The aim of Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CAIG) at Central Academy is to ensure that every young person has raised aspirations enabling them to develop skills, behaviours and characteristics that will reinforce success in education and employment.  Central Academy's intention is to promote the best interests of the pupils by broadening horizons and empowering students with information on all options accessible to them, allowing them to make autonomous yet informed realistic decisions at all key transition points in their education and beyond.

The careers guidance team provide a programme of career related events throughout the academic year.  Some examples are:

• External speakers invited in from major employers around the county such as Nestle, Pirelli, Innovia, Stagecoach and more to deliver assemblies to all year groups to talk to students about opportunities, prospects and pathways.

• Individual ‘Careers Interviews’ with a qualified Careers Advisor for all students in Yr10, 11 & 13.  This enables students to discuss options, pathways and seek Careers related guidance on a one-to-one basis.

• KS 5 Students have access to Uni-Frog via a school subscription.

• Yr10 & 12 Works Experience programme in collaboration with Cumbria WEX.

• NHS Blue Light event

• BAE STEM Workshops

• Carlisle College Taster Sessions

• Careers Guidance incorporated into tutor time sessions.

• University trips and UCAS Fairs

• Careers advice & Information area in school for all students.

• We work in partnership with ‘Hello Future’ who provide

  • Group Mentoring

  • Growth Mindset workshops

  • Summer Residentials

  • 1:1 Mentoring

  • Life Skills Workshops

• External training providers such as Carlisle College, Gen2, Newton Rigg College, University of Cumbria & RWP deliver sessions related to Post 16 options and opportunities.

• Gen 2 Workshop – focusing on applying for apprenticeships and how to progress through the rigorous application process

• Duke of Edinburgh Scheme – teaching life and employability skills.

• Study Skills Seminar for Yr10 & 11

• Step up to sixth form’ day for Yr11 students.  

• Dedicated school ‘Careers advisor’ on site and accessible to students, always, to offer support, advice and guidance with access to up to date resources covering all aspects of Careers advice and Labour Market Information.

• 1:1 and group sessions with our local Inspira Representative.

www.hellofuture.ac.uk - Hello Future is a partnership of local universities, colleges & employers who are committed to improving access to higher education young people in Cumbria.

www.carlisle.ac.uk – Carlisle College provides students with the best facilities that reflect those found in industry, combined with teaching staff who are experts in their fields and have real life industry experience.

www.inspira.org.uk - Inspira, a leading career management and personal development organisation operating in the North West of England.

www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk - We provide information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.

www.ucas.com - UCAS connects people to University, post Uni studies including teacher training, apprenticeships & internships. Find all the information for your next step.

www.gen2.ac.uk - Our ethos focusses on providing high quality employer and learner responsive training and educational programmes. We work with over 300 employers at any one time and in the last eighteen years, over 3,750 apprentices have been trained by Gen2, with 92.5% of them progressing into full-time employment with their employer once training has been completed. 

www.newtonrigg.ac.uk - Newton Rigg College specialises in a wide-range of subject areas, across a variety of sectors. From Agriculture and Land Management to Adventure Sport and Health and Social Care – Newton Rigg College will have the right course for you, from entry level courses and apprenticeships through to diplomas at a range of levels.

www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship - Register your profile, search vacancies and apply for an apprenticeship - you must be ... Find an apprenticeship anywhere in England.  

www.prospects.ac.uk - Prospects for graduate jobs, postgraduate study, advice about work experience, internship opportunities and graduate careers.