The careers team will  help you figure out your career choice and development. But please note, we can't make the decision for you. It's YOUR CAREER, YOUR CHOICE.

Our meetings are triaged into levels/tiers:

Level/tier 1- This is a quick guidance that may be done via email, in person chat at an event or lunchtime stall. Or an 'in-passing' conversation during the drop-in session. They tend to last less than 15 minutes and are aimed at students who already have an idea of what they want to do next but might need support with resources for self-research. This can be a one off chat.

Level/tier2- This is a face to face meeting where you and an advisor will have a 30 minute meeting to chat about your next steps and alphabet planning (plan A,B.C).  Also, to give you links and avenues to help you research industries and next steps yourself. This is for students that have a rough idea of the industry or passion they might like to follow. This is a guided chat and can be either one off or have a follow up meeting.

Level/tier 3- This is 45 minute advisory meeting for students who don't know what they want to do next. It is to help you break down your skills, strengths and talents. Understand the difference between hard & soft skills, explore a variety of industries and look at possible next step options. This will tend to be the first of a series of meetings, going from 45 minutes, 30 minutes, 15 minutes and then to email check-ins.

Your 'Futures' career meeting will cover the following:

Aim of the meeting - This will normally be done via completing a questionnaire. 

Here you will have a discussion about what you as the student wants out of the session

The advisor may ask questions like, 'what is your favourite subject or hobby?' So it could be useful to jot down some hobbies, volunteering you've done and maybe what you like and don't like in terms of hobbies etc.

They may challenge your statements, will try to make the picture clearer for you and help you to plan your next steps.  They will help you widen your ideas and give you other opportunities you may not have considered as well as look at specific information you are interested in. They will allow you to explore and understand the labour market information and how that fits into your interests.

The job of a the advisor is to question, de-mystify and positively challenge misconceptions so you can think and reflect on what to do next. They will ask you to have back up plans just in case, this is called alphabet planning. This may make you feel like they are not trusting of your ideas however, plans change and being able to be open minded and embrace challenges life will throw at you is all part of being successful. This allows you to develop the resilience needed when you are dealing with similar feelings in your whole lifespan.

Planning

During our planning we use something called the GROW model. This will help you plan and obtain realistic goals. You can learn more about that here  What is the Grow model? 

We will help you understand the possible industries, your best skills, next steps and alternative pathways.

At peak times, you may not be able to get an immediate appointment.  So we want you to get the maximum benefit out of every appointment. *Remember there is a drop-in every day between 3-4pm, if it is just a quick question you have. Or you can email the Futures team on futures@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk

If you just don't know where to start thinking about your career, that's fine. An Adviser can help you with this, especially if you are worrying about how and where to start. Just be aware that each appointment may only help you to move a few steps along.

If you are able and willing to do a little (or a lot!) of preparation, you will inevitably find yourself further along the process. Even a small amount of research or reflection may help you to focus the appointment on what you are really needing.

Even if you don’t know what you want to do, there is still some research you can do. 

• Check out our page on if you are unsure: https://sites.google.com/blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/futures/are-you-unsure-of-your-career-pathway

• Check out the useful career webpages: https://sites.google.com/blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/futures/careers-advice-guidance

• If you want to see your post 18 options click here: https://sites.google.com/blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/futures/career-options

• Use Start Profile to look into options and ask your Pastoral Mentor to refer you to the Futures Team, or contact us directly!