Preparing every student for life after David Game College is important to us; each student is given a personalised programme of support. The vast majority go on to the university of their choice, but a few decide they may want to enter an apprenticeship programme and we support them in this career choice.
The College has invested in ‘Unifrog’ – the world's biggest database of post-16 and post-18 opportunities. It is a complete destinations platform that enables students to explore career pathways, opportunities and higher education applications. All students are given access to the platform and register an account to ensure they make use of the variety of resources available to them. Unifrog supports future decision-making and career options and includes some platform features including careers library, locker of competencies, personal statement guidance and up-to-date information on everything from apprenticeships to Oxbridge applications.
In addition, each student has a designated personal tutor whom they meet with on a weekly basis for a 1-hour tutorial session, some of which will focus on careers and progression. This is reinforced in the weekly assembly programme which invites guest speakers to discuss careers and pathways into the world of work.
Labour Market Information refers to data and insights related to employment trends, job opportunities, wages, skills demand, and other factors that influence the job market. This information is valuable for job seekers, employers, policymakers, and economists to understand the dynamics of employment, make informed decisions, and develop strategies for workforce development. It includes statistics such as unemployment rates, job vacancies, industry growth projections, and educational requirements for various occupations.
Unifrog career profiles include up to date information on labour market information and is explored with students in personal tutor sessions and in assemblies. More Labour Market information can be found here: https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/
The ‘Gatsby Benchmarks’ refer to a framework of guidelines used in the United Kingdom to measure and improve careers guidance in schools and colleges. Developed by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, these eight benchmarks outline the best practices for providing high-quality career guidance to students. They cover areas such as career guidance programs, employer engagement, work experience, and encounters with further and higher education. The aim is to ensure that young people receive the support and information they need to make well-informed decisions about their education and future career paths. David Game College is committed to meeting and exceeding the eight Gatsby Benchmarks. More information about the Gatsby Benchmarks can be found here: https://www.gatsby.org.uk/education/focus-areas/good-career-guidance
Guidance is given to help students find work experience placements. Many university courses require work experience to have been undertaken by the time the UCAS application form has been completed. Students will get help with organising their work placements.
Work experience placements have been organised in hospitals, sports physiotherapy, medical settings such as blood clinics and pharmacies. Internships have included legal and financial firms in the City of London, and design and fashion in London's fashion houses. Many of our students find challenging and fulfilling work experience placements after receiving support with their CV writing and interview skills.
At DGC we organise events to expose students to various career options, industries, and educational pathways. This includes inviting professionals, employers, and representatives from universities or vocational institutions to engage with students through presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions.
The goals of these events include:
Recent events have included a trip to the British Film Institute, which included a talk from Oscar winning director Asif Kapadia about his documentary-making techniques for those students wanting to enter the film industry. Students exploring apprenticeship opportunities attended a trip to the Festival of Apprenticeships, an event that advocates, promotes and celebrates apprenticeships. Students applying to University have attended the UCAS ‘Create your own Future’ and ‘Discovery Event’ which enabled them to talk to universities and colleges about their courses and university life and to employers and apprenticeship providers about what an apprenticeship is like and the options available.
For schools in the UK, there are specific careers websites tailored to students’ needs and educational settings. These websites are designed to support students in exploring career options, understanding the world of work, and planning their future pathways. They offer a range of interactive tools, information resources, and guidance to help students make informed decisions about their education and careers.
Here are some useful ones:
Apprenticeships: In the UK, several reputable apprenticeship platforms connect individuals with apprenticeship opportunities across various industries. These platforms offer a variety of apprenticeship opportunities across different sectors, providing valuable resources and support for individuals seeking to start their career through apprenticeships. Here are some good ones:
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There are several useful careers websites in the UK that offer a variety of resources and tools for job seekers, students, and professionals. Here are some popular ones:
