Open Academy Careers Newsletter by C Davies

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-08 13:27:56 UTC

Welcome to the Open Academy Careers Information, Advice and Guidance Digital Newsletter. Every week the newsletter brings together lots of careers information, tips and guidance in one easily accessible place. You will find details of open events, apprenticeships, courses and other opportunities, with the Newsletter changing according to what is happening during the term and highlighting anything important you need to be aware of.

Please take the time to read through and discover what your young person has access to at the Academy. All of the resources and opportunities presented in the Newsletter will help support our young people on their pathway to a future career.

Dr Caroline Davies - Careers Leader

Unifrog

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-08 13:53:36 UTC

Unifrog is a valuable resource for motivating young people in their studies as you prepare for your next steps beyond the Open Academy. Whether you are interested in further education, apprenticeships, employment or university the platform has a wealth of information on how get access to the best opportunities available. A good place to start is to complete the Personality and Interests Quizzes on the Student Home Page.
There are also useful guides to study skills, revision techniques and dealing with exam stress.
Students in Years 7-13 already have free access via www.unifrog.org Simply sign in with your Open Academy email address and create a password.

Any questions about Unifrog please contact Dr Caroline Davies at caroline.davies@open-academy.org.uk

Careers Guidance Interviews

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-08 14:21:55 UTC

One to One Careers Guidance interviews for Year 11 students will recommence in September 2025 with an external qualified Careers Adviser. In the meantime, Dr Caroline Davies, our in house Level 6 Careers Adviser is available if you would like to make an appointment (S12).

BBC Bitesize Careers

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-09 13:40:27 UTC

BBC Bitesize Careers is one of the best places to find out about how young people should prepare for their next steps. Information is regularly updated and reflects what is happening in the real world! There are lots of true-life stories from young people who have found success.

Choosing My GCSEs!

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-09 13:45:11 UTC

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-09 13:50:10 UTC

What are T levels?

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-15 10:38:59 UTC

https://tlevelinfo.org.uk/about-t-levels/

Icanbea - Find out about the Growing Industries in Norfolk

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-15 13:59:46 UTC

Icanbea showcases thriving businesses in East Anglia and is a great place to start researching your future career. Try the Career Wizard to get you thinking about which job roles might suit you.

https://www.icanbea.org.uk/app/game/interests/

Supporting your child as they apply to University

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-15 14:07:56 UTC

Where do you see yourself......?

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-16 10:21:58 UTC

All students from Key Stage 3 upwards are able to request a careers guidance interview where they can find out how to fulfill their hopes, dreams and aspirations. Contact Dr. Caroline Davies (S12) caroline.davies@open-academy.org.uk

National Careers Service

carolinedavies3 — 2022-09-22 09:41:17 UTC

The National Careers Service is a free resource aimed primarily at adults but also contains lots of useful Labour Market Information for Young People. You can explore your Skills, discover information about different careers and speak to an Adviser on the phone.

What are the top jobs of the future?

carolinedavies3 — 2022-10-07 12:37:50 UTC

Help your young person decide what their future career might look like, or even think about retraining for a new career yourself!

Norfolk Environmental Action Team

carolinedavies3 — 2022-10-07 12:49:11 UTC

Why not try some volunteering in the great outdoors. There are lots of great projects going on in and around Norwich. If you are interested in taking part, click on the above link to their website, contact Mark Webster 07740 899691 or email mark.webster@tcv.org.uk

Prince's Trust

carolinedavies3 — 2022-10-07 12:54:02 UTC

The Prince's Trust supports unemployed 16-25 year olds with opportunities to acquire, confidence, skills and experience.

Find an apprenticeship in your area

carolinedavies3 — 2022-10-07 12:56:43 UTC

Search and apply for apprenticeships by area, sector or level.

STEM Opportunities in Technical Education at University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN)

carolinedavies3 — 2022-12-02 12:20:51 UTC

Please see UTCN's website for details of the wide range of technical education opportunities available in Engineering and Health Science. Entry points are for students going into Year 10 and Year 12 with tours held regularly to see the specialist facilities and meet expert teaching staff.

Virtual WEX Opportunities in a variety of sectors with Springpod

carolinedavies3 — 2022-12-05 10:57:29 UTC

Meet industry experts, complete mini-activities, and get noticed by employers.

100,000+
Many young people have benefitted from our virtual work experience programmes. Will you be next?

Live discussions with employers
Meet and interact with industry professionals during our engaging live sessions.
Take off with new skills & industry insights
Develop crucial workplace skills and discover unique insights about your industry of choice.
Experience real workplace activities
Complete mini-activities and projects developed in partnership with industry experts to get a feel for the world of work.
Build your profile
Strengthen your professional profile with experience certificates, and build a portfolio of work that will make your personal statement, CV, and application stand out.

T Levels at Thorpe St Andrew High School Sixth Form

carolinedavies3 — 2022-12-05 11:04:57 UTC

Discover T Levels in Digital Production, Design and Development, Education and Childcare, Management and Administration.

T Level in Electrotechnical Engineering at City College Norwich

carolinedavies3 — 2022-12-05 11:06:43 UTC

T Level in Education and Childcare at City College Norwich

carolinedavies3 — 2022-12-05 11:07:56 UTC

T Level in Software Development at Access Creative College

carolinedavies3 — 2022-12-05 11:11:23 UTC

Access Creative College are leading the way locally with a T Level in Software Development. For details on how to apply go to the College's website.

Are you interested in supporting Open Academy students and willing to share your experiences of working? If you would like to speak to students about how they can prepare for the world of work please get in touch?

carolinedavies3 — 2022-12-05 11:25:04 UTC

Contact - Dr Caroline Davies, Careers Leader caroline.davies@open-academy.org.uk

What can I do after Year 11?

carolinedavies3 — 2023-01-10 10:59:38 UTC

Sixteen Year Olds are required by law to stay in education or training until they are 18. This could be -

1) Level 3 courses such as A levels or T levels

2/ Apprenticeship

3) Traineeship

4) Part-time learning whilst in employment or volunteering

For more details click on the above link.

Work Experience (WEX) and Virtual Work Experience (VWEX) in Norfolk

carolinedavies3 — 2023-01-11 11:20:57 UTC

Norfolk's careers website for young people Help You Choose has plenty of advice and suggestions for getting valuable work experience locally. Go to https://www.helpyouchoose.org/information/work-experience

Help You Choose - Your Guide to Finding the right course for you!

carolinedavies3 — 2023-01-11 11:27:36 UTC

The newly designed website Help You Choose is specially aimed at students living in Norfolk and is set up to help you research and apply for Sixth Form or College. All Open Academy Year 11 students are registered on the system which makes it quick and easy to use. The site has details of all the courses available to you and what you need to do to apply.

Unsure about which careers might be right for you? Try a Careers Quiz!

carolinedavies3 — 2023-01-11 11:49:34 UTC

In addition to the quizzes available on your Unifrog account there are lots of free career quizzes out there to try. These will help you discover the career pathways which match your personality and interests and you might learn a lot more besides!! Here are links to some of the best ones -

https://www.icanbea.org.uk/app/game/interests/

https://sacu-student.com/?page_id=2850

https://www.ucas.com/explore/career-compass

Voluntary Norfolk

carolinedavies3 — 2023-01-12 14:51:03 UTC

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

carolinedavies3 — 2023-01-12 14:52:04 UTC

Get involved with Norfolk Volunteering! Choose from a wide variety of opportunities to suit your skills and interests!

carolinedavies3 — 2023-05-18 13:26:06 UTC

Click on the link to find out more about the varied volunteering projects across Norfolk!

Future Goals - VWEX

carolinedavies3 — 2023-11-09 11:26:25 UTC

Live Brief is a project aimed at young people that gives them the opportunity to take part in a one of a kind ‘Virtual Work Experience Journey’. We’ve produced an engaging series of videos, animations and challenges designed to replace the usual, and currently unavailable, face-to-face work experience offer.

Students have the opportunity to take part in challenges linked to different sectors – Construction, Manufacturing & Engineering, Digital and Health Tech. The challenges aim to make students aware of the key skills needed for each sector, the desired qualifications and also to showcase some of the lesser known career opportunities available.

What are Apprenticeships?

carolinedavies3 — 2023-11-09 11:30:33 UTC

How to Achieve Anything with Gareth Southgate and Sharky

carolinedavies3 — 2023-11-09 12:05:55 UTC

How to Prepare for the Squiggly World of Work with Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis

carolinedavies3 — 2023-11-09 12:09:47 UTC

The Nine to Five with Stacey Dooley

carolinedavies3 — 2023-11-09 12:11:07 UTC

Stacey takes five 16-18-year-olds into industries crying out for young workers to give them the ultimate work experience.

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-04 14:29:05 UTC

UEA Open Days 2026

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-18 10:50:56 UTC

https://www.uea.ac.uk/visit/uni-open-days

Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) Open Days 2025

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-18 10:52:39 UTC

https://norwichuni.ac.uk/courses/open-days/undergraduate-open-days/

University of Suffolk Open Days 2025

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-18 10:53:55 UTC

https://www.uos.ac.uk/life-at-suffolk/visit-us/open-days/

Anglia Ruskin University Open Days 2025

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-18 11:09:17 UTC

https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/open-day/your-undergraduate-open-day

Guide to Qualification Levels

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-19 09:43:14 UTC

Qualification Levels can be confusing! This table shows the progression of qualifications young people can achieve as they move through school into adulthood.

Thorpe St Andrew High School Sixth Form Prospectus

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-19 11:33:07 UTC

Thorpe St Andrew High School's next Sixth Form Open Evening is on Thursday October 15th 6.30-9.00pm

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form Prospectus

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-19 11:37:48 UTC

UTCN Sixth Form Prospectus

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-19 12:04:44 UTC

UTCN - Entry at Year 10

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-19 12:05:35 UTC

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-19 12:11:28 UTC

Where are we? What career opportunities are there in the Norfolk area for me?

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-19 12:14:02 UTC

Norfolk is a great place to live, study, find work and develop a career. There are over 35,000 employers in Norfolk offering a huge number of opportunities in a wide range of sectors. Here you will find information on key job sectors and growth areas, in our local area, as well as nationally.

Why go to University?

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-19 12:19:52 UTC

There are 7 important reasons why you might want to go to university in the UK.

Choosing to go to university is a big decision that can shape your future. Here we explore the benefits you'll get from going to university.

1.Academic excellence

2. Diverse learning environment

3. Personal development

4. Networking opportunities

5. Cultural exposure

6.Develop transferrable skills

7.Access to resources

All in all, choosing to attend university can be a transformative experience. It combines academic achievement, personal growth, and developing essential skills for your future. If you choose to invest in your education by going to university, you won't just earn a degree. You'll also be unlocking a world of opportunities that will shape your life and career in ways you may not have imagined.

Degree Level Apprenticeships

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-19 13:49:08 UTC

A degree level apprenticeship is a fantastic alternative to University, offering you the opportunity to study for a degree whilst gaining industry experience and earning a good salary. You apply for an apprenticeship in the same way as you would a job, so keep those alerts on your phone and also approach companies that you are particularly interested in.

For more guidance, please see Dr Davies in S12.

NNUH Apprenticeships

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-20 14:45:13 UTC

Barclays Life Skills

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-26 14:27:56 UTC

Choosing where to go ...

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-26 14:31:44 UTC

Norfolk County Council Apprenticeships

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-26 15:20:39 UTC

Marsh McLennan Apprenticeships and Training Opportunitites

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-26 15:23:02 UTC

Anglian Water Apprenticeships

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-26 15:24:45 UTC

JTL Training

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-27 11:03:33 UTC

Are you interested in becoming an electrician, plumber or heating engineeer? An apprenticeship with JTL Training could help you on your way. Click on the above link to find out how to apply.

CITB (Construction Industry Training Board)

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-27 11:08:26 UTC

Poultec - Apprenticeships, Study Programmes and T levels across 15 sectors

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-27 11:16:16 UTC

For full details of all the programmes offered by Poultec go to www.poultec.co.uk

City of Norwich School (CNS) Sixth Form Prospectus

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-27 14:45:55 UTC

Jane Austen College Sixth Form

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-27 14:48:23 UTC

City College Higher Education Courses Open Events 2025

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-31 08:15:56 UTC

Degrees at City College Norwich

carolinedavies3 — 2025-03-31 11:06:48 UTC

City College Norwich are now offering a wide range of degree level courses, ratified by UEA, and available at their Exchange Street and Easton College facilities. See the prospectus linked above to find out more about course content and how to apply.

One year since Ed Balls' visit to Open Academy! Read what he had to say about our students!

carolinedavies3 — 2025-04-30 13:13:29 UTC

In January 2025, as part of the ‘Speakers for Schools’ programme, we were delighted to welcome Ed Balls to the Academy to meet with our students. ‘Speakers for Schools’ talks are inspirational events that allow leading public figures to share their unique insights and advice with young people and help motivate them in their future studies and careers. The students were keen to hear about Norwich-born Ed’s experiences in national politics, breakfast television broadcasting and (Strictly Come) dancing, but the real focus was on their own dreams and ambitions which they shared with real enthusiasm.

Ed described the audience as a -

'Truly impressive group of students – articulate, upbeat, ambitious and keen to say very good things about the Academy and their teachers. I can’t recall going to a ‘Speakers for Schools’ event and leaving feeling so impressed.’

We thank Ed for his time with us last Friday, enjoyed by students and staff alike, and we hope to welcome him back to the Academy in the near future.

College of West Anglia (Kings Lynn)

carolinedavies3 — 2025-04-30 14:18:20 UTC

Sign up for the Careers Clinic, May 6th (Online) at College of West Anglia to find out about all the higher education courses and opportunities available to you just one hour away from Norwich! Go to the link above to register.

Sprowston Community Academy Sixth Form

carolinedavies3 — 2025-05-09 13:50:18 UTC

Sprowston Academy Sixth Form are accepting applications - go to the above link to apply or use Help You Choose.

Careers in Radiotherapy

carolinedavies3 — 2025-05-13 13:32:12 UTC

Access Creative College Norwich Open Events 2026

carolinedavies3 — 2026-01-27 12:28:21 UTC

Explore the exciting opportunities at Access Creative College right in the centre of Norwich! Check out their Open Events -

Open Day - Saturday 27th June 11am-2pm

Go to the above link for details of how to sign up!

Where to look for apprenticeships?

carolinedavies3 — 2026-01-30 10:05:00 UTC

Students often ask - where and when do look for an apprenticeship?

So, applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a regular job. Adverts can appear at any time and there is no 'yearly cycle' like when you apply for college courses or university. You will find some useful links below, and don't forget if you have a particular company in mind keep an eye on their website for when to apply. Some of the larger Norfolk employers are shown below this section.

www.helpyouchoose.org

gov.uk/apprenticeships

icanbea.org.uk

indeed.com

For our main Open Academy Careers Page click on the image below

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-04 11:35:01 UTC

Year 10 Work Experience Dates 2026 are Monday July 6th - Friday July 10th

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-06 10:23:25 UTC

City College Summer Open Event 2026

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-06 10:26:45 UTC

City College is holding a Summer Open Day on Saturday 20th June 10.00am- 4.00pm. Click on the above link for further details.

Easton College Summer Open Event 2026

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-06 10:28:34 UTC

Easton College are holding a Summer Open Event on Saturday 27th June 10.00am-4.00pm. Click on the above link for more details

National Apprenticeships Week 2026

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-10 14:38:12 UTC

During National Apprenticeships Week we welcomed the Pathways to Work Team to Open Academy. An Assembly with Year 10 students and a stand in our busy Atrium allowed all students to find out about apprenticeships, T Levels, V Levels (coming soon!) and what technical education has to offer.

Not Going to Uni?

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-16 10:56:08 UTC

There are all kind of reasons why university might not be right for you! Check out this highly acclaimed website to discover lots of alternatives to studying for a degree at post 18.

Careers in Maths

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-16 11:05:11 UTC

Poultec Training Open Events 2026

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-23 14:52:27 UTC

If you are interested in a vocational career path, then why not visit Norfolk training provider Poultec? Their Spring Open Events are -

Welding and Fabrication - Wednesday 27th May 10am-3pm

Hairdressing and Barbering - Wednesday 27th May 10am-3pm

Vehicle Maintenance - Thursday 28th May 10am-3pm

Contact the college on https://www.poultec.co.uk/contact-us/

Help You Choose - GCSE Options

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-23 15:07:52 UTC

Help You Choose can offer you valuable guidance on your GCSE subject options in the local area and the careers they can lead to.

Lovell (Construction) 6-10 July 2026

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-26 15:19:31 UTC

Calling all Year 10 students - this is a great opportunity to get experience with a large construction company in our region.

Follow the instructions on the poster to apply. The deadline is Friday 6th March 2026.

WEX at Aviva July 6-10 2026

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-26 15:27:10 UTC

https://careers.aviva.co.uk/early-careers/work-experience/

Work Experience (for all ages!) at Norfolk City Council

carolinedavies3 — 2026-02-27 10:22:13 UTC

This is a great opportunity to gain work experience in a range of different job roles in local government. Find out more and apply using the above link.

April Sector of the Month - Careers in the Digital Economy

carolinedavies3 — 2026-03-03 12:20:34 UTC

The digital economy offers lots of job opportunities for young people because so much of life and business now happens online. Roles like social media management, content creation, app and web development, digital marketing, and data analysis are all in high demand, and many of them don’t require traditional career paths or expensive degrees to get started. Young people can learn skills through online courses, build portfolios, and even start their own businesses or freelance work from home. There are also newer areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and e-commerce that are growing quickly, meaning more chances to find flexible, creative, and well-paid work in the future.

carolinedavies3 — 2026-04-14 08:51:35 UTC

The events shown below are for current Year 11 students who have been offered a conditional place at a local Sixth Form. Contact the relevant Sixth Form to find out how to sign up.

Sir Isaac Newton and Jane Austen Sixth Forms

carolinedavies3 — 2026-04-14 08:58:19 UTC

Familiarisation Day for students intending to start in September 2026 -

Tuesday June 23th 9.00am- 2.00pm

Social Day for students to meet new friends and continue familiarising themselves with the new school.

Thursday June 25th 9.00am-2.00pm

Sprowston Community Academy Sixth Form

carolinedavies3 — 2026-04-14 09:01:17 UTC

Year 12 Induction Day for students expecting to start in September 2026. This is an opportunity to meet you new teachers and future classmates

Monday 29th June arrive a 8.55am

Thorpe St Andrew High School Sixth Form

carolinedavies3 — 2026-04-14 09:03:48 UTC

Induction Day for students expecting to start in September 2026

Tuesday 30th June arrive at 9.00am

Thorpe St Andrew High School Sixth Form Open Evening - Thursday 15th October 2026 6.30-9.00pm

carolinedavies3 — 2026-04-14 09:11:50 UTC

Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form Open Evening - Tuesday 13th October 2026 5.30pm-8.30pm and Wednesday 4th November 5.30pm-8.30pm

carolinedavies3 — 2026-04-14 09:13:22 UTC

Jane Austen College Sixth Form Open Evening - Tuesday 13th October 5.30pm-8.30pm and Wednesday 4th November 5.30pm-8.30pm

carolinedavies3 — 2026-04-14 09:14:15 UTC

All About Apprenticeships Event June 16th 2026

carolinedavies3 — 2026-04-23 09:02:30 UTC

Come and talk to employers and training providers from a huge variety of sectors about real apprenticeship opportunities in Norfolk.

Tuesday 16th June 2026 3.30pm-7.00pm at The Forum, Norwich