● Schools also differ in how they deliver careers education. Some do so as part of
classes or tutor-based sessions, others set whole days aside for consideration
of the issues involved. It is also the case that elements of career education can
be taught in other subjects e.g. writing CVs in English.
● Further Education Colleges also enter into partnerships with their local
Connexions offices. However these Colleges are generally much larger than
schools and tend to have their own specialist careers staff who take on more of
the work.
● In addition, it is now standard practice for school children to have at least one
experience of a work placement during their studies, with a view to inculcating
the general skills and attitudes required in the workplace but also in the hope
that this will stimulate interest in particular careers.
● Aim Higher is pioneering a range of innovative activities designed to acquaint
pupils and students with different types of jobs and give them hands-on experience
of working in these environments.2.8.2 Curriculum developments
Planning and preparing for careers is featuring more and more prominently in the subjects
which schoolchildren study and the qualifications they receive. The latest move in this direc-
tion is the Vocational Diplomas which will be piloted over the next two years and introduced
nationally thereafter. These diplomas will focus on certain groups of families of jobs, such
as the creative industries (music, film, theatre and media) or health and care.
2.8.3 University career guidance
● Universities are increasingly making use of taster days and summer schools to
interest pupils in their courses and introduce them to the career opportunities
that will follow.
● It is no longer normal for applicants to universities to be interviewed (although
there are some exceptions, such as teacher training). However, the use of Open
Days is widespread and these give an opportunity for potential students to
receive guidance on their career plans and course choices.
● The curriculum developments noted in 2.8.2. have been matched in Higher
Education by the introduction and rapid spread of Foundation Degrees.
Equivalent to two-thirds of an honours degree, these programmes take as their
focus a specific type of job, and deliver not only the skills required to carry this