Building careers qualifications

“I had taken on my careers’ role alongside teaching in Sixth Form, with my role developing based on need. I began to network and was introduced to the CEC SEND group who supported me in my role, while the CEC informed me that Careers Leader training was available. This sounded ideal.

“Taking the Level 6 Careers Leaders course gave me everything I needed to start to make an impact in my extended role. It introduced me to the whole world of careers – from careers legislation to Gatsby Benchmarks and the Baker Clause. It allowed me to see where the gaps were in what I had already put in place – but it was also good for me to see what I had been doing well.

“Completing the Level 6 Careers Leaders programme helped me to put in place a structured, careers curriculum that aligned with the CDI framework. It also helped me formalise what I had been doing.

“Raising the profile of careers was important to me. The Careers Leaders qualification gave me the confidence to go to SLT and say, ‘we need a whole school approach to this.’

“I’ve been able to drive a focus on employer engagements, and we’ve since held a careers fair and hosted employer encounter events.

“Then, going on to complete the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development, I found the observations particularly useful.

“It was the first time my careers practice had been measured, so to speak, and the constructive feedback really helped me to increase my confidence.”

“It was also nice to hear what I was doing well.

“Lynn was a great assessor. She gave the right amount of support and always answered any queries quickly and clearly. She had a very human approach. Her support played a role in my deciding to continue straight on to the full Level 6 Diploma. It’s been great to have her with me on this journey.

“I’ve now got additional qualifications that have helped me develop my practice, that impact positively on students, and that formally recognise what I had been doing before.”