices on subsequent career opportunities.

In year 11 and 12 the pupils have timetabled careers classes - one period every two weeks. They are given an understanding of the world of work and how they best manage their career plan effectively to make the correct decisions for them in what is a very challenging and changing world of work. Pupils are actively involved in decision making for their post sixteen transition. Some are offered an interview with a Careers Officer from the Training and Employment Agency all others are called for interview later in the year with a member of the careers department to confirm their Post 16 transition plans.

In Year 13 and 14, Careers is taught in timetabled careers classes for two periods every two weeks. Careers staff are also available for individual consultation and guidance during the last week in June at our UCAS interviews. This guidance interview takes the form of a 30 minute interview between the pupil the parent and a member of the careers department. Extensive use is made of Computer Assisted learning through the Pathfinder Live and Odyssey Programs as well as Higher Education websites. Application to University is made on-line using the UCAS Apply System. Contact with employers, representatives from Higher Education and from other relevant agencies is provided through a series of presentations by visiting speakers, through attendance at University Open Days and through a three day Work Shadowing experience.

Mock Interviews are arranged for Year 14 pupils as part of the Interview Skills Day run by Sentinus. The strong links we maintain with former students in the professions and in universities are of considerable benefit to our present students. In January of each year first year stranmillis pupils visit the college to work with our year 14 applicants.

Post - A level guidance is available in the college after the results are received in August. With website access to the vacancy list for universities and Colleges of Higher Education and information on local Universities, we offer our students prompt and up-to-date information and guidance on getting placed. The College has a Careers Suite with a well-equipped, up-to-date Careers library and resource centre.