Careers Advice & Guidance
Careers Advice & GuidancePACA is committed to ensuring all its learners progress onto positive destinations after they complete their studies and provides a programme of careers education, information, advice and guidance to help them make effective career and learning choices.
Careers education is delivered as part of PSHE learning and complemented by relevant assemblies, whole school activities, visits and focus weeks.
At PACA, we’re committed to preparing every student for a bright future. Our careers programme is built into PSHCE and enhanced through assemblies, whole‑school events, employer visits and focus weeks.
We help students understand their strengths, explore opportunities and make informed decisions about their next steps. Across the curriculum, we also develop essential entrepreneurial skills:
teamwork, creativity, problem‑solving, passion, determination and smart risk‑taking, to prepare them for further study and the world of work.
During their education pupils have access to careers education, information, advice and guidance. Each Aldridge Education setting follows a structured careers programme which supports pupils to develop skills and attributes to prepare them for their future lives.
- Gain knowledge and understanding of career opportunities and future career pathways
- Develop personal skills and qualities
- Explore, develop and manage their own future career aspirations
- Develop employability skills
- The Aldridge Education Enterprise & Personal Development Team has developed a website to support pupils, parents, carers and teachers. Here you can find careers related information and resources including frequently asked questions.
- The Aldridge Education Enterprise & Personal Development Team supports all academies via the Aldridge Connect Programme.
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For further information about the careers programme, contact the Careers Advisor Ms Evans Sally.Evans@aldridgeeducation.org
Students are helped to prepare for their future in the following ways:
At Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
- Careers education and enterprise learning
- Computer Aided Guidance Programme to assess suitability for different career areas and occupations
- In Year 9, students are given information, advice and guidance (IAG) about career intentions with a particular focus on choosing options for Key Stage 4
- There is an Options Evening for parents and carers to find out more about the courses on offer.
At Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
- Careers education and enterprise learning
- In Year 10, students prepare for the next steps in their education or career choice by learning more about further education options and the world of work
- In Year 11, students are given information on the courses that are offered in sixth forms and at local colleges for post 16 study. They also receive help with applications and support for college interviews
- Students receive assistance in applying for apprenticeships should they wish to
- Students can speak to the school Careers Adviser to discuss individual plans.
Destinations
Data published by the Department for Education shows that the percentage of PACA students staying on in education or successfully taking up employment after their GCSEs please visit https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/school/137063/portslade-aldridge-community-academy
Events and Activities
Students have the opportunity to take part in the various events including
- Dare to Dream Programme
- Careers Fair
- Y9 Options Evening
- Y11 Information Evening
- Trips to Sussex and Brighton Universities
- Trips to the Amex Stadium
Progression Options
In addition to sixth form studies options after Year 11 include:
- A vocational or work related course at a Further Education or Technical College
- A land based or animal related course at an Agricultural College
- A music or performing arts course at a specialist Music college
- An apprenticeship and continued learning in the workplace
- Progressing to employment with accredited training
Careers newsletter
Aldridge Careers Newsletter- March 2026
Aldridge Careers Newsletter - July 2026
Aldridge Careers Newsletter - Southern addendum July 2026
Occupations and Jobs Exploration
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobfamily/Pages/default.aspx
Prospects | Job & Course Search | Career & University Advice
Careerpilot : Plan your future work & study
CV Builder
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/cv-sections
Apprenticeships
http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/be-an-apprentice.aspx
Student - Amazing Apprenticeships
http://www.apprenticeships-in-sussex.com/
University and Higher Education
https://www.gov.uk/contact-student-finance-england
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points | UCAS
Local Employment and Job Search for School/College Leavers
Apprenticeships - For overseas students
https://www.studying-in-uk.org/apprenticeships-uk/
