Getting our students ready for the workplace.
Introduction
What is it?
The careers programme at Portfield offers practical careers education delivered throughout the school curriculum. Where appropriate, this is supported by external qualifications, such as, The Princes Trust. In addition, students benefit from a range of employer-led activities and work placements. The programme focuses on developing the following core skills:
Why? Our Vision
Our vision is to raise aspirations and provide the best possible opportunities for all our students to build their confidence, develop independence and prepare them for sustained careers in their adult lives.
Our aim is for all students to move on to either an appropriate college course, work place or another appropriate provision depending on their needs.
Impact
We measure impact through tracking the Gatsby Benchmarks to evaluate our careers provision. We use destination data to ensure our students are moving on to their next best steps. We gather feedback from students, staff, parents and employers. We keep a record of student participation in the Careers Programme. Each student will complete a progressive Careers Journey Workbook and as they near the end of their time at Portfield, a step by step Action Plan
Main contact: Katy Freeman, Careers Lead and Advisor
Email: katy.
Phone number: 01202 483360
For work experience enquiries:
Corné Van Deventer, Work Experience Coordinator
Email: corne.
Phone number: 01202 483360
Work experience:
For our students - By providing our students with the skills and support they need means they can approach employment with confidence and gain a real insight into the world of work. We want each and every one of our students to work in a career they are passionate about, which gives them personal fulfilment.
By giving them access to work experience opportunities as well as mentoring, inspirational speakers and exploring entrepreneurial options we hope to guide them to their chosen career as smoothly as possible. All students will be supported through a job application process from writing CVs, to preparing for interviews so that they have the skills and tools they need to feel confident and safe as they apply for roles.
Careers Programme:
- The careers programme is embedded into the curriculum across the whole school. Each student completes a Progressive Careers Journey Workbook, underpinned by relevant learning outcomes. As they approach adulthood this is heavily focused on life skills and independence and where relevant, preparation for the workplace.
- 1:1 career guidance meetings can be booked with Katy Freeman as and when the students require them. Each student will have a meeting before they turn 16 and again before they turn 18.
- Careers noticeboards are regularly updated and located outside our main hall at the Parley site and in the kitchen area at 6th form.
- Career encounters and events are spread across the year, underpinned by Gatsby Benchmark requirements and CDI learning outcomes, with opportunities for every student to be involved.
- Many of our students are involved in Enterprise Projects, selling things such as toys, baked goods, plants and smoothies, some students took part in cleaning staff cars.
- Our students complete Internal Work Experience roles and when are they are ready, they will be matched with an External Work Placement.
- Our full careers programme and key dates can be found on our Careers Programme tab. You can also find a list of relevant Providers in our local area, this includes both Specialist Providers who offer a variety of opportunities, such as, programmes to develop life skills and independence, supported internships and individualised study programmes. It also includes Colleges in our local area offering foundation and vocational courses.
- We can share our students Careers Journey Workbooks with parents at any time, so they can see the progress our young ones are making.
- We regularly send updates via our Careers Newsletters and teacherstoparents.
- Parents are invited to attend key events such as careers fairs, careers coffee mornings and they can chat to our Careers Team at Parents Evening. As our students approach transition stages, they are invited along to our Action Plan Meetings to help us prepare our young ones with their next best steps.
- The following resources will contain useful information regarding our Local Labour Market Information and can support you to explore all things Career related with your young ones.
- We welcome parents/carers to get involved in our young ones Career Encounters to enhance their journeys, there are a number of ways we can make this happen, if you would like to get involved, please contact Katy Freeman.
For employers - we provide training for employers on neurodiversity and autism in the workplace so that they have the knowledge, confidence and awareness of the adaptations and understanding that are necessary to make any interactions as productive and comfortable as possible.
Our job is to create a positive experience for both the student and the employer. We believe that, with the right support and encouragement, many of our students can access the career they chose through apprenticeships, employer training schemes, university or employment and many employers can benefit from the excellent skills that an autistic employee can bring.
If you are an employer and are interested in finding out more about our Work Experience programme please get in touch.
- Teaching and support staff have access to the careers programme plan via the school’s shared drive.
- Regular CPD sessions and staff briefings include updates on Gatsby Benchmark tracking, upcoming events, and guidance resources.
- Staff link curriculum content to careers where possible and they embed Careers throughout the curriculum, using the individual Career learning journeys underpinned by the CDI learning outcomes.
- Staff can access a range of resources via the Careers Folder in the shared drive.
Resources:
Labour Market Information:
Labour Market Information (LMI) refers to data and insights about the world of work, encompassing employment trends, job availability, skills demand, and salary ranges. It provides a comprehensive picture of the job market, including information on specific occupations, industries, and geographical areas. LMI is a valuable tool for individuals making career decisions. https://www.dorsetcareershub.co.uk/dorset-lep-report-and-dashboard https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/
Support with next steps:
- https://
www. dorsetcareershub.co.uk/ advice-and-guidance-for-send - https://
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/ careers-advice/ career-and-job-support-for-people-with-a-disability/ - https://
www. dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ children-families/ sen-and-disability-local-offer/ dorsets-local-offer - https://
www. ndti.org.uk/ resources/ preparing-for-adulthood-all-tools-resources - https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/ https://sendiass4bcp.org/
Testimonials of work
During my recent work experience placements, I had the opportunity to explore two different environments, both of which provided helpful insights and personal growth.
My first placement was at Aeroflex, an engineering company where I got involved in the technical and hands-on aspects of the industry. Here, I had the chance to test products and assist on the assembly line, contributing to the creation and quality assurance of a selection of hoses. What stood out to me was the relaxed and friendly atmosphere; the team was welcoming, supportive, and always willing to share their expertise. This environment not only improved my technical skills and understanding of the industry but also demonstrated the importance of a positive workplace culture.
In contrast, my second placement was at Eagle Mount Care Home, where I engaged with residents and participated in various activities designed to enhance their well-being. This experience was equally rewarding, as it allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, each with their unique stories and perspectives. Helping with daily activities and spending time with the residents taught me empathy, patience, and the value of community support.
Both placements, while different, have helped shaped my understanding of where I want to focus my attention with regards to future career areas . The technical experience at Aeroflex enhanced my interest in engineering processes and product development, while my time at Eagle Mount emphasised the importance of human interaction and care in any professional setting. Together, these experiences have given me a well-rounded perspective, reinforcing my passion for engineering which I would like to pursue further.
I completed my Work Experience placement at the Christchurch Library. My tasks were tidying all the books up from the trolley or different places around the library.
Depending on the topic of the book, I had to put them away in the correct section. For example, Science book, History or Terror. I used my listening skills when I was being taught what I needed to do and my communication skills during my time in the library.
The time that I spent in the library was very positive because I enjoyed it and I learnt many things and developed my listening and communication skills further. I can say that I feel confident going over there and reading books on my own or playing table games.
On Wednesday the 27th April I spent the day completing a driver training course on the Moors Valley Railway. I arrived at Kingsmire station and met my driving instructor Geoff. Geoff helped to teach me all about the railway and its engines. I spent the day learning to drive a little red engine called Talos.
I was given a set of overalls and gloves to wear for the day, this made me feel awesome and like a proper driver. All morning Geoff showed me how to drive the engine. This involved many tasks such as understanding how to use the regulator, reverser and the brakes. I had to also know when to stoke the fire and fill the tanks with water. During the day, whilst driving out on the railway line, I had to know when to stop and let the water into the boiler and add more coals to the fire box.
I got to spend the day with other steam engine enthusiasts and we had many conversations about steam engines, it made me chuffed.
At the end of the day the rest of my class came to have a trip on the train. I took them around the railway line and they were very noisy, especially when driving under the tunnels. All in all I had a fantastic day.
