Careers advice and guidance for young people in secondary school
Careers advice has never been so important with 66% of young people reporting that COVID significantly disrupted their learning.
As the leading West Midlands sport for employment charity, we help move students into sustained employment, education and training by providing the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to make informed choices for their future.
Our career services for secondary schools have been proven to increase attainment, attendance, positive behaviour, engagement and increase aspirations.
we help bridge the gap between education, training and the world of work for young people in the west midlands
Why career services for schools is so important
Preparing for the future is becoming an increasing concern for young people, with 66% saying COVID significantly disrupted their learning. Less than 10% of young people are confident that they would be able to find quality work where they live and less than half had to access to a careers advisor in school or college [Youth Voice Census Report 2021].
We understand that schools must support career development in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks so they can support students to make good choices and understand how to succeed in their career aspirations.
We can support you to achieve this.
Award winning services
Educational Resource Provider of the Year
Sport 4 Life UK has been awarded the Midlands Educational Resource Provider of the Year at the Education Awards 2023. This significant achievement recognises our commitment to offering outstanding educational resources to those working within the field of education.
“I would recommend the Sport 4 Life mentoring programme particularly for those pupils who need support in raising their aspirations and considering career options for the future.”
Gemma Walker, Vice Principal (Pupils), UOB School, Birmingham
“Izzy’s (our Employability Mentor) support and work has been invaluable to many of our pupils, many of whom would not be where they are now without Izzy’s support.”
Sandi Kooner, Assistant Headteacher, Washwood Heath Academy
Giving young people the confidence and skills needed to move into sustained education, employment or training
How we support schools and young people
We understand the value of high quality careers information, advice and guidance.
We support young people to improve attainment, attendance, behaviour, engagement and knowledge around their options post education.
- 58% of students improved attainment
- 51% of students improved their attendance
- 78% of students improved their behaviour and engagement in lessons
- 81% of students improved at least one of the above
Mentoring
Our team of Employability Mentors are all Level 3 Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) and Mental Health First Aid trained.
Our mentors work one-to-one with students to create bespoke action plans aimed at improving their life skills and employability.
Employability skills workshops
We can also offer classroom-based group sessions to introduce students to the world of work.
We will also connect students with professionals and education providers to give practical advice and prepare them for moving into work.
Sports or Dance Leadership Qualification
This accredited qualification supports students to develop their leadership, communication and teamwork skills, whilst staying physically active and engaging with their local community.
This hands-on, practical style of learning can support students to learn essential life and employability skills.
Award winning services to prepare secondary school students for the world of work
Support packages and pricing
Our goal is to support young people (11-29) move into sustained employment, education and training. We do this through one-to-one mentoring, employability skills workshops, engagement with employers, qualifications support, sports and social action projects.
We provide high-quality packages for mentoring, employability skills workshops and sports or dance leaders qualifications to help your students improve their life skills and feel prepared for the world of work.
Mentoring support
Year groups: 7-11
Support provided: Our Mentoring services include 6 one-to-one sessions per student and support:
- Students in need of careers information, advice and guidance services to help them make confident and informed decisions about their futures
- Students with multiple/complex needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan to address any behavioural, social, emotional and mental health needs or personal development issues.
Delivery model
We deliver one-to-one, face-to-face sessions in schools. Each session is up to 45 minutes and can be delivered weekly for 6 weeks. Sessions can be extended for a further 6 weeks to cover a full term if required. We can also support those students who are transitioning from year 6 into high school.
Pricing
| Sessional | Half-day | Full day | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| Sessions | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Price per student | £300 | £270 | £240 |
Employability Skills Workshops
Year groups: 7-11
Support provided: Our Employability Skills Workshops include 6 sessions delivered to a group of students aiming to:
- Introduce students to the world of work
- Connect them with professionals to give the ‘real-world’ experiences
- Give them practical advice to prepare them for the world of work
- Support them with writing CV’s, preparing for interviews and doing practice interviews
Delivery model
We deliver sessions to groups of up to 30 in schools. Each session is 1 hour long and we will deliver 6 sessions over a 6 week period.
Pricing
When we are working with over 15 students we would have 2 members of the Sport 4 Life team delivering. If the school can provide staff support we can reduce the price.
| Small group | Large group | |
|---|---|---|
| Students (max) | 15 | 30 |
| Sessions | 6 | 6 |
| Price | £400 | £550 |
Sports or Dance Leadership Qualification
Year group: 8-11
Support provided: Sports or Dance Leadership qualifications delivered over 20 hours to a group of up to 30 students. These qualifications support young people to:
- Develop key life skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork and organisation
- Engage with their location community
- Stay physically active
Delivery model
This accredited qualification has a minimum of 20 hours of delivery so is best delivered over a 13 week period.
We can deliver this within Physical Education lessons or as a lunchtime or after school club. We can also deliver this during half terms as an intensive programme. The maximum number of students for this course is 30.
Pricing
| Small group | Large group | |
|---|---|---|
| Students (max) | 15 | 30 |
| Price per course | £900 | £1,200 |
Career development support for secondary school students in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks
Register your school
How we help
Mentoring
Our mentors work on a one-to-one basis to provide support, assistance, encouragement and inspiration during and following our programmes.
learn more
Employability skills
Get job ready! Get support with CV writing, interview techniques and tips, career pathway advice, and mock interviews.
learn more
Qualifications
Level up and improve your chances of moving into further education and employment with the help of our online and in-person courses and qualifications.
learn more
Sports sessions
Our sports sessions support young people to stay active, develop life skills and meet new people.
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We want to give every young person we work with the chance to make a positive change in their lives
“I’m really glad that Sport 4 Life UK didn't give up on me. I really appreciate the support they gave me. It has motivated me to do better and be a better person.”
Hazel Robinson, aged 13
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