Careers
Richmond Sixth Form College is committed to providing a high-quality, planned programme of careers education and guidance for all students. Our aims support those of the Department for Education and, in particular, prepare students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. Key themes running through the programme are:
- Self-awareness - helping young people assess their own interests, skills, strengths and weaknesses, recording their experiences and developing their capabilities
- Careers research - using resources, accessing specialist knowledge, investigation and weighing up the opportunities in learning and work
- Career decisions - helping young people make realistic but ambitious careers decisions
We are one of the first colleges to be awarded the prestigious Quality in Careers Standard, which recognises our commitment to careers for all students in the Sixth Form. Our careers plan can be viewed here.
Sixth Form Guidance
In the Sixth Form, you will be making decisions which will influence your future career. Whichever option you choose after Sixth Form, you will get advice and guidance to help you plan ahead. Our aim is to help you make realistic and informed decisions about your future. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own decisions.
Our service includes:
- Dedicated teams of staff to support progression into careers and university
- Access to web-based careers software including Fast Tomato and Unifrog
- Access to face-to-face advice and guidance from professional Careers Advisers
- Advice which is confidential, impartial and which promotes equal opportunities
- Work Skills - CV and letter writing support through an industry expert
Sixth Form tutors actively encourage their students to book career appointments. Specific issues which impact on Sixth Form students include UCAS Personal statements, CV writing, extended work experience, support with interview techniques, degree and advanced apprenticeships, and higher education options. Personalised support is key.
We have a very active programme of Careers Education and Guidance in the Sixth Form, which looks at all the options. Our programme includes:-
- Strong relationships with the universities of Durham, York, Leeds, Newcastle, Leeds Beckett, Newcastle and Teesside
- Visiting speakers from local universities and “Speakers for Schools”
- Mock interviews
- Attending UCAS Higher Education Conventions
- Events and support for applicants for degrees in Medicine, Veterinary Science and Nursing
- Support for Oxbridge and Russell Group universities
- A dedicated lesson per week in which a varied enrichment programme takes place.
We support students at every step of the way with the UCAS process, this includes research into university options and choices, support for using the UCAS system, help with competitive personal statements and ongoing support throughout the interview and offer process. We also support with the UCAS Clearing process if needed on results day and beyond to help students secure higher education places.
Students use the Unifrog system which helps students to choose the best Universities and Apprenticeships for them, and it allows teachers to track their progress.
Degree and Advanced Apprenticeships
We work collaboratively with local, regional and national employers including:
- Cummins Inc
- Glaxo Smith Kline
- Network Rail
- North Yorkshire County Council
- ProPharma Group Ltd
- Purple Creative Studio
- Razor Blue
- Richmond District Council
- The City Secret
These networks mean that we are well connected to support students who are considering employment and apprenticeship routes. We are also able to support students to secure work experience to help them achieve their career goals. We also work closely with employers through our employability programme. Students have a range of guest speakers, for example Nestle, Morrisons, Young Enterprise and Endeavour Law.
Work Experience
All students in Year 12 have the opportunity to carry out a “professional placement”. Placements varies depending on the needs of the student. It may be part-time over a number of weeks or as part of a block placement during May each year. What is important is that it is related to students' university or career plans.
If you would like more information about any aspect of careers support at Richmond Sixth Form College please contact Miss Pemberton or Miss Hamer.