Employability Education and Careers at Undershaw

Our Ethos

At Undershaw, we are dedicated to providing our students with high-quality Employability (Careers) Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance that empowers them to make informed and confident decisions about their futures. We believe that strong Employability Education can ignite motivation and equip students to achieve their goals. Our approach supports students in considering a broad range of future options, including choices for post-16 further education pathways, and transitioning to the workforce. Our guidance is impartial, inclusive, and tailored to the individual needs and aspirations of each student.

Our Commitment to Unbiased Guidance and Provider Access

Undershaw places the highest value on offering unbiased guidance to ensure each student understands the full spectrum of academic, technical, and vocational opportunities available to them. To support this, we have an internal trainee Level 6 Guidance Practitioner and are committed to enable provider access arrangements, giving students opportunities to interact with representatives from colleges, employers, and training providers. This allows them to make well-informed decisions about their career paths based on diverse, impartial information.

Connecting Students with the World of Work

Through our Employability Education and whole school curriculum, students will encounter the world of work in meaningful ways. From work experience placements and guest speaker sessions to Careers Fairs, events and focused workshops, our students engage directly with employers and industry representatives. These experiences are designed to foster essential skills, broaden perspectives, and build connections that support students as they prepare for life beyond school and adulthood.

Guided by the Gatsby Benchmarks

We are committed to following the Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance, a comprehensive framework that helps ensure we meet the highest standards of Employability education. The benchmarks guide our program’s structure, ensuring students benefit from experiences and learning opportunities that align with each benchmark, from fostering employer engagement to promoting high-quality guidance. We also uphold the Baker Clause within the Education Act, ensuring all students have access to impartial information about their future options.

Published Information on Employability Provision

Our commitment to transparency and excellence in Employability Education is reflected in our published information about provision at Undershaw, please see here. We invite students, families, and partners to review our education policies and guidelines to understand the opportunities and support available to all students.

Employability curriculum

Post16 Curriculum Map

Our Promise to Students

All students at Undershaw are entitled to Employability Education and Guidance that:

• Offers high-quality, independent advice that inspires and meets each student’s unique needs, ensuring they are aware of all available academic, technical, and vocational paths.
• Encourages students to set high aspirations and consider an ambitious range of career possibilities, viewing career development as a lifelong journey.
• Facilitates meaningful connections with employers, training providers, local colleges, and other partners, supporting personal growth, future planning, and readiness for the working world.
• Builds essential life and employability skills, including teamwork, leadership, self-reflection skills, and resilience.
• Increases students’ awareness of career management and local labour market information  (LMI).
• Promotes inclusion and equality by challenging stereotypes, advocating for diversity, and supporting social mobility.
• Broadens access to opportunity, this is especially important for students with an EHCP.

Opportunities for Employers and Partners

We warmly welcome the support of employers and our alumni who can contribute to our students’ careers development. If you would like to participate in our Careers Week or inspire and motivate students in other ways, please reach out to the Employability Team. Your involvement can make a meaningful impact on students’ career journeys.

To learn more about Employability education at Undershaw or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact our team directly.

Head of Employability – leilah.sheridan@undershaw.education

Post 16 Tutor and Teacher – carol.horlock@undershaw.education

Job Coach – kerry.lee@undershaw.education

Supported Internships, Apprenticeships and T Levels

What is a ‘Supported Internship’?

Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND, who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). The core aim of a supported internship study programme is a substantial work placement, facilitated by the support of an expert job coach.

DFN Project Search
Surrey Choices

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are recognised formally by the Government. Apprentices must be working to a published and approved Framework or Standard, which includes mandatory off-the-job training delivered by a training provider, often a local college.
Apprentices by law must have a contract of employment and be paid the appropriate minimum wage rate.

Amazing Apprenticeships

Exploring T Levels at College

T Levels are an alternative to A levels, apprenticeships and other 16 to 19 courses. Equivalent to A levels, a T Level focuses on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study, or apprenticeships.

HM Government – T Levels