What good looks like
Every student should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace. This can be through a range of enrichment activities including visiting speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes, and should include students’ own part time employment where it exists.
- Every year, from the age of 11, pupils should participate in at least one meaningful encounter* with an employer.
- Every year, alongside their study programme, students in colleges should participate in at least two meaningful encounters with an employer. At least one encounter should be delivered through their curriculum area.
- Colleges should record and take account of students’ own part time employment and the influence this has had on their development.
*A ‘meaningful encounter’ is one in which the student has the opportunity to learn about what work is like or what it takes to be successful in the workplace.
Why this matters
“Links have been demonstrated between young people’s engagement with the world of work through career talks and their GCSE attainment.” Motivated to achieve: How encounters with the world of work can change attitudes and improve academic achievement – Education and Employers
“a young person who has four or more meaningful encounters with an employer is 86% less likely to be unemployed or not in education or training and can earn up to 22% more during their career” Motivated to achieve: How encounters with the world of work can change attitudes and improve academic achievement – Education and Employers
Careers Leaders:
Getting started with BM5
- Be clear about priority careers knowledge, understanding and application based on student needs and school priorities. Use this to shape and communicate planned intent for all employer encounters.
- Set clear learning aims and outcomes for all employer encounters by following the Making it Meaningful Checklist.
- Refer to the LLEP Employer Engagement Guide and seek support from your Enterprise Co-ordinator in building long-lasting relationships with local businesses who can support you in the delivery of meaningful employer encounters.
- Use the resource and support featured in the My Learning My Future and My Skills My Future Guides to encourage curriculum staff to use employer encounters which highlight the relevance of subjects and specific learning to engage students and support progress.
Training
All Careers Leaders require Outstanding training
For further support with Benchmark 1 register for our fully funded Careers Leader training
Download our Training Catalogue which includes all the information you need and a helpful comparison guide on the 11 high-quality Training Providers we work with. Here you will be able to choose the right course to suit you and your development, so that you can embed a successful careers programme in your school/college.
Once you have chosen the right course and Training Provider for you, you are all set to register!
Careers in Context: Can Do Approaches
To include an activity under Benchmark 5, it must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Learning outcomes are defined, based on the age and needs of students
- The encounter involves two-way interaction between students and employers/employees
- There is evidence that the student actively participated
Opportunity:
Maximise the value of employer encounters by setting clear learning aims linked to school priorities for all employer encounters
Practical resource and support:
- Consider using this template ‘Proposal’ document to make a case to SLT for time, resource, support for careers guidance
- Connect with providers who can support you in facilitating bespoke employer encounters to respond to the specific needs of your cohorts and region
- Apply the principles of the Making it Meaningful checklist to planning for all employer encounters
Education Leaders and Governors:
Education Leaders and Governors: For further information on each Benchmark, to support you in your role, please see the Education Leader, Secondary and College Governor Guides
Filter by:
Category
SEND
Gatsby benchmarks
Key stage
Campaigns
Type
Resource type
Role
I am a...
Cornerstone Employer Group Case Studies – Coast to Capital
Case study from the Coast to Capital Careers Hub – sheds light on a recent group activity on Vocational pathways undertaken with Thakeham Homes, British Airways, Gatwick Airport, Unilever, Atkins, Honeywell, Thales, NHS, Fidelity International and ITV.
Cornerstone Employer Group Case Studies – Black Country
Case study from the Cornerstone Employer Group at the Black Country Careers Hub – gives an overview of their recent work on Removing Barriers for SEND students, with DPD.
Cornerstone Employer Group Case Studies - Liverpool City Region
Case study from the Cornerstone Employer Group at the Liverpool City Region Careers Hub highlighting recent work on Vocational pathways with The Regena Group, Keepmoat Homes, Jaguar Land Rover and others.
Cornerstone Employer Group Case Studies - Dorset
Case study from the Cornerstone Employer Group at the Dorset Careers Hub – gives an overview of their recent work on Vocational pathways, including T levels, with J.P. Morgan.
Cornerstone Employer Group Case Studies - Birmingham
Case study from the Cornerstone Employer Group at the Birmingham Careers Hub – gives an overview of their recent work on Removing Barriers: supporting SEND students, with HS2, Wilmott Dixon, Jacobs and others.
Causeway and STAR Academies - Year 9 Curriculum Resources
Developed by Causeway in partnership with Star Academies.
These resources have been created by curriculum subject experts to engage students as practically as possible in fully resourced classroom-based packs which teachers can use to showcase the application of curriculum topics to real job roles.
Causeway and STAR Academies - Year 7 Curriculum Resources
Developed by Causeway in partnership with Star Academies.
These resources have been created by curriculum subject experts to engage students as practically as possible in fully resourced classroom-based packs which teachers can use to showcase the application of curriculum topics to real job roles.
Causeway and STAR Academies - GCSE Curriculum Resources
Developed by Causeway in partnership with Star Academies.
These resources have been created by curriculum subject experts to engage students as practically as possible in fully resourced classroom-based packs which teachers can use to showcase the application of curriculum topics to real job roles.
Black Country Careers Hub SEND resources
The Black Country Careers Hub have developed a number of resources to support those working with young people with SEND in the different settings. Many of these resources are featured in the My Skills My Future programme.
Beauty, Hairdressing and Barbering Career Resources
Developed by VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust), these resources will inform those considering a career in Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing or Barbering industries and their parents/guardians of the options available to them and the opportunities for their future career.
Accenture Digital Skills
This resource has been developed by Accenture (national) and is offered on a free learning basis.
A collaborative, peer to peer learning tool building the digital skills needed to stand out in today’s workplace:
- Bite-sized, animated videos presented by digital experts
- 110+ animated bitesize videos with content covering 7 digital courses presented by Accenture digital experts
- Innovative use of social media tools to facilitate peer to peer learning
- CPD accredited certificate received for completing the modules.
A Focus on the Future – Raising Awareness of Visual Impairment in Business
Leicestershire Cares Education team’s info pack about their employability project with visually impaired young people. This pack includes a guide for businesses signposting helpful info and resources on employing people with a visual impairment.