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Age 11-12 Years (Year 8-9) Career Ideas?

Are you feeling uncertain about your future plans? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people take time to decide on their career path. It’s important not to feel pressured into making a final decision right away. Take your time to discover what’s right for you.

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Getting Support with Career Decisions

Career guidance often starts in Year 8, where you begin to explore decision-making, strengths, and interests. Support continues through school, especially in Year 11 and beyond, with help from careers advisers. If you haven’t had a careers interview yet, check out our article on preparing for your careers interview.

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Steps to Help with Career Decision-Making

Research Career Ideas

  • Explore useful websites for careers information. Check the skills and qualifications needed for different careers and see how they match your predicted grades, skills, and interests.

  • If you’re unsure about career ideas, think about your favourite subjects and the ones you excel in.
     

Explore Your Opportunities

  • Research all available opportunities. Consider schools, colleges, or employers you might not have thought about—they might offer the perfect course or apprenticeship for you.

  • Look at prospectuses from schools and colleges. Many areas also have online prospectuses for post-16 courses.

  • Visit gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship for apprenticeship vacancies.

  • Check ucas.com for information on higher education courses.

  • Attend open events at sixth forms, colleges, training providers, and universities to learn more about what they offer.

  • Participate in careers events to meet various providers. Many schools and colleges host their own events, or you can attend community events and UCAS higher education fairs.
     

Develop Skills and Qualities Employers Want

Even if you’re unsure about your career ideas, developing skills and qualities that employers value is beneficial. These include confidence, teamwork, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. Consider these activities:

  • Extra-curricular Activities: Join sports, plays, or debating clubs offered by schools and colleges. Get involved in something you enjoy or try something new!

  • Volunteering is a great way to develop skills and enhance your CV.

  • Some schools organise work experience weeks in Year 10 or Year 11. You can also arrange your own work experience during school holidays by contacting local firms.

  • Part-time Work: Find a local job after school or during holidays, ensuring it doesn’t interfere with your studies.
     

Seek Advice

Talk to the right people about your options and ideas. Besides your careers adviser, you can speak with your form tutor, subject teachers, friends, and family. Remember, the final decision should be yours, matching your skills and interests.

If you need further help, don’t hesitate to contact your careers adviser.

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