For Pupils
When you started WKS, decisions were made for you by your parents/carers, local authorities and teachers.
You may have followed your timetable, you wore your uniform and when you could go for lunch. Whilst at WKS we offer a more flexible approach to your learning, we will support you to step towards the adult world so that it will not be as overwhelming.
The biggest challenge is making decisions! How can you decide what to do?
FIRSTLY, do your research:
Think about what you like doing and use the career quizzes and personality tests on the web links here.
Look at the type of jobs by sector by Explore Careers using the websites here
Think about where you’d like to be in two, five, even ten years' time. Sit down and create a plan of how you might get there. Why not take inspiration from people you admire? Speak to them and ask how they get to where they are?
SECONDLY, do NOT worry:
You can change your mind and change your career pathway!
No matter what age you are, you can always go back to learning, change your degree or job, do another apprenticeship, or even re-train.
Remember, everyone's career journey is different, so only on what feels right for you. WKS staff, family & friends can be really useful in helping you discover and decide on your next steps.
If you don’t know what you want to do after leaving school – and even if you do – WKS will help you shape your future.
Click on the following buttons to access more information to help you with your decision-making.
If you have a question or need more information, please email Mrs Shallcross hshallcross@wkrs.co.uk or ask your teaching staff to arrange a meeting with Mrs Shallcross.
Unifrog:
Helping our pupils find their future
Unifrog is an online platform that allows you to explore different careers, from Year 7 to 9, post-16 and post-18 options. Unifrog brings all the available information into one, impartial, user-friendly platform to help students to make the best choices, provide appropriate information, and support with the submission of the strongest applications when applying for the next steps.
Explore what subjects you would be interested in studying and how these choices can lead to different career paths and higher education.
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Discover from year 7 and sign up to online courses in areas that you’re interested in.
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See what is needed to make a successful application for post-16/18 options.
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Explore how to successfully apply for an apprenticeship or university course, including universities abroad.
To access unifrog, click here
If you have forgotten your password, click on Sign In, then click on Reset Password/Resend Welcome Email. Follow the instructions from there.
At West Kirby School our aim is to ensure that all students have the resources to fully explore and research their future options in order to make informed choices. For any additional information about the career guidance support your child is receiving, please contact Mrs Shallcross, Career Pathways Officer on hshallcross@wkrs.co.uk
Considering going to college?
As well as general courses, colleges often have a specialist area. It is definitely worth visiting a few colleges for Open Days as their facilities, campuses and specialist areas will vary.
Some colleges specialise in certain subjects such as agriculture, boat building, and animals.
3. There is a starting point for everybody
Even if you have few qualifications there will be an entry point for you. Lots of people are successful at college, and go on to get top jobs, even if they did not get great qualifications at school. Although many courses have set entry requirements, there is a starting point for all students, even if they have few qualifications. Most colleges offer study programmes from entry level (where no previous qualifications are required) through to degree level study. An interest in the subject you want to take can be as important as your qualifications. For example, a passion for cooking and food could be your passport to a place on a catering course!
4. Progression through different qualifications
At an FE College students can progress from foundation or entry level courses all the way up to degree level and professional qualifications (see all qualification levels in a table).
Each qualification level will have different entry requirements. In most subject areas, you can move from one level to the next level and work your way up (including to higher education level).
All full time courses require students to continue learning Maths and English towards a qualification such as a GCSE or Functional Skills qualification, if they do not have an existing GCSE or equivalent at 4 - 9. Whilst this is a government requirement, it is also important for future employment opportunities and for application to most Higher Education courses.
5. Practical learning
Depending on what course you are doing you may be:
- learning in a classroom;
- undertaking a block or one day a week work experience in a range of employers settings related to your course.
- training in realistic work environments such as: engineering workshops, industry standard training restaurants, hair and beauty salons, high tech recording studios, media suites, live performance venues, and fitness suites.
- attending workshops led by employers or specialist skills workshops.
You may be expected to wear a uniform in some courses and you will need to order your own kit before starting college.
There are still exams and written assignments at college but there are also courses that include practical assessments where you will be assessed in a realistic work environment.
Where do I start?
Many stay on at their school or go to their local sixth form. Young people should be learning until age 18. Up until age 18, as you have an EHCP, you have the right to free education to study up to Level 3 to the age of 25.
Colleges offer a wide range of courses and qualifications. These are known as Study Programmes and may include:
- Your main vocational course - such as plumbing or business
- Work Experience in the area of study, tutorial support, employability skills development and volunteering.
- GCSE Maths or English courses if you need to gain this qualification.
Where to study
If you who want something new after Year 11 or Post 16, college can be a great choice. The advantages of studying at college include:
- Often a wider variety of subjects
- No younger children, which creates a more mature learning environment
- The opportunity to meet new people with similar interests and make new friends
There are lots of good options for sixth form study locally.
What do I need to do?
What happens if I have an EHCP?
You will typically follow these steps:
- Make an application - Once you've found your ideal college course, you can apply to the relevant institution by submitting an online application, which typically includes a personal statement. The college will then confirm it has received your application within a few days.
- Attend an interview - The college may then invite you to interview so you can meet your prospective tutors and discuss your career plans. This chat can help you to decide whether this really is the course for you and whether you would enjoy the programme. You may even have changed your mind and so the college can work with you to find a more suitable course.
- Take some skill tests - You may be asked to take a number of short online tests to gauge your current abilities in core subjects such as English, maths and possibly information and communications technology (ICT). These are nothing to worry about and you'll be provided with full instructions on what to do.
- Receive an offer - If your application is successful and the college believes it's the right course for you, you'll receive a conditional offer along with further information on how to enrol. All you'd need to do is meet the grade requirements for the course. By accepting the offer you'll be provided with an enrolment date to register at the college in person.
Most courses will start in the September of the year of study, in keeping with the academic calendar, but they may run at other times of the year too. The application cycle will therefore be in keeping with this. For instance, if you apply for a 2024/25 course starting in September 2024, you can expect the application process to open on 1 October the year before.
Related case studies
What are T-Levels?
T Levels are an alternative to A-levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses (higher if you have an EHCP!). Equivalent to 3 A-levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher studies or apprenticeships.
T Level students spend 80% of the course in their learning environment, gaining the skills that employers need. The other 20% is a meaningful industry placement, where they put these skills into action.
Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.
Why do I need to know about T-Levels
T Levels were designed by colleges with leading businesses and they are now supported by employers of all sizes to give students the workplace skills they need to succeed. Employers have worked with colleges to devise courses that will provide the employer with a work force that will help them be successful and the young person will have qualifications and the experience that employers are looking for.
Hundreds of employers – including Lloyds Banking Group, Nestlé, Yorkshire Water, Persimmon Homes and NHS Trusts across England – have hosted T Level students on industry placements.
Plus, many employers retain T Level students on completion of their course and support progression within their business onto an apprenticeship or into another role.
What can I study and in which sectors?
The list of course studies grows each year. There are over 20 now! Here are some of the industry sectors you can
- Agriculture,
- Animal Care
- Business and Administration
- Catering and Hospitality
- Construction
- Creative and Design
- Digital
- Education and Early Years
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Environmental
- Health and Science
- Legal, Finance and Accounting
- Sales, Marketing and Procurement
What qualifications do you need to study a T Level?
Normally, you’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 4–9, including Maths and English. You can work towards getting maths and English on your T Level if you’ve not already got grade 4 at GCSE. Don't panic if you don't have the qualifications to secure a T-Level placement at college, most colleges are offering Level 2 T-Levels to help you secure a place in the future.
What can I do after doing a T-Level?
- University, Further Education and Apprenticeships - After studying T Levels, many students may want to further their studies at University. A Distinction* (the top grade you can achieve) is worth 168 UCAS points, the equivalent of AAA* at A Level.
- Getting a job after T Levels - If you don’t want to go to university or take on further study, T Levels can set you up perfectly for a job in your chosen field or industry.
Where can I learn more about T-Levels?
There is so much information on the internet, we have links to websites that can provide you with more information. Click here
Thinking of going to university?
I'm thinking of going to university. What should I do?
University could be your next big step, where you’ll learn about so much more than just your subject.
It’s a big decision that you’ll need to research and WSK can help you decide whether university is the right choice for your future.
You should consider:
- discussing your course options with a career adviser, family, friends and teachers
- looking at the websites of different universities
- thinking about the location and size of the university where you would like to study
- attending an open day or arrange a visit or take part in a virtual open event.
Deciding to go to university is exciting. It’s an opportunity to live and learn in a whole new way, gaining more than just a degree. It’s a life-changing experience, bringing people and possibilities together.
First thing’s first - You need to actually start thinking about your future.
Going to university as soon as you finish school or college may seem like the easiest option, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the right move for you. Without knowing where you want to go in your career, it’s difficult to determine whether higher education will actually start paying dividends.
For certain careers, a degree will be considered an absolute necessity. For others, professional qualifications and experience might be more in demand. Consider all your options, research, research, research so that you can make informed decisions.
If you’re not sure what to do next, always consider alternatives before making your decision because studying for a degree will come with fees (see below)
When you have decided what you really want to be doing and then find out what it takes to get there. Sometimes the best way to start is at the end and work backwards.
You need to:
- look at the eligibility criteria (grades) you need to be eligible to study that course
- consider various university eligibility criteria
- then work out what GCSEs and A-level/Level 3 qualifications you need to achieve
- are you able to achieve the grades? If YES, great! If No, look for an other course could you take to build your grades up
Secondly - Have you considered cost?
Unfortunately, university education does come at a cost. Currently tuition fees around £9000 per year (before factoring in any additional living costs), you might not want to start building up debt if your heart isn’t really in what you’re studying.
However, always bear in mind that, in the short term, the repayments are manageable and fairly small. And you won’t even start paying money back till you earn over a certain amount. You’ll only repay when your income is over £480 a week, £2,083 a month or £25,000 a year (June 2025).
Going to university is a very good investment for most students. Over their working lives, men will be £130,000 better off on average by going to university after taxes, student loan repayments and foregone earnings are taken into account. For women, this figure is £100,000. Considering the potential earnings in before making your decision could also help turn your time at uni into a long-term investment.
What are UCAS points?
The UCAS tariff is a score system to help university staff compare the different qualifications people may be applying with.
Although you might be most familiar with A-levels, there are a so many different types of qualifications people study at the same level, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), higher diplomas, and BTEC.
Why do UCAS points matter?
Most universities use the UCAS system to decide which students they accept. The UCAS tariff is a common way for admissions staff to show entry requirements.
Don’t be worried if you come across a few universities who don’t use the tariff – it’s not compulsory for universities to use it. However, pretty much all of them do, so knowing what they are, why they matter and how you get them is really important.
How do I get UCAS points?
You get UCAS points when you pass a qualification like an A-level – the number of points you get depends on the grade you achieve.
It's easy to work out how many UCAS points you have or can expect to get because there are so many UCAS calculators on the web which will help you do just that!
So where do I find the UCAS entry requirements?
Not all universities use UCAS points to assess applicants. When searching for a course on a university website, clicking on the "entry requirements" tab will tell you whether they are using the UCAS tariff or how many points you will need. Typically, it will state the points, e.g. 120-168, and then explain any acceptable alternatives.
What else do I need to know about UCAS points?
Points matter, but it’s rare that this is all a uni will ask for. There will usually be other conditions. If you’re applying for an English language degree, yes they might want 144 points, but they will probably also want 48 of those points to be from an A-level in English.
Subject matter is important – if you’re applying for a medicine degree that asks for 144 UCAS points, it’s unlikely that A grades in photography, film studies and German are going to be accepted.
Other conditions might be that general studies grades are not included, or specifically getting your points from a BTEC qualification. Always read the small print and those extra conditions!
Once you know how many UCAS points you have, the next step is to use a course finder to see what universities and courses you are able to apply for.
Where can I learn more about going to university?
There is so much information on the internet, we have links to websites that can provide you with more information. Click here.
Employment
Where do I start?
First, set aside some time each week to find vacancies or fill in applications. It may takes sometime before you receive
Give yourself some tasks to complete each week.
These could be:
- contacting an employer
- updating your CV
- looking on a job vacancy website
Make sure you note down closing dates for vacancies and keep track of what you’ve applied for and when.
Where do I look for a job?
There are some different places to look when it comes to job hunting.
Online
There are plenty of websites promoting hundreds of new jobs appear online every day. Look for job sites which are specific to the type of industry you'd like to work in. Check the sites of employers you're interested in working for and take a look at their social media accounts. Plenty of sites offer an email alert function too, which lets you know when new jobs are added under the category you’re interested in.
Using LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a great social site to connect with employers and relevant people within the industry you're interested in. You can also set up job alerts for opportunities being advertised on your LinkedIn feed as well.
Recruitment agencies
Find jobs you might not see otherwise with the support of a recruitment agency. Specialist agencies can also help you seek out jobs in the industry you want. They know exactly what employers are looking for – it's their job!
They're well-placed to find you a job to suit your skills, as well as being a great source of advice and feedback. You can find recruitment online.
After you contact an agency, they may ask you to submit your CV and arrange a meeting. Give as much detail as you can about your skills, experience and education. Be honest about the salary you're looking for and the types of work you want to do. The more they know, the more likely they'll be to find a job to suit you.
Agencies are keen to fill the vacancies they have, so read over each advert with care and do not agree to apply for jobs you’re not interested in. Plus, most agencies will not charge for helping you to find work - though some do charge for extra services, like CV reviews or interview prep.
Word of Mouth:
There are many jobs that will never be advertised. Before they even post a vacancy, employers may look at who they can promote internally or ask colleagues who might fit in the job well. To uncover these hidden jobs, you need to make the first move.
Approaching a company first:
If there’s a company you really want to work for, try approaching them. Research the employer and find someone you can contact directly. Send a cover letter and CV highlighting your strengths and explaining why you want to work for them.
Do not just leave it at that. Follow it up with a phone call. Be polite, but determined. If there’s nothing coming up, at least you’ve made a new contact and they may keep you in mind in the future.
Where can I learn more about looking for employment?
There is so much information on the internet, we have links to websites that can provide you with more information. Click here.
Considering apprenticeships?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable experience.
Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider, which leads to a nationally recognised qualification.
An apprenticeship includes:
- paid employment with holiday leave
- hands-on-experience in a sector/role of interest
- at least 20% off-the-job training
- formal assessment which leads to a nationally recognised qualification
In England, it is a statutory requirement for an apprentice to spend 20% of their paid time 'off-the-job'. This involves essential training to help the apprentice gain the skills needed to complete their apprenticeship.
Off-the-job training is delivered by subject experts and can include:
- teaching theory (e.g. classroom lessons, lectures and online learning)
- practical training (e.g. shadowing, mentoring, industry visits)
- learning support and time to write assignments
The training can take place in or out of the work environment. Some employers will offer in-house training, others may work with colleges, universities and training providers to deliver the training for them.
The training must equate to 20% of the overall contracted hours for the duration of the apprenticeship. It can be delivered flexibly, for example, as part of each day, once a week, or as a block release.
The employer and the training provider will decide on the most appropriate model.
Who can apply for an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a great paid work opportunity for people over the age of 16 in England who are:
- early in their career
- looking to upskill in their current job
- looking for a career-change
- not in full-time education
If you do not live in England, check out apprenticeship options in Wales.
What level of apprentices are available?
- Intermediate apprenticeships (Level 2) - Level 2 apprenticeships are equivalent to GCSE standard.
- Advanced apprenticeships (Level 3) - Level 3 apprenticeships are equivalent to two A-Level passes.
- Higher apprenticeships (Level 4 and 5 - Higher apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree or a foundation degree.
- Degree apprenticeships (Level 6 and 7 - A degree apprenticeship is equivalent to an undergraduate or a master's degree.
Benefits of becoming an apprentice:
- Earn a salary while you train for a professional qualification
- Choose from a wide range of industries
- Avoid university fees
- Become a valuable asset to an employer
- Achieve your career goals
- Keep your current contract and role at your employment but use the Apprenticeship to develop your skills and career
- Take advantage of Apprenticeship travel and retail discounts
How much will I get paid?
There is a national minimum wage for apprentices but employers may often pay more than this.
What you are paid depends on the employer.
Find out more about national minimum wages click here.
Where do I find an apprenticeship?
All accredited apprenticeships can be found by clicking here
Or look on local college's websites, for links to local college websites, click here
Or search by location or subject by clicking on here
You may need to create an account so you can sign up to be alerted of opportunities in your area of interest and desired location.
Where can I learn more about apprenticeships?
There is so much information on the internet, we have links to websites that can provide you with more information, click here
Want to know more about supported internships?
Supported internships are for young people aged 16 to 24, with an Education, Health and Care Plan, who want to get into paid employment.
Internships are based with an employer and help you to develop the necessary workplace skills and experience to go on to paid employment. Work placements are individualised and based on a young person’s strengths and vocational interests to make sure they are matched to the right placement for them.
You will also work towards the achievement of accredited qualifications, including English, maths and employability, and build skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and travelling independently to and from placements
How long does it last?
Internships normally last for around a year and include unpaid work placements of at least six months.
What level of qualifications can I study?
Works towards a Level 1 qualification in Employability Skills along with functional maths and English at Entry – Level 1.
What are the benefits of doing a supported internship?
- learning new skills that could be used in future employment
- building confidence and life skills
- support from trained job coaches to help you succeed in increasing social networks
- travel and lunch costs covered
- opportunities to gain accredited and practical qualifications
- your placement may turn into an apprenticeship or you have the qualifications to apply for apprenticeships
- the employer is more likely to be inclusive
Ok so the disadvantages?
- you will not receive a wage BUT you can still receive Universal Credit alongside PIP
- you may not gain employment at end of the placement BUT you do have plenty of work experience and a reference to look for other work
- the college may offer a limited choice of career routes BUT you may like what they offer or find your own placement
Where can I learn more about supported internships?
There is so much information on the internet, we have links to websites that can provide you with more information, click here
Labour Market Information (LMI)
WHAT IS LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION (LMI)?
Labour Market Information (LMI) is anything that describes the world of work, including:
- Descriptions of careers and jobs
- The promotional prospects in different careers
- The salary you can be paid
- The skills and qualifications you need for a particular job
- Where to find job vacancies
More about these types of LMI can be found on the other careers pages on the school website. LMI also includes information and statistics about the national, regional and local labour markets, as well as the future of the labour market, which is particularly important for school pupils to get a picture of what the labour market in their chosen industry might look like when they leave school and start to look for work.
We encourage students to engage with all kinds LMI on a regular basis so they can make informed careers choices and decisions, which give the best possibility to reach their potential and have a successful and happy future.
Want to know more?
Unifrog
If you log on to Unifrog (click here) you can access the Careers library which will provide you with the LMI by job sector.
LMI for ALL
The LMI for All portal provides high quality, reliable labour market information (LMI) to inform careers decisions. Click here and look up details for specific career paths or job roles
Transitioning from WKS:
Volunteering:
What is volunteering?
Volunteering is when you spend unpaid time doing something to benefit others. By offering your time, you'll get to really understand how a company, charity or organisation works, building your team working abilities and demonstrating a proactive and dedicated nature. Volunteering is a brilliant way to gain work experience and develop the skills and qualities employers look for.
Volunteering is more flexible than some other types of work placements and you can volunteer for as little as a day or a few hours a week. That makes it easy to fit around your other life commitments, whilst developing some important and transferable work-related skills. Regardless of your chosen career path, becoming a volunteer is a great option. It's a great way to build experience to add to your CV and impress potential employers while doing something really rewarding.
What type of person volunteers?
Everyone has the right to volunteer. Volunteers can be any age and from any background. They can be studying, unemployed, employed, have health conditions or retired. Anyone can volunteer.
What could I do if I decided to volunteer?
In the UK, volunteering is well established. Most charities, community groups and voluntary organisations thrive because of the volunteers that give their time. Here are just a few of the things that you could do if you volunteered:
- raising funds
- dog walking
- play music
- sports coaching
- caring for animals
- help in a hospital and supporting the NHS
- befriending
- giving tours at museums and local areas
- giving advice, guidance or information
- providing first aid
- campaigning
- being a trustee (a voluntary role with legal responsibility for a charity)
- monitoring and conserving wildlife
- driving or transporting people
- administrative work
- archiving
- retail
- catering
- parish councillor
- supporting library services
- special constable with the police force
- coastguards for coastguard rescue services
- supporting the library service
- work in a shop
- litter picking on the beach or in the local park.
- developing websites
The list is endless. Where there is a paid job, there is a need for volunteering.
Want to know more?
There is so much information on the internet, we have links to websites that can provide you with more information, click here.
Work experience
What is work experience?
You will spend time in a workplace environment to learn about a job role, a company or a career sector. Work experience is a great way of adding to your CV and helping you make decisions whether that that is a job you'd like to do in the future. It is a great way to get into any career. Having some work experience can help you stand out from the crowd on applications for courses, training and jobs.
When will do work experience?
In WKS, work experience happens in Year 11 and whilst you are studying in Post 16. There is nothing stopping you do it in your spare time!
Work experience can be useful for anyone of any age and at any stage of your career. It can help you to gain skills and decide what to do if you are looking for employment.
Most work experience is unpaid, there are some opportunities where you can earn money, such as internships.
Why work experience is important
Choosing what to do in your career is easy when you know what you want to do in the future. You can look for opportunities that will help you to develop skills for that career. This could be through:
- a work placement
- an internship
- a shadowing opportunity
- virtual work experience
It's an opportunity for you to:
- test out your career ideas
- improve your skills
- show your commitment and enthusiasm
If you do not know what job you want to do, it can be overwhelming. If you cannot get your perfect placement, any work experience is better than none. Whatever work experience opportunity you try, you’ll learn more about yourself and working life.
You'll also gain skills in the process. It may even lead to a more suitable experience with the same company. It could be good preparation for another opportunity that’s closer to what you want to do.
Try not to worry about where you could go to get work experience. Concentrate on what you could learn or improve on.
What will I gain from work experience?
Work experience is a chance for you to:
- find out more about yourself
- find out what inspires you
- develop soft skills
- come up with career ideas and try them out
- discover your strengths, values, motivations and interests
- meet new people
- identify any reasonable adjustments you may need because of a disability or long term health condition
It can also help you to rule out options, which can help to focus on your career ideas.
To explore your work experience options, you can:
- talk to your teachers, family and friends for ideas
- ask people you know about their jobs and the places they work
- talk to older students who have already done work experience
- find out if your school, college or university has organised placements you can choose from
- get advice from a careers leader or careers adviser
- use UNIFROG skills assessment tool to get ideas on jobs that may suit you
What are soft skills?
You can use your work experience as a time to build your soft skills. Employers look for employees who can show that they are:
- trustworthy and reliable
- good communicators
- great team players
- able to solve problems
- willing to learn new things
- able to adapt and 'bounce back' when things do not go to plan
Soft skills are common skills that are not specific to any one job but useful for most. You can learn and practise these skills in any workplace. Use your work experience to show an employer that you have them.
No not sure if you can do it?
You will be supported by WKS staff during your work experience at WKS. We will help you to remove the barriers and support you through any challenges. We will help you take a step out of your comfort zone and walk with you, until you are able to do it by yourself.
How can I get work experience?
You can:
- shadow someone at work to see what their job is like
- visit different workplaces
- go to work with a parent or guardian
- do a 1 or 2 week work placement
- go into a workplace for one day a week over a period of time
Speak to Mrs Shallcross about how to sort your workplace experience out.
Useful websites
To access a host of websites to help you on your career journey, please click here