On Tuesday 1st March 2022, we had a careers advisor from Birmingham City University visit out school to hold a workshop for Year 5 and Year 6. The workshop outlined the importance of education and involved guiding children in making decisions about their future career/s. The advisor spoke about university life at BCU, different careers/courses that the university offer and also the different campuses within Birmingham. The workshop was well received by the children as it was very informative and help them to think about their future and what they would like to do at secondary school for their GCSE's and A levels in college which will contribute to helping them with their university degree. They were also able to ask questions or queries they had in terms of university life and career choices.
It is very important that the school has great home/school relationships with their children as it helps to ensure a good quality of support is given to children and their parents in making these vital decisions. Parents and children alike can feel stressed when preparing for the future, but it is important to keep everything in perspective, and remember that for young people, plenty of doors remain open.
Your child's career plans
Your child will need to make decisions at different times. It's important to ask them about careers from time to time.
Get them to chat about the jobs they see other people doing. This could be someone they know or admire. It could be people they pass on the street, see on television or in magazines. You could also discuss types of jobs that might be relevant to their interests, skills or aspirations.
Listen to your child and discuss their options
To help your child with career planning, it's important you:
- listen
- are open to ideas and encourage them to explore all their options
- keep in mind that your child’s choices and decisions should be based on their aspirations and abilities
- remember that not everyone has a clear idea what they want to do so your child's career ideas may change as they get older
Helping your child plan a career
Once your child has some ideas about what they would like to do, encourage them to do some research. You can help them find out what is needed to work in a certain career.
As well as helping them decide on their next steps, you will also be helping them to develop the decision-making skills important in adult life. They'll need to consider the pros and cons of various options, make a decision based on the information available - then put their plan into action.
How you can help your child's future
To help your child to think about different choices, you can encourage them to:
- talk about their career ideas and future plans
- research various careers
- know about options available in education, employment and training
- discuss ideas and options with teachers at school
- develop their skills by taking part in clubs and activities, both within and outside of school
- find out about the world of work through work experience and extra-curricular activities by talking to relatives and family friends about the kinds of work they do
- go to careers events their school organises