Careers Education and Preparation for Adulthood

 

Our Careers Vision

At Blackpool Skills Academy, careers education is central to our mission.
Our curriculum is designed to prepare students for real opportunities in the world of work, with a strong focus on practical sectors such as construction trades, hairdressing, and beauty therapies.

We believe that these vocational pathways offer more than just qualifications — they build valuable life skills that support independence, creativity, problem-solving, and confidence. Even for students who later choose a different professional career, the skills they develop here will stay with them for life.

Our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme ensures that every student can:

  • Understand their strengths, skills, and interests
     
  • Explore a wide range of routes into work, training, or further education
     
  • Gain meaningful work experience and develop employability skills
     
  • Plan for their future with ambition and confidence
     

We work closely with local employers, training providers, and colleges to provide real-world experiences and tailored advice.

As part of his wider international work, our Chair of Governors, Andy Iredale, works with some of the world's largest employers on their talent pipelines and develops free resources to help young people practice the skills they need to be competitive.

Employers are in all the priority sectors for the economy and include household names such as:

  • bp
  • Coca-Cola
  • Keepmoat Homes
  • BAE Systems
  • Bentley Motors
  • Pure Energy Music Production
  • EMR Recycling
  • Hinkley Point C Nuclear
  • Sizewell C Nuclear
  • Next Gen VFX and Animation
  • Industrial Light and Magic
  • Wilmott Dixon Construction
  • CISCO Computing
  • Mace Construction
  • Suntory
  • Wagamama
  • National Grid
  • Department for Education
  • James' Places
  • nDreams Computer Games
  • and many more...

He regularly delivers workshops to help our young people be the best versions of themselves and introduces them to these employer opportunities, and free resources that parents, carers and children can work through together (the ultimate guarantee of success).

Many of these free resources can be found here.

 

Careers Journey at Blackpool Skills Academy

 

By the End of Key Stage 3

Students will have:

  • Explored personal strengths, interests, and qualities
     
  • Connected school learning to real-world careers
     
  • Participated in workplace visits and met local employers
     
  • Used careers information resources and online tools
     
  • Completed careers sessions during form time and developed aspiration boards
     
  • Taken responsibility in form-time roles to develop punctuality, teamwork, and resilience
     
  • Engaged in enterprise and charity projects
     
  • Experienced curriculum enhancement days, including Apprenticeship Days, T Level Days, and Careers Week
     

By the End of Key Stage 4

Students will have:

  • Continued a strong programme of careers lessons integrated into the curriculum
     
  • Taken part in college taster days and provider visits
     
  • Met training providers and employers through careers events
     
  • Completed college, apprenticeship, and job applications with support
     
  • Practised interview techniques within English lessons
     
  • Developed high-quality CVs showcasing skills and experience
     
  • Gained financial literacy and personal management skills
     
  • Completed meaningful work experience placements linked to career interests
     
  • Received one-to-one careers guidance with a qualified Level 6 Careers Advisor
     
  • Attended presentations by colleges, employers, and training providers
     

Through this structured journey, students are supported to aspire highly, plan carefully, and move confidently into their futures.

 

Careers Support Team

Students have daily access to impartial information, advice, and guidance through a dedicated staff team.

For all careers enquiries, please contact:

Mr Dave Hodge
Headteacher and Careers Lead
Blackpool Skills Academy

01253 759854
david.hodge@blackpoolskillsacademy.co.uk
 

Careers Policy Statement

At Blackpool Skills Academy, we are committed to delivering a high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme that raises aspirations, promotes equality of opportunity, and supports every student to make informed decisions about their future.

Our CEIAG programme is designed to:

  • Prepare students for a wide range of careers, training, and education pathways
     
  • Provide regular and meaningful encounters with employers, training providers, and colleges
     
  • Develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience, and self-management
     
  • Build knowledge of the labour market and emerging industries
     
  • Equip students with the skills needed for lifelong learning, employment, and independent living
     

The programme is reviewed annually to ensure it meets the needs of students, employers, and post-16 education providers.

Our Careers Lead is Mr Dave Hodge, Headteacher.

 

Provider Access Statement

In line with the Baker Clause and the updated Provider Access Legislation (2023), Blackpool Skills Academy is committed to providing students with access to a wide range of providers offering technical education and apprenticeships.

 

Student Entitlement

All students in Years 8 to 11 are entitled to:

  • Find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities
     
  • Meet providers of further education, apprenticeships, and training
     
  • Understand how to apply for the full range of academic and vocational courses available
     

Management of Provider Access Requests

A provider wishing to request access should contact:

Mr Dave Hodge
Headteacher and Careers Lead
Blackpool Skills Academy
 

Requests will be considered individually and accommodated wherever possible, considering the needs of students and the Academy calendar.

 

Opportunities for Access

Providers are welcome to attend:

  • Careers fairs and careers weeks
     
  • Apprenticeship Days and college experience events
     
  • Assemblies and focused presentations
     
  • Workshops and small group sessions
     
  • Parent information events
     

Facilities including rooms, IT, and other resources will be made available as required. All visitors must comply with our safeguarding policies.

 

Monitoring and Evaluation

The effectiveness of provider access and the wider CEIAG programme will be monitored annually and improved based on feedback from students, parents, staff, and visiting providers.

 

Careers Page Checklist

  • Named Careers Leader with up-to-date contact details (Mr Dave Hodge with the support of the Chair of Governors, Andy Iredale)
  • Clear overview of the careers programme for Key Stage 3 and 4
  • Provider Access Statement following Baker Clause requirements
  • Careers Policy Statement outlining intent and aims
  • Reference to key industries linked to curriculum (construction, hairdressing, beauty therapies)
  • Commitment to life skills and transferable skills for all students
  • Information on impartial advice, work experience, and post-16 planning

 

Blackpool Skills Academy: Preparing students for skilled careers, lifelong learning, and success in the modern world.