Careers and Guidance
- Making careers choices
- Year 9 Option choices
- Year 9 Child to work day
- Year 10 Work experience information
- Year 11 Careers day
- Post 16 Careers
- Careers Events
Careers and Guidance is part of a range of Work Related Learning activities available at Downend. This includes preparation for GCSE option choices, Work Experience, guidance and support for students making decisions about what to do at the end of Year 11. Post sixteen students receive advice and guidance on University, College and employment applications. Please click on the links below to find out how we can help students to learn about the world of work and make decisions about their future.
Making Careers Choices
We have a number of careers databases which can help students identify possible careers and give information about aspects of the work entry requirements and where to train.
Local Information sheets Information on jobs and training opportunities for occupational areas in the South West. The sheets include possible job titles within the occupational area, options for students leaving at the end of Year 11 or post 16 education.
Careers Information
If you wish to access the Careers information databases please come to the careers office and we can give you a username and login.
Jed - the Job Explorer Database
The interactive multimedia careers resource from Careersoft. Comprehensive information on over 800 jobs with pictures, videos, quizzes and text.
You can click here to watch the Jed's introduction video
Wondering about going into Higher Education? Not sure what courses to look at if you do? Trying to make the right school and college subject choices for the degree you want? Higher Ideas can help.
Planning Your Career
Starting in Year nine students use Plan-it to record their skills, qualities and achievements, in order to create an action plan to help them make the next step in their future. In Year nine this relates to option choices, in Year 10 work experience and in Year 11 their post 16 choices.
Plan-it is accessed through the website www.myplan4life.org you will need to know your password. Please visit careers if you need your password.
Talking to a Personal Advisor
There are two Connexions Personal Advisers who come into Downend School - they are Dave Jenkins and Kay Palmer.
Personal Advisers can offer pupils in Years 9-14 impartial information, advice and guidance about a number of issues including careers, education, relationships, health, bullying, drugs and housing. The service is confidential and pupils are advised to drop into the Careers Centre (opposite the LRC just past the ICT technicians office) during break or lunchtime. After an initial chat, if a longer appointment is necessary then this can be organised.
Young people can also access a Personal Adviser by ringing Connexions Direct on 080 800 13 2 19 (open 8am – 2am).
Connexions Contact Details
Dave Jenkins: djenkins@connexionswest.org.uk
Kay Palmer: kpalmer@connexionswest.org.uk
Year 9 Option Choices
In Year 9 you will have to decide which subjects you wish to study for Level one or two (GCSE standard) qualifications. All students follow a core curriculum consisting of English, Mathematics, Science, Design Technology, PE and Personal Development Curriculum.
In addition, you can choose from a number of optional courses:
Administration, Art, Business Studies, BTEC Engineering, BTEC Performing Arts, BTEC Sport, Child Development, Drama, French, Geography, German, Health and Social Care, History, Humanities ICT, iMedia, Music, PE, Philosophy and Ethics with Religion, Separate Sciences.
As part of the Kingswood Partnership, Downend School is pioneering the teaching of the new Diploma qualification and from September 2009, students are able to follow a Diploma course in
Construction and the Built Environment, Creative and Media, Engineering, IT or Society, Health and Development, Hair and Beauty, Manufacturing and Product Design, Business, Administration and Finance, Hospitality, Environmental and Land-based Studies. A further five courses will be available from September 2010.
Year 9 Child to Work Day
The aim of ‘Child to Work Day’ the day is to let students experience the work environment and to encourage them to raise their career aspirations. Students can spend the day observing the workplace and interviewing staff to find out about their jobs and how they got them. The day is also a preparation for Work Experience, which students undertake in Year 10.
Year 10 Work Experience Information
All Year 10 students spend a week on Work Experience when student carries out work tasks more or less as an employee would, however the student should concentrate on the learning aspects of the experience.
2010 Year 10 Work Experience Week: 28 June - 02 July
Downend School Work Experience Process
Information for Students
On work experience you have the chance to
• Develop your skills
• Find out about a career you have an interest in
• Find out information which will help with subjects you study in school
• Get a reference
• You may even get a job or apprenticeship offer
Finding a placement
• Use Tutorial time in the morning
• Visit Careers Office before school, during break and lunch
• Make sure that you follow up letters with a phone call
Work Experience Info for Students
Information for Parents
Parents can play an important part in helping students get the most from their work experience. It is very helpful to have documents returned promptly and these can be emailed to wex@downend.com which is our dedicated email address for all enquiries relating to work experience.
Work Experience Placement Form
Information for Employers
We are very grateful to the large number of employers who offer work experience placements to our students and we appreciate the time and effort that is made to make the placement a success. We hope that employers also benefit from the experience. Please contact us at wex@downend.com if you feel your organisation may be able to offer a placement or support work related learning in other ways.
Post 16 Careers
This is an integral part of the Student Support programme. Students will meet with their tutors in a one to one interview at least once a term to discuss their progress. Tutors offer advice, and pastoral support to empower students to take responsibility for their own learning.
Careers Events
Careers Conferences for students who want to become Doctors or Lawyers 
Improve Your Chances of Becoming a Doctor
Saturday 27 February 2010, 10:00am-4:30pm, University College London
Saturday 20 March 2010, 10:00am-4:30pm, University of Manchester
Improve Your Chances of Becoming a Lawyer
Saturday 6 March 2010, 10:00am-4:30pm, The College of Law, London
The events are designed primarily for students in Year 11 (and year 12). For full details, including costs and application form, please visit: http://www.epoc.org.uk/
Vacancies starting summer 2010
Kaplan Accountancy Scholarship
Kaplan Bristol Scholarship - Case Study
ROLLS ROYCE APPRENTICESHIPS Closing Date 15th January 2010
Rolls Royce are currently recruiting for their 2010 intake of practical apprenticeships where by combining classroom study with on-the-job learning, their Advanced/Modern Apprenticeships provide a genuine alternative to university, providing the foundations for a career in engineering.
Key Details:
They offer the training; guidance and support you need to develop valuable skills, earn sought-after qualifications and establish yourself in your chosen career. Usually lasting three and a half years, they enable you to complete an Advanced Apprenticeship.
• The Practical Engineering Apprenticeships are best suited to people interested in using their hands to undertake highly skilled work. They will generally see you physically make, build, test, fix or operate various components, machinery and technologies.
You are likely to have: GCSE's (Grade D or above) in Maths, English, Science and at least one other subject (ideally something technical like Design and Technology
• The Technical Engineering Apprenticeships are best suited to people with an interest in the theoretical side of engineering. You will spend most of your time working on a computer, developing investigative and problem solving skills.
You are likely to have: GCSE's (grade C or above) in Maths, English, Science and at least one other subject (ideally something technical like Design and Technology)
Please apply on: www.rolls-royce.com/careers
Western Power: Closing Date 29th January 2010
Please see details below for Technical Apprenticeship intake at Western Power. There are approx 28 places available and candidates need to go online to download an application pack. There are lots of supporting documents here to and it’s advised that they download everything.
Entry requirements to have, or expect to attain, at least 5 GCSE Grade C or above exam results, including Maths, English and/or Welsh and one science subject, OR to have equivalent recognised qualifications in relevant subjects such as mechanical or electrical engineering.
This is a great opportunity to join a company who will support your development. Candidates need to apply online at – www.joinwpd.co.uk
England Golf Partnership: Closing Date 31st January 2010
Web Site - www.englandgolfpartnership.com
NATIONAL VACANCIES AVAILABLE UP AND DOWN ENGLAND. THIS PROGRAMME RUNS NATIONALLY IN EVERY ENGLISH REGION. The ‘England Futures’ programme is a brand new initiative launched jointly between the English Golf Union and English Women’s Golf Association and is aimed at providing targeted support to England’s most talented young golfers during the critical phase when they need to manage their academic work with the development of their sport skills. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THESE VACANCIES. Refer to the 'Other Important Information' section of this advertisement
Key Details Working Week 20 hrs per week (pay is calculated pro-rata) Weekly Wage £ 95.00
Number of Vacancies 6 Vacancy Reference Number VAC000016445
Qualifications Required 4 GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent)
Football Apprenticeship Scheme: Closing Date 1st February 2010
This is a Programme Led Football Apprenticeship Scheme run by University of Bath. It sounds like a great opportunity for any good young footballers out there and the facilities are excellent. They are looking to fill 20 places and the apprentices will need to arrange their own travel to the University site in Bath and Wiltshire college in Chippenham. They will get their expenses paid for travelling to the college and Team Bath. They also get their training kit supplied and some of their current apprentices hold down part time jobs as well. The first football trial is scheduled for February 2010 and then April 2010. To apply for a trial, candidates need to complete the application form available from Connexions and return to the address before 1st February 2010. For more information please contact Matt Hale on 01225 384268 or email M.Hale@bath.ac.uk.
Scottish & Southern Electric: Closing Date 28th February 2010
Electrical, Gas & Engineering Apprenticeships
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSE’s grades A-C to include Maths, English and Science
Apply at www.see-apprentices.co.uk
Airbus: Closing Date 1st March 2010
Customer Services or Engineering & Maintenance Apprenticeships
Entry requirements 2 C's at A Level (or equivalent) - preference will be given to candidates with Physics or Maths, PLUS six B's (Higher Tier where applicable) at GCSE (or equivalent) including Maths, English and preferably Science, Design or Information Technology or an Engineering related subject. This is a great opportunity to join a leading international company who will support your development. Candidates need to apply online at – www.airbus.com/en/careers
Royal Navy Apprenticeships
Above all else, the Royal Navy is a highly flexible fighting force whose duty it is to protect the people and the interests of the UK. Since the end of the Cold War we have been called on to help resolve many conflicts around the world. To be sure that we remain one of the most highly respected fighting forces in the world, the Royal Navy has to be constantly prepared for whatever situation we might have to face. For our personnel, this means training throughout their careers so they are able to use the latest equipment and systems. Opportunities:
• Steward Apprenticeship (Connexions Vacancy Reference 400960)
• Royal Navy Chef Apprenticeship (Connexions Vacancy Reference 400961)
• General Service Medical Assistant Apprenticeship (Connexions Vacancy Reference 400962)
• Air Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Connexions Vacancy Reference 400963)
• Engineering Technician (Marine) Apprenticeship (Connexions Vacancy Reference 400964)
• Aircraft Controller Apprenticeship (Connexions Vacancy Reference 400965)
Check out www.connexionswest.org.uk – for further details of vacancies, entry requirements and entry procedures available. Apply on line at www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers - you can also see example questions and tests.
Also available shortly:
• Renishaw – Engineering Apprenticeships (online application system not open yet but can register interest at recruitment@renshaw.com)
• BT - recruitment for technical apprenticeships opening shortly in Customer Service, Vehicle Technology, Information Technology, Telecommunications visit www.btplc.com/careercentre/careerstart-Apprentices/index.htm
These are just some of the vacancies registered with Connexions. Please look at our website www.connexionswest.org.uk for further details. If you would like some help, please drop into the careers centre during break or lunch time.
