Highfields is delighted to have been selected as a lead school in Wolverhampton for a new Government-funded consortium which aims to transform careers education for young people in the Black Country.
The Black Country Careers Hub is made up of more than 50 schools and colleges which work together with Enterprise Advisor Networks, universities, training providers, employers and professionals to improve careers education.
It is the second hub of its kind to be created in the Black Country. The first, launched in September 2018, has seen a significant increase in the number and variety of stakeholders that schools are now engaging with and is seen as an example of good practice in Careers Education nationally.
The new hub, being delivered by the Careers & Enterprise Company, was officially launched at GTG Training in Wolverhampton on September 17th. Highfields has become a lead school in recognition of its outstanding work to prepare students for life after school.
The school was selected for the important role as details were announced of our next Careers Fair, which will take place on January 30th 2020 and feature representatives from dozens of employers, colleges, universities and training providers.
Mr P Rose, Highfields’ Head of Middle School and Careers Leader, said: “As a lead school, Highfields will support the Careers Hub Manager for the Black Country Consortium to facilitate monthly Careers Hub meetings.
“We will be working together to identify and jointly deliver the agenda. The meetings will focus on the Gatsby Benchmarks and will include workshops and sharing of good practice across all of the hub schools in Wolverhampton.”
Highfields is committed to preparing its students for life after school and runs annual careers fairs and work experience placements for students, as well as organising regular trips, visits and professional talks to inspire them for the future.
Last year, the school was awarded the national Quality in Careers Standard in recognition of its ongoing commitment to Careers Education, Information, Advice & Guidance (CEIAG).
The Standard is awarded under licence by Prospects to schools and education providers who can demonstrate the importance they place on careers and how they support students to make decisions about their life after school.
The Black Country first became one of 20 Careers Hubs launched around England in 2018 to transform careers education. They form a central part of the Government’s Careers Strategy, which aims to prepare young people for the world of work.
The Black Country Hubs have access to support and funding to help its member schools and colleges meet the eight Gatsby Benchmarks of excellent careers education for students, including stable careers programmes, encounters with employers and employers, workplace experience and personal guidance.
