Careers Advisor in Walsall

At Aldridge School we aim to ensure that every young person achieves their potential by providing an education that challenges them intellectually and offers them a wide range of opportunities to develop and stretch their unique talents and interests. We believe that education is more than just grades. Grades are certainly the 'passport' that pupils need to move on to the next stage of their lives, and we will do whatever it takes to ensure they are able to achieve their aspirations. However, the real art of education is to develop confident, resilient, and independent young people who are in possession of the 'passport' that grades provide. We feel that our aims are best achieved by providing a challenging learning environment that is built upon a formula of high expectations, inspired and passionate teaching, and strong pastoral support.

We expect our pupils to arrive at school on time, complete their homework, bring the right equipment, and apply themselves to their studies with intellectual curiosity and academic endeavour. We have high expectations, but our staff work relentlessly to support our pupils in meeting these.

We are looking for a Careers Advisor to join our team. Reporting to the Assistant Headteacher you will undertake:

• Provide impartial one-to-one careers guidance to students across Key Stages 3-5.
• Support students to make informed decisions about future education, training and employment pathways.
• Assist the Careers Lead in meeting Gatsby Benchmarks, the Baker Clause and CEIAG requirements.
• Record and monitor careers guidance through Compass+ and other careers platforms.
• Support Sixth Form students with UCAS applications and progression planning.
• Work closely with SEND, safeguarding, pastoral and pupil premium teams to support vulnerable students.
• Deliver careers assemblies, presentations and careers-related activities.
• Organise and oversee Year 10 Work Experience.
• Support the planning and delivery of careers events and employer engagement opportunities.
• Promote positive destinations and progression routes for all students.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Level 6 or 7 Careers Guidance qualification, or willingness to undertake and achieve the qualification if not already held.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Experience of working with young people aged 11-19.
• Knowledge of careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) and the Gatsby Benchmarks.
• Understanding of post-16, post-18 and higher education pathways.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, staff and external partners.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.