Careers Programme and Progression Events

The Gatsby Benchmarks are a set of 8 national standards that define what excellent careers education and guidance should look like in schools and colleges. Their purpose is to make sure every learner gets consistent, high‑quality support to explore options, understand the world of work, and make well‑informed next‑step decisions. 

At Eastern Education Group (EEG), we take the Gatsby Benchmarks seriously.  We plan our Careers Programme to cover all 8 benchmarks (and more) through a wraparound offer built on our three pillars: Connections, Credentials and Character Strengths. 

1. A stable careers programme (clear, planned, evaluated) 
   example: A full Careers Programme Calendar across the year, plus evaluation of student feedback. 

2. Learning from Labour Market Information (LMI) (what jobs exist + future opportunities) 
   example: Understanding the Labour Market, access to up‑to‑date LMI, and links to external LMI websites/newsletters. 

3. Addressing the needs of each learner (personalised, inclusive, raises aspirations) 
   example: Progression Plans (including back‑up plans), SEND progression activities, and intended destination support. 

4. Linking curriculum learning to careers (connect subjects to real pathways) 
   example: Subject-specific employability embedded in study programmes and employability delivered by industry specialists. 

5. Encounters with employers and employees (meet people in real jobs) 
   example: Guest speakers, employer visits, and employer-led events like EMPowered and sector careers events. 

6. Experiences of workplaces (first-hand workplace exposure) 
   example: Work experience, work-related experience, and industry placements. 

7. Encounters with further and higher education (learn about uni/training/apprenticeships providers) 
   example: Programme of talks by university professionals, UCAS research/support, and guidance for courses with additional admissions requirements. 

Personal guidance (impartial 1:1 guidance to support decision-making) 
example: Independent Level 6 careers guidance, drop-ins, 1:1 appointments, and support via Teams/telephone. 

1:1 appointments give every student the chance to talk privately with a trained careers or progression to HE adviser about their future plans. These sessions are supportive, approachable and completely tailored to the individual. 

How 1:1s help students

• Personal guidance 
  Students can explore their interests, strengths and goals in a relaxed, confidential space. 

• Clear next steps 
  Whether they’re thinking about university, apprenticeships or work, we help them understand their options and what they need to do next. 

• Confidence and motivation 
  Talking through ideas with an adviser helps students feel more certain about their choices and encourages them to aim high. 

• Support at key moments 
  From choosing courses to preparing applications, advisers are available throughout the year to guide students when it matters most. 

What parents should know 

1:1s are part of our commitment to ensuring every young person feels informed, prepared and excited about their next steps. If you feel your child would benefit from additional support, they can drop in for quick questions, book a 20 minute appointment for focused advice, or choose a 45 minute session if they want a more in depth conversation about their next steps. 

Students can use our simple referral form to book an appointment with either a Progression to Higher Education Adviser or a Careers Adviser, depending on the support they need. 

Our advisers have a huge amount of experience working with young people, and they are genuinely fantastic at helping students feel informed, confident and excited about their future. 

Chat to a Careers Advisor

Alongside our regular careers guidance, we offer two specialist programmes designed to help students take their next steps with confidence. Aim Higher supports learners aspiring to competitive universities and early entry courses, while EMPowered connects students with employers and apprenticeship opportunities through engaging, sector focused events. 

Aim Higher

Aim Higher is designed for students aiming for competitive universities and courses, including Oxbridge, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry. These courses often have complex admissions processes, so Aim Higher provides targeted support such as: 

• Talks from competitive universities on making a strong application 

• Guidance on developing academic interests beyond the curriculum 

• Personal statement support 

• Critical thinking workshops 

• Interview practice and preparation 

EMPowered

EMPowered is an employer led programme for students who are considering employment or apprenticeships after their studies. 

• Delivered mainly through evening events and webinars suitable for both students and parents 

• Includes interactive sessions led by employers from a range of industries 

• 2025–26 events are themed around different employment sectors 

• Helps students understand real world opportunities, routes into work and what employers look for 

Both Aim Higher and EMPowered have been shaped by feedback from our students and parents, ensuring the support we offer truly meets the needs of young people at such an important stage in their lives. We know that planning for the future can feel exciting but also overwhelming, and that every learner’s journey is unique. These programmes are here to make that transition feel a little easier — offering clear guidance, real opportunities and the reassurance that they aren’t navigating any of it alone.  

EMPowered and Aim Higher are both a practical and engaging way for learners to explore their future in a supportive environment. 

Recent events have included

• University of Cambridge – Applying to Oxbridge session 

• Student Finance talk with the UEA (University of East Anglia) 

• University of Oxford – The Importance of Super Curricular Activities 

• EMPowered:  Health and Social Care Webinar 

• EMPowered:  Professional Services Webinar 

• EMPowered:  Showcasing Major Infrastructure Employers in the Eastern Region: In Person Event  

Careers & Progression Events 

Across Eastern Education Group, we run a wide range of careers and progression events and activities that help students explore their future options in meaningful, inspiring ways. Some activities are led by our Futures team, while others are delivered through Curriculum areas – and together they give learners a rich mix of real world insight, hands on experiences and opportunities to connect with employers, universities and industry specialists. 

These events are designed to broaden students’ horizons, build their confidence and help them make informed choices about their next steps. From employer encounters and sector spotlights to university talks, workshops and skills focused sessions, each experience adds another piece to the puzzle as students shape their future plans. 

Ellisons Solicitors visit Abbeygate Sixth Form College to give students real insight into careers in Law. They talk through career pathways, degree apprenticeship routes, work experience opportunities, their A Level Vacation Scheme and Training Contracts, as well as answering students’ industry specific questions. It’s a brilliant chance for learners to hear directly from legal professionals and understand what a future in Law could look like. 

Engineering, Science and Maths students at One Sixth Form College enjoy an inspiring visit from current Sizewell apprentices, who share real world insight into their training and career pathways through a series of class talks. An interactive exhibition stand gives all students the chance to meet the apprentices, ask questions, and get hands on with some of the fascinating equipment they bring along. It’s a fantastic opportunity for learners to explore future careers in the energy sector and hear directly from young people already on those pathways. 

Our annual student visits to RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath are a longstanding highlight of the West Suffolk College careers offer. Developed through strong professional connections built by the Careers Team and supported generously by NEACO, these trips give learners a fascinating, behind the scenes look at both bases and the wide range of careers they offer. 

Students from diverse subject areas benefit, from Construction and Engineering to Childcare, Public Services, Digital, and more. Through tours, talks with serving personnel and immersive curriculum linked activities, learners explore opportunities in: 

• aviation and aerospace 

• engineering and technical roles 

• logistics and operations 

• healthcare and early years 

• security, defence and public service 

• business, digital and support services 

These visits help students understand the scale of roles available within the RAF community while building their confidence, curiosity and aspiration. For many, it’s a defining experience that broadens horizons and opens up progression pathways they may never have considered before.

At Eastern Education Group, we want every student to feel confident about their future and supported in making informed decisions about their next steps. Our Careers Strategy and Careers Policy set out how we achieve this — from the guidance students receive and the opportunities they experience, to the way we work with families and measure the impact of our Futures offer.  

These resources explain what students can expect from our Careers provision including impartial guidance, employer encounters, work experience opportunities, support with applications, tailored SEND provision and up to date labour market information as well as how parents can get involved along the way.  

Everything is designed to be clear, accessible and genuinely helpful, giving you confidence that your young person is being guided, supported and prepared for life beyond college.

A summary for parents

We aim to prepare students to live as independent thinkers and confident decision makers.  

Our Goal: 

We want to help every student succeed; not just by getting good qualifications but also by building connections with employers and developing character strengths such as confidence, resilience, and curiosity. This prepares them for the future world of work and life beyond college. 

What students should expect

• Guidance from qualified careers advisers. 

• Help exploring all options: university, apprenticeships, further education, and jobs. 

• Chances to meet employers and visit workplaces. 

• Events for students and parents to learn about career options  

• Extra support for students with special educational needs and other identified groups 

• Up-to-date information on local and national job markets. 

• Help with planning next steps and preparing for applications. 

How parents can help

• Join events to learn about progression and career choices with your child. 

• Support your child’s decisions and encourage exploring different options. 

• Talk about the skills and qualities that employers value, like confidence and responsibility. 

Who is leading the strategy

• Nadine Payne leads the overall careers programme. 

• Charlotte Warren manages careers guidance services. 

• Cassandra Fisher oversees work experience and placements. 

• Clare Kelly supports students moving on to higher education. 

How do we make sure it works? 

• We track student progress and destinations after college. 

• We collect student and parent feedback. 

• We review and improve the programme regularly to meet national standards. 

Why they’re helpful for students

• Stay informed about upcoming events, talks, workshops and deadlines
• Spot new opportunities such as work experience, apprenticeships, parttime jobs, employer sessions and university outreach
• Get timely reminders for UCAS, T Level industry placement prep, application windows, and key dates
• Discover inspiration from featured pathways, articles and signposting links

Why they’re helpful for parents

• Keep in the loop with what’s happening across the colleges
• Support conversations at home about careers, subjects, applications or progression routes
• Know about events you can attend together, including EMPowered webinars, Higher Education sessions or employer talks
• Feel reassured that your young person is being guided, informed and supported throughout the year

In short, the newsletters help everyone stay connected, updated and confident about the wide range of futures-focused opportunities available across Eastern Education Group – without needing to hunt for information.

The Futures Department is here to help every student explore, plan and achieve their next steps — whether that’s university, apprenticeships, work or further training. Our Parent & Student Guide showcases the full range of support available, from personalised 1:1 advice and work placement opportunities to HE resources, employer activities and practical tools designed to help students thrive. It’s your go to guide for understanding how we help shape confident, well prepared young people.