Introduction

When children and young people get good careers guidance, it helps them:

• make informed choices about their future
• understand the skills, qualities, and qualifications they need to succeed
• feel inspired to continue their studies.

How careers guidance is provided

Schools and other education settings have a legal duty to provide careers education from Year 7. Some primary schools also offer careers activities to inspire their pupils and encourage them to be open to all possibilities.

All schools use the Gatsby Benchmarks to plan careers education programmes. These help pupils explore different careers. Each school has its own programme, linked to other subjects they teach.

Your child will learn about careers through:

• lessons
• visits from employers
• work experience.

They will also receive advice to help them make decisions about their future.

Where to find out more

To find out more about the careers programme at your child or young person’s school or education setting, you can:

• Visit their website - they are legally required to publish this information. You can search for the web address of their school or education setting on our school and nursery finder.
• Contact the school or education setting directly - ask them what careers guidance they offer and when your child or young person can access it.

Careers guidance in action

This short video shows careers guidance in action at local schools. Pupils talk with local business representatives about their dreams and aspirations.

Support your child’s school

Your child's school or education setting helps them learn about careers and future opportunities. However, you, as a parent and/or carer, have a big influence on their choices. Talking about jobs early on can make decisions about school, training, and work easier.

To support your child or young person’s career education, you can:

• talk about different jobs when you're out together to help them learn about the choices they have
• encourage your child to take part in career activities at school
• offer to talk about your own career and work experiences with your child or young person’s class
• support the Gatsby Benchmarks by following the tips on how to help at home.

Where to find out more

To find out more: