Students
As a student at Hassenbrook Academy, right from the start of Year 7 through to leaving in Year 11 you will take part in careers related learning in tutor times, subject lessons, assemblies, trips etc.
You may have visits from guest speakers at universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers, different companies during assemblies and lessons and be given the opportunity to take part in a range of activities or given futures information in a range of contexts.
All students will be introduced to the Careers and personal development software Unifrog. Unifrog searches careers for you to explore based upon your likes, dislikes, skills, interests and personality. It enables you to record your preferred careers, explore the different routes in to them, help you make plans and provides a template for you to create your own CV and Personal Statement.
Year 7 - During the course of Year 7, you will be introduced to our schools Careers Leader – Mr P Dunton
You will spend time being introduced to the careers software 'Unifrog'. You will be supported to set up your own log in account. You will visit 'Unifrog' regularly during your time at Hassenbrook. You can research college and university courses, careers choices and start developing your CV. You do not have to make a decision about what you want to do when you leave school, but Unifrog will allow you to find out about different job roles and recommend different careers based on your interests and likes.
Year 8 - During Year 8 you will revisit the 'Unifrog' system. You can start to research college and university courses, careers choices and start developing your CV’s. You will have the opportunity to find out about different careers from visiting speakers and employers, local further education and apprenticeship providers. It’s important for you to understand it’s not about choosing your job for life at this age but knowing how to access all the tools available to you to help with your career journey.
Year 9 - During the Spring term of Year 9 you will be selecting your Options. Prior to this, you will be able to revisit the Unifrog Careers system and also have the opportunity to listen to guest speakers during assemblies about various career paths that may be available to you. Taking part in the School Action project will introduce you to the Voluntary sector and allow you to develop key employability skills of researching, working with others and presenting. It is important for you to understand the Post 16 Options that are available to you, as this may affect the choice of subjects you choose to study in Year 10 and 11.
Year 10 - During Year 10, pupils will have the opportunity to speak to industry professionals in various sectors, to find out about their personal education and career journeys. We also work closely with our local colleges and universities and welcome them in to speak to the pupils about the courses they offer. This is a great opportunity for you to understand what life after Hassenbrook is like and to start preparing you for your next steps.
Year 10’s are welcomed to take part in the 'Thurrock's Next Top Boss' competition. This gives you the opportunity to apply real employability skills to a project.
During the end of Year 10 you will take part in part in a ‘Mock Interview Preparation Day’.This is run by staff members and industry professionals. The pupils will take part in workshops around CV and personal statement writing and interview skills, the importance of making first impressions and post 16 options. This will help you prepare for your 'Mock Interview day', when you will be interviewed by company professionals from a wide range of industries. This is a brilliant opportunity for you to experience what an interview entails and how to prepare yourself thoroughly.
Year 11 - Year 11 is busy with College/Sixth Form open days, taster days, interviews and getting Progress Files completed and up to date before you leave Hassenbrook Academy. You will be offered a 1 to 1 careers interview with a Careers Adviser from Thurrock Careers Service. They are able to offer impartial advice to you on Colleges/ Sixth Forms and Apprenticeships. During Year 11 our Careers Lead will be working extremely closely with all our pupils to ensure you are confident and comfortable with the decision you make about your next steps in education, employment and training.
Next Steps - What are my options when I leave Hassenbrook Academy?
Post-16 options explained A useful short video
What are T-Levels? A useful short video
What are Apprenticeships? A useful short video
What is Higher Education? A useful webinar about Going to Uni
Post 16 options Driver's Manual A useful document to guide you through all your options
TheWayUp! Is a free fun online game which helps you explore your future. It looks at different careers, routes into that career or job, the salary you could earn and future prospects.
Make the Future Yours - Latest edition of this Education, Careers and News Magazine.
School and College Open Evenings 2024-2025
South Essex College 24-25
Southend City College, Southend Campus - Thursday 3rd October - 5-8pm
Centre for Construction, Stephenson Road, Southend - Thursday 10th October - 5-7pm
Basildon College, Centre for Advanced Engineering, Basildon - Thursday 7th November - 5-7pm
Basildon College, Centre for Digital Technologies, College way, Basildon - Thursday 21st November - 5-7pm
Thurrock College, Hgh Street, Grays - Thursday 28th November - 5-8pm
Register your place on the website: https://www.southessex.ac.uk/events
There are more open evening dates available at South Essex College at each of the above campuses, next year. However, it is advisable to make a college application before the end of this year, to secure a place on certain courses.
USP College 24-25
EXTEND Digital Campus, Canvey Island - 26th September - 5.20 - 7pm
Palmers Campus, Grays - 3rd October - 5.20-7pm
Seevic Campus, South Benfleet - 17th October - 5.20-7pm
Register your place on the website: https://www.uspcollege.ac.uk/news-events-blog/events/
There are more open evening dates available at USP College at both Seevic and Palmers campus, next year. However, it is advisable to make a college application before the end of this year, to secure a place on certain courses.
Other Schools with 6th forms and other colleges will have their own open evening dates and deadlines for applications.
Please see individual schools and colleges websites for further details.
Work experience
Virtual Work Experience:
Speakers for Schools
STUDENT FLYER Click on this link to see the latest virtual work experience opportunities. A range of free webinars for you to join in giving an insight into the careers available within leading companies and organisations. If you are free, why not sign up for free!
Springpod
Latest virtual work experience opportunities are currently available here. Complete a programme during the holidays. Find out about different industries and jobs within them. On completion you will get a certificate. Create your own student account and take advantage of all the opportunities available.
Interested in finding out about IT, Digital, Computing and Engineering Careers with Amazon? Sign up for this 7 hour virtual work experience programme from Springpod.
Latest Opportunities from StartUp Sherpas
Register your interest as a student on the website to take part in future opportunities.
Other Work Experience Opportunities
Virtual Work experience opportunity from retailer group John Lewis. Learn about becoming a product buyer or the various roles within the supply chain. Complete in your own time, looks good on your CV too! Click here to sign up.
Interested in finding out about careers in TV and Broadcasting? Over 14 years of age? Why not sign up to Channel 4's '4Skills work experience' programme. It's free, can be done at your own pace and looks great on your CV! A perfect summer holiday thing to do. Register here .
Latest Volunteering Opportunities
Did you know that you can Volunteer at a local Parkrun event. These 5K run/walk events take place every Saturday morning at 9am and always need volunteers to help marshall, time keep and scan barcodes. Nearest Parkrun's are Thurrock Parkrun, Orsett Heath and Basildon Parkrun, Northlands Park, Pitsea.
Volunteering is a good way of meeting new people, looks great on your CV and can count towards the completion of your Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Check out other Volunteering opportunities in Thurrock. Go to Thurrock CVS https://thurrockcvs.org/
Opportunities in the Basildon area, go to Basildon CVS https://www.bbwcvs.org.uk/
Latest Apprenticeship Vacancies:
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
Tesco Launch their new 'Stronger Starts Apprenticeship' programme aimed at school leavers aged 16-18. Interested in retail? Take a look at the webinar to find out more. Vacancies are now live. Register directly with Tesco to find out if these apprenticeships are available locally. https://www.tesco-programmes.com/apprenticeships/stronger-starts-retail/
Upcoming Webinars/Information
Useful websites:
Career Pilot - A user-friendly website helping you explore careers and qualifications.
Prospects - A great website allowing you t search various roles, job vacancies, university courses etc.
Thurrock Opportunities - This website lists jobs, apprenticeships and college courses available in Thurrock
UCAS this website provides the most comprehensive list of Higher Education Universities and Apprenticeship courses and Universities.
Springpod This link allows you to explore all the post-16 pathways available to you when you leave school, including Apprenticeships
My Path You Tube Videos - This week's Job of the Week
