Careers

At Fieldstone School, enrichment is a key part of our Preparation for Adulthood and careers curriculum. Every class takes part in a dedicated weekly “Enrichment” day, providing opportunities for pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and experiences they need for life beyond school.

Our enrichment programme is carefully designed around meaningful driving questions and real-world experiences. Activities are linked to careers education, British Values, SMSC development and our wider Preparation for Adulthood curriculum, helping pupils make connections between their learning, their interests and future opportunities.

Through enrichment, pupils may:

• Visit workplaces, colleges, universities and community organisations.
• Meet employers, business owners, apprentices and professionals from a range of sectors.
• Develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and independence skills.
• Explore different career pathways and future aspirations.
• Engage in volunteering, community projects and social action.
• Learn practical life skills such as travel training, budgeting, cooking and personal organisation.
• Experience cultural, sporting and outdoor activities that broaden horizons and build confidence.

Our enrichment programme supports pupils to discover their strengths, develop resilience and gain valuable experiences that can inform their future education, training and employment choices. For many of our learners, these opportunities provide a vital bridge between the classroom and the wider world.

By regularly engaging with employers, workplaces and the local community, pupils build a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them and develop the confidence and skills needed to achieve their personal goals and ambitions. This ensures that every young person leaves Fieldstone better prepared for adulthood, employment and independent living.

Click below to see our Enrichment programmes in more detail:

Phase 1 Futures Scheme

Phase 2 Futures Scheme

Phase 3 Futures Scheme

Phase 4 Futures Scheme

Careers Education at Fieldstone School

All pupils take part in a structured careers and Preparation for Adulthood programme from admission through to leaving school. Careers education is embedded throughout the curriculum and includes:

• Careers lessons and activities
• Employer encounters and workplace visits
• College and training provider engagement
• Work experience opportunities
• Enterprise and employability activities
• Personalised careers guidance
• Development of independence and life skills
• Preparation for transitions into further education, training or employment

We recognise that every young person has different strengths, interests and aspirations. Our careers programme is designed to help pupils identify their own pathway and develop the confidence, skills and knowledge needed for adult life.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping young people consider their futures. You can support your child by:

• Talking regularly about interests, strengths and aspirations.
• Encouraging independence and responsibility at home.
• Discussing different career pathways and opportunities.
• Attending careers events and review meetings where possible.
• Exploring further education, apprenticeships and employment options together.
• Encouraging participation in enrichment, volunteering and community activities.

Careers Guidance

All pupils have access to impartial careers guidance. If you would like to discuss your child’s future plans, progression routes or career aspirations, please contact the school and we will be happy to arrange a conversation with the careers team.

Useful Links

Careers Information

• National Careers Service: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
• Careerpilot: https://www.careerpilot.org.uk
• Barclays LifeSkills: https://barclayslifeskills.com
• Amazing Apprenticeships: https://amazingapprenticeships.com

Apprenticeships

• Find an Apprenticeship: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
• Amazing Apprenticeships Parent Zone: https://amazingapprenticeships.com/parents

Further Education and Training

• UCAS Progress: https://www.ucas.com
• Devon County Council SEND Local Offer: https://www.devon.gov.uk/educationandfamilies/send-local-offer

SEND and Preparation for Adulthood

• Preparing for Adulthood: https://www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk
• Contact (support for families with children with SEND): https://contact.org.uk
• Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA): https://www.ipsea.org.uk

Employability and Workplace Skills

• BBC Bitesize Careers: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers
• Success at School: https://successatschool.org
• Skills Builder Partnership: https://skillsbuilder.org

Working Together

We are committed to ensuring that every pupil leaves Fieldstone School with ambitious goals, meaningful experiences and a clear understanding of their next steps. If you have any questions about careers education, work experience, transitions, college applications or Preparation for Adulthood, please contact the school and a member of our team will be happy to help.

At Fieldstone School, we want every student to leave with the confidence, skills and experiences needed to succeed in adult life. Whether your goal is employment, college, an apprenticeship, supported internship, further training or independent living, we are here to help you discover the pathway that is right for you.

Throughout your time at Fieldstone, you will take part in careers education, employer encounters, workplace visits, enrichment activities, work-related learning and personalised careers guidance. These opportunities will help you understand your strengths, explore different career options and make informed choices about your future.

What is Labour Market Information (LMI)?

Labour Market Information (LMI) tells us about:

• What jobs are available locally.
• Which industries are growing.
• What skills employers are looking for.
• Typical salaries and progression routes.
• Future employment trends.

Understanding local job opportunities can help you make informed decisions about the subjects you study, the qualifications you work towards and the career pathways you explore.

Careers and Jobs in South Devon

South Devon has a diverse economy with opportunities across many sectors. Some of the largest and fastest-growing employment areas include:

Health and Social Care

There is strong demand for:

• Care workers
• Support workers
• Nurses
• Healthcare assistants
• Therapists
• Mental health support staff

This sector is expected to continue growing as the population ages and demand for care services increases.

Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure

South Devon’s coastline, attractions and visitor economy create opportunities in:

• Hotels and accommodation
• Catering and hospitality
• Visitor attractions
• Outdoor activities
• Customer service roles

Tourism remains one of Devon’s largest employment sectors.

Construction and Skilled Trades

Employers continue to need:

• Electricians
• Carpenters
• Plumbers
• Bricklayers
• Painters and decorators
• Construction operatives

Many of these careers can be accessed through apprenticeships.

Engineering and Marine Industries

Devon’s maritime heritage supports careers in:

• Marine engineering
• Manufacturing
• Maintenance
• Technical trades
• Engineering support roles

The marine sector remains an important part of the local economy.

Business, Digital and Professional Services

Growing opportunities exist in:

• Administration
• Customer service
• Marketing
• IT and digital technologies
• Data and business support roles

Exeter and the wider South Devon area continue to see growth in professional and technical employment.

Skills Employers Value

Employers consistently tell us that they look for:

• Good attendance and punctuality
• Communication skills
• Teamwork
• Reliability
• Problem solving
• Organisation
• Positive attitudes
• Adaptability

These employability skills are developed throughout our curriculum, enrichment programme and Preparation for Adulthood activities.

Useful Websites

Explore Careers

• National Careers Service: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
• Careerpilot: https://www.careerpilot.org.uk
• BBC Bitesize Careers: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers

Explore Apprenticeships

• www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
• www.amazingapprenticeships.com

Find Out About Colleges and Training

• www.ucas.com
• www.preparingforadulthood.org.uk

Need Help?

If you are unsure about your next steps, talk to your teacher, safe adult, or Issy Harben. No one expects you to have all the answers now. We will help you explore your options, understand the opportunities available to you and plan for a successful future.