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Careers Guidance
We aim to ensure that our students are self-confident, skilled and career-ready through our integrated programme of high-quality careers activities, advice and guidance.
Planned and progressive programmes of activities in the curriculum help students to develop the knowledge and skills to increase self and opportunity awareness, make well-informed decisions and transition successfully on to the next stage.
The Department for Education issues all schools with statutory guidance regarding the delivery of high-quality careers guidance. The Careers Programme at Hessle High School follows the guidance in this document by providing a comprehensive programme of careers guidance in partnership with local employers, other education and training providers, Hull and East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and other support agencies.
All staff are encouraged to share their skills and workplace experiences in a contextual manner with students throughout their daily contact through careers activities and lesson delivery. Staff are given information prior to careers activities and are actively encouraged to deliver in a variety of learning experiences.
Students will be involved in a number of seminars and activities focused on them achieving their potential through raising aspirations and increasing participation in further/higher education. We work with organisations to run these activities such as; Hull University, National Citizen Service (NCS), Humber Outreach Programme (HOP), LogonMoveon and PUSH. These form part of the Uni Connect Programme, formerly known as National Collaborative Outreach Programmes (NCOP).
For information regarding how student data is managed by the University of Hull click here – we will obtain your consent before sharing any information with these organisations.
Information on the range of options available in education, training and work, and the progression opportunities that follow these options will be provided to students via a range of media. Information talks will be delivered by Colleges, Universities, Apprenticeship providers and employers, as well as opportunities to visit Colleges, Universities, Training providers and Businesses.
Information for Employers
As part of our Careers Programme, we work with a range of employers and organisations who inspire, inform and advise students through talks, workshops and workplace visits. Employers enhance careers education through contributing to classroom-based lessons, running CV workshops, conducting mock interviews and supporting careers events and enterprise activities, plus offering work experience and work shadowing placements. These opportunities will help students to understand the skills, personal qualities and academic qualifications required to be successful within the workplace.
We are always looking to expand our employer network. Please get in touch with Miss Lawes, Careers Leader on hayley.lawes@hessleacademy.com if you would be interested in supporting our Careers Programme.
Click here to read our Provider Access Policy.
Meet the Team
Careers Leader – Miss Lawes
Support is available for students when applying for College, Sixth Form, Apprenticeships or Employment including application forms and CVs. Parents/carers and students are welcome to speak to Miss Lawes regarding careers information, advice and guidance during break and lunch times (Top Floor Careers Office opposite S17), alternatively, by email at hayley.lawes@hessleacademy.com or by contacting the school on 01482 648604. In addition, Mrs Price, Deputy Headteacher can also be contacted.
Careers Advisor
Our level 6 qualified Careers Advisor is available to provide guidance to students on Mondays & Wednesdays in the Ground Floor Careers Office. All students will have the opportunity for a one-to-one careers guidance interview to discuss their future plans and ideas. This will include opportunities to discuss career aims and the options available after their GCSEs (post-16 & post-18). Appointments to see the Careers Advisor can be made through Miss Lawes, Careers Leader or the Student Services team.
Support is also available for students when applying for College, Sixth Form, Apprenticeships or Employment including application forms and CVs. Parents/carers and students are welcome to speak to Miss Lawes, Careers Leader about careers information, advice and guidance during break and lunch times (FM1 office - near music), alternatively by email at hayley.lawes@hessleacademy.com or by contacting the school on 01482 648604. In addition, Mr Chapman, Deputy Headteacher can also be contacted.
*Our Careers Advisor commissions independent and impartial careers advice and guidance that is effective in meeting the needs of all learners including SEND and disadvantaged students.
Enterprise Advisor – Alvin Fernandes, Senior Engineer at BAE Systems
An Enterprise Advisor works directly with a school to help bridge the gap between the world of work and education. Our EA works closely with the Careers Leader and wider senior team to create opportunities for young people and strategically develop the Careers Programme. We are delighted to be partnered up with Alvin Fernandes, Senior Engineer at BAE Systems.
Let’s hear from Alvin: “I have been working at BAE Systems for 32 years, mainly based at Brough. My career so far has taken me through Equipment Engineering, Mission Systems, Cockpit Design and Human Factors Integration and I have also been involved with aircraft customer evaluations and briefings, as well as sales and marketing that has taken me to 19 countries so far. Most of my career has been spent on the Hawk Aircraft but I have worked on Buccaneer, Phantom, Tornado and Typhoon. I’m currently working on Future Fighter (Tempest). I have been involved with young people through work experience, apprenticeship schemes, school governor, STEM, Children’s University and Enterprise Ambassador. I have two boys 18 and 21 and a cat called Mog, and I look forward to building a strong working relationship with Hessle High School’.
Careers Link Governor – Rachel Bird
I am a mum to three children and currently work as an HR Manager, having built my career in Human Resources over many years. My journey into HR was not something I originally planned, I “fell into” the profession and quickly discovered a passion for working with people, supporting development, and helping organisations grow.
Alongside my professional journey, I also took time away from work to focus on raising my family. During this time, I attended evening college and successfully achieved my degree. HR is an ever-evolving field, which is one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. No two days are the same, and there are always new challenges, changes, and opportunities to learn. I returned to the workplace and have now been in my current role for over four years.
I enjoy being a school governor because it gives me the opportunity to use both my professional and personal experiences to support young people in preparing for their futures, particularly in relation to careers, aspirations, and employability.
Outside of work and family life, I enjoy organising gatherings for family and friends, as I love bringing people together and spending quality time with them. When I do get a little spare time, I also enjoy painting as a creative outlet and a way to unwind.