Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions section, designed to address common queries parents and carers have about their child’s career education and future pathways.
Here, you’ll find valuable information on topics ranging from career education entitlements and option choices to post-16 education requirements, apprenticeships, and study opportunities in Cumbria.
We’ve compiled these questions based on the most common concerns expressed by parents and carers, aiming to provide clear, concise answers to help you better support your child’s educational and career journey.
What career education is my child entitled to at school?
Students in England are entitled to comprehensive careers advice and guidance from year 7, based on the Gatsby Benchmarks, which include:
- A Stable Careers Program
- Learning from Career and Labour Market Information
- Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil
- Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
- Encounters with Employers and Employees
- Experiences of the Workplace
- Encounters with Further and Higher Education
- Personal Guidance
This advice aims to prepare students for the job market by providing knowledge, skills, and experiences to make informed career decisions. It includes practical skills like CV writing and interview techniques.
For a full description of what your child is entitled to, download our info sheet.
What careers education is my child entitled to at school (3)How do I support my child when they are choosing their options in Year 9?
Year 9 students in England can choose which subjects they wish to pursue for their GCSEs in year 10 and 11. Some subjects are classed as core compulsory subjects at GCSE level and have to be taken by all young people. The compulsory subjects are:
- English (English Literature and English Language or a single English GCSE)
- Maths
- Science (Combined Science or Individual Sciences)
Some schools make other subjects compulsory, so it is worth checking what your child is required to do at their school.
Choosing options in Year 9 is a pivotal moment in your child’s educational journey and you can support them in many ways. Click to expand each section to find out more.
- Interests and Passions
Encourage your child to explore subjects they enjoy and excel in. Interest-driven learning can lead to greater engagement and motivation. This is especially important if they have no idea what sort of career they want to pursue. Passion and interest at this age go a long way! - Career Aspirations
Discuss your child’s long-term career goals and research the subjects that are relevant to those aspirations. Some careers may have specific subject requirements or preferences, so it’s essential to align choices accordingly. For example, if you know they want to go into Graphic Design then encourage them to choose Graphic Design Technology. Equally if your child wants a career in nursing or health care they should consider a Health and Social Care or childcare subject. - Skills Development
Consider the skills your child wants to develop and the subjects that can help develop those skills. For example, if they’re interested in creative pursuits, subjects like art, design, or drama may be beneficial. If they have a real passion for fitness and sports they may wish to choose PE as a GCSE. - Flexibility
Keep in mind that options chosen in Year 9 can influence future educational and career pathways, but they’re not set in stone. Encourage your child to keep their options open and adapt to changing interests or goals. - Support Networks
Seek advice from teachers, career advisors, or other trusted sources to ensure your child makes informed decisions. They can provide insights into subject content, career prospects, and alternative pathways as well as your child’s ability in a chosen subject.
Is education compulsory after the age of 16?
In England, young people are required to continue in education or training until the age of 18 under the government’s “Raising the Participation Age” (RPA) initiative. This means that while education is compulsory up to the age of 16, students must remain in some form of education, apprenticeship, or internship until they turn 18.
This can include:
- Full-time education (at a school, college, or training provider).
- An apprenticeship
- A Supported Internship
Let’s delve deeper into the most popular options and what is available here in Cumbria;
- Full time Education – Many students choose to stay in full-time education by attending a School or Academy Sixth form, College, or Private Training Provider. They can pursue A-levels or a vocational qualification such as T Levels tailored to their interests and career goals.
- A-Levels – Students can choose from a range of subjects to study at A-level, which are typically more academically focused and prepare students for university entry.
- Vocational Qualifications – Colleges often offer a wide range of vocational qualifications, such as BTECs or NVQs, which provide practical and work-related learning. These qualifications are ideal for students with a clear career path in mind.
- T Levels – These are new technical qualifications that combine classroom learning with industry placements. They are designed to provide a clear route into skilled employment or further technical education.
- Access to Higher Education Diplomas – These are designed for students who are looking to go to university but don’t have traditional qualifications.
Some learners prefer continuing education in a school or college setting as they offer a range of extracurricular activities, helping students to develop additional skills and interests outside the classroom and feel more like an extension of school.
What are apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships offer a combination of paid employment, on-the-job training and academic study in a college or classroom based environment. This route allows students to earn a wage while gaining valuable work experience and qualifications for a specific industry or occupation.
They’re available in a wide range of industries and offer a pathway to skilled employment. Apprenticeships offer a valuable alternative to full-time education for young people aged 16 and above who feel ready for the world of work.
Typically, following GCSE’s a learner would begin an Intermediate (Level 2) or Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3). Each of these have different entry requirements, both require a level of Maths and English.
What is the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices?
The government sets a minimum wage for apprentices, which applies to all apprentices aged under 19 and those aged 19 or over in their first year of apprenticeship. In April 2024, the national minimum wage for apprentices rose to £6.40 per hour. For up to date information on the current apprenticeship wage, visit the government website.
Apprenticeship pay scales can vary depending on the sector and the level of apprenticeship. Some employers may pay apprentices above the national minimum wage, especially for higher-level apprenticeships or in industries with high demand for skilled workers.
In addition to the apprentice’s wage, employers are responsible for covering the costs of training and assessment for apprenticeships. Some employers may also offer additional benefits or incentives to apprentices, such as bonuses, travel allowances, or support for further education or professional development.
What Apprenticeships are there in Cumbria?
You can use the online National Apprenticeship Service to search and apply for apprenticeships in England.
The Cumberland Council, Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumbria Fire & Rescue are three large government employers in Cumbria who have two apprentice intakes per year. This includes recruitment between November and December for a spring intake and recruitment between February and March for an autumn intake.
Apprenticeships on offer range across Care and Education, Business & IT, Fire & Rescue, Highways and Legal & Finance. Visit Cumbria Apprenticeships to discover more. You can also read case studies from past apprentices across each of these industries.
Your child will usually attend a local College or a Private Training Provider to study for the teaching element of the apprenticeship one day every week or every other week.
Why is it important to get good results across as many subject areas as possible?
It’s important for young people to give their best effort in all GCSE subjects, even those they don’t currently see as relevant to their career goals. Encourage your child to strive for excellence in all subjects, but also to pursue their passions and interests.
This is often a tough one to get across to young people who may feel that some subjects are not worth focusing on if they know they want to pursue a certain career that doesn’t require the subject. However as a caregiver you can talk to your child about the wider implications associated with gaining good results across all subjects. These include;
- Maths & English – These are essential core subjects which provide access to almost all post 16 options including A Levels and Apprenticeships. It is now a government requirement to retake both maths and English GCSEs until you obtain a Grade 4 or above.
- Broadening Opportunities – Good results open up a wider range of educational and career opportunities for your child. They’re more likely to meet entry requirements for different courses, apprenticeships, or employment opportunities.
- Essential Skills – Each subject teaches valuable essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills are highly sought after by employers across various industries and can be applied in diverse contexts.
- Flexibility – A well-rounded education provides flexibility for your child to explore different interests, pursue diverse career paths, and adapt to changing circumstances. They’re not limited to one specific field and can transition between different industries or roles.
- Future Success – Building a strong academic foundation across multiple subjects sets your child up for future success. It creates confidence, resilience, and a love for learning that will serve them well throughout their educational and professional journey.
Where can my child choose to study in Cumbria?
Schools in Cumbria with Sixth Forms:
- Ulverston Victoria, Ulverston
- Kirkbie Kendal School, Kendal
- Queen Katherine School, Kendal
- Dallam School, Milnthorpe
- The Lakes School, Windermere
- Trinity School, Carlisle
- St Benedict’s Catholic High, Whitehaven
- Workington Academy, Workington
- Whitehaven Academy, Whitehaven
- Keswick School, Keswick
- Netherhall School, Maryport
- West Lakes Academy, Egremont
- Appleby Grammar, Appleby
- Caldew School, Carlisle
- Kirkby Stephen Grammar, Kirkby Stephen
- Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton
- Sir John Henry Newman School, Carlisle
- Queen Elizabeth Grammar, Penrith
- Richard Rose Academy, Carlisle
- Ullswater Community College, Penrith
- William Howard School, Brampton
- QES, Kirkby Lonsdale
- Cockermouth School, Cockermouth
- James Rennie School, Carlisle
- Sandgate School, Kendal
- Mayfield School, Whitehaven/Cockermouth
- Sixth Form – Sandside Lodge School, Ulverston
- George Hastwell School , Walney
Cumbria Specific Providers:
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| Provider | Apprenticeships offered |
|---|---|
| Lakes College | Business, Care, Catering, Childcare, Construction, Engineering, Nuclear, Health & Safety |
| Gen2 | Engineering, Manufacturing, Science, Nuclear, Business, Information Technology and Education |
| Kimberly Clark Applications 2023 – Gen2 | Electrical and Mechanical Engineering |
| Carlisle College | Accountancy, Business, Construction, HR, Electrical, Engineering, IT, Motor Vehicle and Plumbing |
| BAE Systems | Design, Technician – Site and Facilities, Mechanical Fitter – Infrastructure Services, Electrician, Mechanical Machinist, Pipe Worker, Plumber, Technician NDE, Technician Manufacturing Engineering, Sheet Metal, Electrical, Mechanical Fitter, Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE Business, Information Technology Scaffolding, Ancillary, Painting, Steelworker, Welding (Caulker), Joiner |
| Cumbria Police Force | Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA). Students must be 18+ to apply |
| System People | Early Years, Teaching Assistants, Business Administration |
| Furness College | Accounting, Applied Science, Business, Beauty, Barbering, Construction, Customer Services, Management, Motor Vehicle, Early Years Education, Engineering, Hairdressing, Health & Social Care, IT, Retail, Team Leading |
| Kendal College | Accounting, Agriculture, Animal Care, Business Management, Childcare, Computing, Construction, Customer Service, Engineering, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Complementary Therapies, Health & Social Care, Hospitality & Catering, Motor Vehicle, Sciences, Sport & Outdoor Adventure, Teaching Learning & Assessment |
| JTL Training | Electrical, Plumbing & Heating, Property Maintenance, Building Services Engineering, Fire Emergency & Security, Traineeships |
| Cumbria County Council | Care and Education, Fire and Rescue, Legal and Financial, Digital, and Business, Highways |
| Energus | Business Administration, Cyber Security, NuclearDegree |
| Equestrian Training | Providers of equestrian apprenticeships |
| Myerscough College (Ullswater Community College partnership) | Providers of Agriculture, Forestry and Animal management courses |
| Lancaster Training Services | Provides mechanic apprenticeships with lots of garages in the South Lakes area- so would be useful for South Lakes Schools |
| Lawson Training | Construction and plant training courses available in Workington |
| Lancaster & Morecambe College | Accounting, Business Management, Childcare, Computing, Construction, Customer Service, Engineering, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Health & Social Care, Hospitality & Catering, Motor Vehicle, Sciences, Teaching Learning & Assessment |
What support is there for you and your SEND child?
When your child has special educational needs, it can often be very daunting working out what their next step will be when they complete their education. The options will of course vary depending on your child’s needs and the opportunities open to them.
When you have your child’s EHCP review with their education provider, be sure to discuss next step options and suitable pathways.