Kerry Hall: Careers and Employability Manager, Royal Wootton Bassett Academy,
How do you use Careerpilot as a careers co-ordinator?
Since I began working at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy in 2012, I have adopted the Careepilot website as an integral part of my guidance (level 6 qualified adviser) and careers education provision (Careers Coordination role). At this early stage, it was a good, locally-developed tool that focused on the local post 16 options, since that time it had evolved impressively to become a one-stop shop where students can access independent advice on all options post 14, 16 and 18.
From Year 7, our students are encouraged to access Careerpilot in their Careers Education Sessions, relating skills and abilities to possible employment options. In Year 10 and 11, in the preparation of Action Plans, following one to one meetings, Careerpilot is on every document emailed to each student. In Year 9, students are directed to use the 14-16 section with clear and unambiguous advice on options at that stage.
There are so many websites available to young people. So many that they get very confused and often give up searching when receiving conflicting messages. It is at this time that they may ask for advice or need to be directed to a clear, objective site. Careerpilot offers such as site, and is very user-friendly. It does not have the ‘stuffy’ corporate imagery that sites such as the National Careers Service site display, and so can easily become the ‘go to’ site for students. The focus on all routes, including the vocational options is very important, and this site provides such information in a balanced and non-judgemental way.
What impact does the site have on students?
When students have used the site, they appear to have come away with factually correct information, and been directed to relevant alternative information routes. Accurate signposting is crucial in career planning and this is definitely a huge strength of this site. Resources on the site are clear and objective. The videos are relevant and up-to-date, providing excellent insights into all areas of Higher, further and level 2 qualifications. Particularly helpful is the Job Sector area, which links into the National Careers Service Job Profiles and consequently industry links. It is particularly helpful that students can register and then save searches in their own personal profiles in the Career Tools.
How useful is the site to you as a careers professional?
As a Careers Coordinator, responsible for integrating Careers Education into the curriculum for all year groups, I have found the Teacher/Adviser Zone invaluable – it provides Lesson Plans through KS3 to KS5 with clear and well annotated activities – these are used on our Personal Development Days (collapsed timetable) when students can access computers and work alongside the site links and careers stories.
How does Careerpilot contribute to partnership working?
On 21st March 2017, I was invited to Bath University to be part of the Teacher/Reporting Zone Consultation Panel which reviewed the progress of the site development with a number of other users and contributors, and looked at feedback from many schools and users. This formed the basis of the next stage of site development. I was impressed that the University Team had made the effort to respond to genuine feedback from users across a number of counties.
Debbie Longland also attended our Academy on 7th March 2017 for a Careers Week event, where she spoke to interested students about the functions and benefits of the site.