At Danesgate Community, we believe careers education is about preparing young people for life, not simply for employment. Every learner deserves the opportunity to understand themselves, recognise their strengths and develop the confidence, resilience and independence needed to achieve a successful future.
For many of our learners, the journey towards adulthood begins with rebuilding confidence, developing self-belief and overcoming barriers that may have affected their previous educational experiences. Careers education at Danesgate therefore begins long before conversations about jobs, qualifications or destinations. It starts with helping young people understand who they are, what they can achieve and how their individual strengths can shape their future.
Our careers programme is built around the principles of the latest Department for Education Statutory Guidance, the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance, the Skills Builder Universal Framework,and the Pearson BTEC Sweet Framework.
Through this approach, we support every learner to develop the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to move confidently into further education, apprenticeships, supported internships, training or employment.
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Chris Smith Careers Lead c.smith@danesgatecommunity.org.uk 01904 555555 |
Sue James Specialist Learning & Employment Adviser 0798 395 0127 |
Our Provider Access Policy Statement carefully sets out Danesgate Community’ arrangements for managing the access of education and training providers to our students, for the purpose of providing Careers Information.
Our Careers Education Information Advice and Guidance Policy (CEIAG) outlines how Danesgate Community will support students on their careers journey in school and to successfully make the transition into Post 16 provision.
At Danesgate Community we recognise the importance of every young person receiving good career guidance to make informed decisions about their future. We measure the impact of our careers program against the national standards set out in the 2013 Gatsby Report.
To find out more information about the eight Gatsby Benchmarks click on the table below:
Please CLICK HERE for more information on the Gatsby Benchmarks.
We are committed to continually improving our careers programme and ensuring that it has a positive impact on learner outcomes.
We evaluate our provision through Compass+, Gatsby Benchmark reviews, student voice, Future Skills Questionnaires, parent and employer feedback, destination tracking and regular review by the Careers Leader.
This approach enables us to identify strengths, respond to changing needs and ensure every learner receives high-quality careers education that prepares them for successful futures.
Danesgate Community is committed to achieving the highest standards in careers education.
Our programme is informed by national guidance, local labour market information and the needs of our learners. We are working towards achieving the Quality in Careers Standard, providing external recognition of the quality and impact of our careers provision.
Every learner follows a careers journey that develops throughout their time at Danesgate Community. This ensures that careers education is meaningful, inclusive and relevant to every learner.
The first stage of our careers journey focuses on helping learners understand themselves, recognise their strengths and develop confidence in their own abilities.
Through practical learning experiences, students develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and resilience skills while building greater independence in areas such as managing money, organising their time, making decisions and communicating effectively.
By developing self-awareness and confidence, learners are supported to overcome barriers such as anxiety, low self-esteem or previous negative experiences, helping them recognise that positive futures are achievable.
Learners begin exploring the world beyond school and discovering the wide range of opportunities available to them.
Through careers activities, employer encounters, workplace visits, enterprise projects, careers events and engagement with colleges and training providers, students develop an understanding of different roles, industries and pathways.
Where appropriate, learners take part in meaningful workplace experiences through local businesses, charities and social enterprises. These opportunities are carefully adapted to meet individual needs and reflect the principles of the Government’s Modern Work Experience Programme, ensuring every student can develop confidence and employability skills in a supportive environment.
Families are an important part of this journey, and we work closely with parents and carers to ensure they understand the opportunities and pathways available to their child.
As learners approach post 16 transition, careers education becomes increasingly personalised. Students receive guidance and support to explore their next steps, whether this is further education, apprenticeships, supported internships, training or employment.
Through transition planning, college visits, careers guidance and work-related learning, students develop the practical skills needed for adulthood, including completing applications, preparing for interviews, understanding workplace expectations and making informed choices.
Each learner’s pathway is planned around their individual strengths, aspirations and Education, Health and Care Plan outcomes, ensuring that transition into adult life is successful and meaningful.
Preparing for adulthood is at the heart of our careers programme.
Careers education is not delivered as a series of isolated events; it is woven throughout curriculum learning, personal development and everyday experiences at Danesgate. Students engage with employers, colleges, training providers and community organisations to develop confidence, broaden aspirations and understand the opportunities available beyond school.
Our employer partnerships, including organisations such as Simpson Construction, Middletons Hotel, Nestlé, the NHS and other local businesses, charities and social enterprises, provide authentic experiences that connect learning with the world of work.
Through workplace visits, employer encounters, volunteering, enterprise activities and tailored work experience opportunities, students develop the skills and confidence needed to take their next steps.
CLICK HERE for a padlet with lots of useful information and guidance.
As our students progress through their secondary education at Danesgate Community they will have access to the following programme of Careers guidance and experience:
The following images are from our pupils being on Work Experience at the Guildhall:
Our students really benefit from the connections they have with employers. These experiences increase their knowledge of the world of work at both a local and national level, and help to develop their employability skills. We therefore welcome the vital contribution employers are able to make as part of our careers programme.
We are committed to connecting our students with local employers and are continually developing links with local businesses and voluntary organisations.
As well as hosting several events at Danesgate Community throughout the year which focus on further education and career aspirations. We are also keen to further develop our pool of work experience providers. If you are an employer who would like to support Danesgate Community, or would like more information on how you can support our careers programme please contact:
Here are some of our local business partners, including some partner testimonials: 
Simpsons Construction – “We are proud to support Danesgate’s active careers programme, helping students discover the exciting opportunities available in the construction industry through careers fairs and practical workshops.
It is a pleasure to work with a school so committed to its students’ futures, and we look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of construction professionals.”
Middletons Hotel – “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Danesgate School through the Hospitality Connect Programme. It has been a rewarding opportunity to help students build confidence, develop practical skills, and gain valuable insight into careers in hospitality.
Danesgate School has been an excellent partner throughout, and we are proud to support a programme that creates meaningful connections between education and industry while preparing young people for the world of work”
Indigo Greens- “Indigo Greens Estate Agents have really enjoyed building a relationship with Danesgate Community. It’s been great to see first-hand the commitment of the staff and the positive difference they make to the lives of their students every day. We’re proud to support the community and look forward to continuing our partnership in the years ahead.” 
Sisk constructions post work placement feedback for a year 11 pupil – “He is always on time and arrives with a smile on his face. He is well mannered, shows interest and asks questions. He thrives on the communication and coordination required in an engineering role and has been introduced to various sub-contractors and managers along the way.”
Click on the image below to read an excellent guide to Apprenticeships.
We encourage our parent and carers to explore jobs and careers with their children regularly. You can help them to find out about the skills and qualifications needed to do certain jobs. You can also support them to find out more about Further Education Colleges, traineeships, or specialist education providers and apprenticeships in the region.
Padlet regarding different pathways available.
Careers advice:
Further Education
Click on the following to find out about the Further Education Collages and specialist education providers who offer post 16 courses in the York region:
Click on the following to find out more about apprenticeships and the latest vacancies in the York region:
The Shape Your Future booklet provides Labour Market Information (LMI) about the current economic and employment situation in York and North Yorkshire. It includes data on graduate destinations, average starting salaries, current trends in employment sectors and recruitment patterns. You can find more information here:
