Careers

The Sixth Form careers provision at Watling Academy aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to make informed decisions about their future career paths. The programme includes guidance on higher education, vocational training, employment opportunities, and personal development to ensure students are prepared for their next steps after leaving school. 

Our Sixth Form is aimed at developing the skills and knowledge that students need to be successful in modern employment. We will do this by: 

• Designing our Mentoring programme to develop the skills and qualities that are sought by employers. 
• Incorporating requirements to complete work at home. 
• Providing independent online learning units.  
• Creating partnerships with local employers.  
• Using and sharing our knowledge about specific skills shortages in Milton Keynes.  

Careers Guidance: 

• Personalised Plans developed within Sixth Form Mentoring. 
• Unifrog account for all students. 
• A dedicated careers section in the school library with books, guides, and prospectuses on careers, universities, and vocational training. 
• Career Advisors in school. 
• Monthly bulletins with information on upcoming career events, new opportunities, and relevant news.

Career Workshops and Seminars: 

• Industry professionals, alumni, and representatives from various career fields share insights and experiences through a guest speaker programme.  
• Interactive Activities: Role-playing, mock interviews, and group discussions to build practical skills. 
• We will invite previous students back Alumni invited to share their career experiences to current students.
• Visits to local employers and careers events such as Scania UK Head Office, Volkswagen Group Head Office, Colworth Science Park.

Guest Speaker Programme:

Our guest speakers deliver engaging and inspiring sessions which give students valuable insight into possible careers, a deeper understanding of what those roles involve and the routes into them, with the opportunity to ask their own questions. Students enjoy hearing firsthand from industry professionals, and opportunities like this play an important role in helping students link their learning to real career pathways, develop their confidence, and feel more prepared to plan their next steps. We are proud to continue building strong employer partnerships that bridge the gap between education and employment.

Guest speakers who have delivered sessions to our Sixth Form students this year include:

• Dentons Law
• Volkswagen Group UK (Business & Finance)
• Bank of England (Business & Economics)
• Rochelle White Communications (PR, Marketing & Media)
• Specialist Transition Coach & NLP Practitioner (Psychology)
• Physiotherapist (Medical)
• DASTEC Consulting – Design/Stress Project Engineer (STEM)
• University of Newcastle
• MK Dons Community Trust (Community Engagement & Sports Development)
• Wise Start Accountancy Training (Finance/Accountancy)
• Engineered Life by Design (Leadership Coach & Consultant)
• Milton Keynes Council (Public Sector/Local Government)
• Therapist/Trainee Health Psychologist (Psychology)
• Medical student, University of Sunderland

Higher Education Guidance 

• University Visits. 
• University Application Support including UCAS application processes. 
• Guidance on apprenticeship opportunities, vocational courses, and alternative routes to higher education. 
• Collaborations with local businesses to offer apprenticeship placements and vocational training opportunities. 
• Support with application processes for apprenticeships and vocational programs. 

Work Experience Programmes: 

• Designated Work Experience week for Year 12 students to participate in work experience, with preparatory workshops and debrief sessions. 
• Partnerships with businesses and organisations to share future opportunities with students during the school holidays.  
• Encouragement and support for students to engage in volunteering, developing soft skills and community awareness.