Careers Education and Preparation for Adulthood

Preparing students for skilled careers, lifelong learning, and success in the modern world

At Blackpool Skills Academy, careers education is central to our mission. We equip our learners with the skills, mindset, and ambition they need to move confidently into adulthood — whether that’s employment, further training, or continued education.

Our curriculum is grounded in vocational excellence. Students study core pathways in construction and in hair, beauty and related therapies. These areas are more than qualifications — they provide hands-on experience, build self-confidence, and teach transferable skills like communication, time management, and resilience.

We also recognise that these areas often act as springboards. Construction can lead to engineering or civil infrastructure. Hair and beauty align with hospitality, customer service and even adult social care. All of these are priority growth sectors in Blackpool and across the UK. Our role is to help students explore these pathways — and to believe that the future is wide open.

Our Careers Vision

We want every student to:

  • Understand their strengths, interests, and potential
  • Explore a wide range of routes into work, apprenticeships, or further education
  • Gain meaningful experience of the workplace
  • Develop core employability and life skills
  • Plan their next steps with confidence and purpose

Careers education is delivered through a structured programme from Year 8 to Year 11 and includes dedicated lessons, embedded curriculum links, and personal guidance. We work with local and national employers, training providers, and colleges to ensure real-world relevance.

Real Employer Connections

We are proud of our employer links — not just locally, but nationally. Our Chair of Governors, Andy Iredale, works with some of the world’s leading employers to improve access to skills and opportunities for young people. Through his wider work, he develops free resources and delivers workshops to help students practise the skills they need to thrive in modern workplaces.

Employers include:

  • BP
  • Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
  • Keepmoat Homes
  • BAE Systems
  • Bentley Motors
  • Pure Energy Music Production
  • Hinkley Point C & Sizewell C (Nuclear)
  • Wagamama
  • Suntory
  • National Grid
  • nDreams (Gaming)
  • ILM (VFX)
  • CISCO
  • Mace
  • Willmott Dixon
  • Department for Education
  • James’ Places

Many of these organisations provide insight videos, real tasks, and step-by-step guides for students and families. Free resources can be accessed directly from school or at home.

Careers Journey at Blackpool Skills Academy

By the End of Key Stage 3

  • Explored personal strengths, interests, and qualities
  • Connected school learning to real-world careers
  • Participated in workplace visits and met local employers
  • Used careers information resources and online tools
  • Completed careers sessions during form time and developed aspiration boards
  • Taken responsibility in form-time roles to develop punctuality, teamwork, and resilience
  • Engaged in enterprise and charity projects
  • Experienced curriculum enhancement days, including Apprenticeship Days, T Level Days, and Careers Week

By the End of Key Stage 4

  • Continued a strong programme of careers lessons integrated into the curriculum
  • Taken part in college taster days and provider visits
  • Met training providers and employers through careers events
  • Completed college, apprenticeship, and job applications with support
  • Practised interview techniques within English lessons
  • Developed high-quality CVs showcasing skills and experience
  • Gained financial literacy and personal management skills
  • Completed meaningful work experience placements linked to career interests
  • Received one-to-one careers guidance with a qualified Level 6 Careers Advisor
  • Attended presentations by colleges, employers, and training providers

Careers Support Team

Students have daily access to impartial information, advice, and guidance through our experienced staff team.

  • Careers Lead: Mr David Hodge, Headteacher
  • SLT Careers Link: Mr Andy Iredale
  • Careers Governor Link: Mr Andy Iredale

We also work closely with the Lancashire Careers Hub and a wide range of local and regional employers to ensure that students receive high-quality, up-to-date guidance.

Contact: david.hodge@blackpoolskillsacademy.co.uk | 01253 759854

Careers Policy Statement

We are committed to delivering a high-quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme that raises aspirations, promotes equality of opportunity, and supports every student to make informed decisions about their future.

Our CEIAG programme is designed to:

  • Prepare students for a wide range of careers, training, and education pathways
  • Provide regular and meaningful encounters with employers, training providers, and colleges
  • Develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience, and self-management
  • Build knowledge of the labour market and emerging industries
  • Equip students with the skills needed for lifelong learning, employment, and independent living

The programme is reviewed annually to ensure it meets the needs of students, employers, and post-16 providers.

Provider Access Statement

In line with the Baker Clause and updated Provider Access Legislation (2023), Blackpool Skills Academy is committed to providing students with access to a wide range of providers offering technical education and apprenticeships.

Student Entitlement

All students in Years 8 to 11 are entitled to:

  • Find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities
  • Meet providers of further education, apprenticeships, and training
  • Understand how to apply for the full range of academic and vocational courses available

Management of Requests

Providers wishing to request access should contact:

Mr David Hodge, Headteacher and Careers Lead
david.hodge@blackpoolskillsacademy.co.uk | 01253 759854

Requests will be considered individually and scheduled to fit with our calendar and the needs of our students.

Opportunities for Access

Providers may be invited to attend:

  • Careers fairs and themed careers weeks
  • College and apprenticeship experience days
  • Assemblies and careers presentations
  • Parent and carer information events
  • Small group or workshop sessions

Facilities including classrooms, AV equipment, and IT suites will be made available on request. All visitors are expected to comply with the Academy’s safeguarding protocols.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The effectiveness of our careers programme is reviewed annually through:

  • Feedback from students, staff, parents, and employers
  • Destination tracking for Year 11 leavers
  • Review of careers events and employer interactions
  • Careers guidance tracking and follow-up interviews

Improvements are made based on this feedback to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our learners and our local economy.

Blackpool Skills Academy: Your Future Starts Here

Our mission is simple — to give every student the confidence, skills, and opportunities to build a future they believe in. Through a strong vocational curriculum, real employer engagement, and a structured support programme, we help students prepare for the world as it really is — and all it could be.