Career Academies UK

Career Academies UK is supported by some of the biggest names in British business and by linking academic study with employment; the Career Academies UK programme presents the opportunity for students to broaden their future education and career choices.

Students aged between 16 -19 who are on either our Business BTEC National or Computing BTEC National benefit from a wealth of opportunities including, academic business curriculum and real life working experience which enhances their education and employment potential and can be life changing.

Students on the programme get the opportunity to experience:

• A six week, high quality, paid internship with a major company during the summer, tailored to their area of interest.
• One - to - one mentoring with business professionals, giving the students an insight into the professional working life and direct support with students course work.
• Employer site visits.
• Role play and practice interviews with real employers.
• CV and application form development.
• Employer led seminars and events.
• Talks from business people who voluntarily share their expertise and experience (GURU lecture)

Why should I join Lewisham College's Career Academies UK programme?

If you want to transform your prospects, then a Career Academies UK programme is for you.  The qualification obtained at the end of the two year programme of study is equivalent to three A levels.  It is supported by some of the biggest names in British business and students joining the Career Academies UK programme at Lewisham College have benefited from:

• special business-led lectures, seminars and company visits
• cutting-edge teaching, leading to national qualifications, including delivery from business supporters and leaders
• a six-week paid internship with a major employer during the summer
• one-to-one mentoring by a business professional
• networking opportunities with other Career Academies UK students around the UK.

What qualifications will Career Academies UK students achieve?

The Career Academies UK curriculum is recognised as an equivalent of three A-levels, the new Advanced Diploma or a combination of other national qualifications which enable students to progress on to Higher Education. It carries UCAS points (for entrance to university) in the same way as other courses for 16 -19 year olds.

What are the benefits of the programme?

Career Academies UK help young people raise and achieve their full potential. Hand in hand with the Btec qualification and business experience, Career Academies UK students develop life skills including time management, interview techniques and public speaking.  Students significantly grow in confidence.

Where do Career Academies UK students move on to?

The unique combination of classroom teaching and 'real' business experience shows students just where their studies can take them. 92.5% of Career Academies UK students go on to higher education, or an equivalent level of work-related training.

Commitment required from students

Being a student on the Career Academies UK programme is hard work and it won't suit everybody. You've got to be prepared to put in extra hours of study, live up to a leading company's expectations of its own employees and be ready to work as part of a team of like-minded young people. Your tutors will push you and have very high demands and expectations. But the rewards are worth it.

How can I join Lewisham Colleges' Careers Academies UK programme?

If you are interested in this exciting programme please contact Juliet Williams-Siley on 020 8320 2939 or email juliet.w-siley@lewisham.ac.uk.  Only students aged between 16-19 and on the BTEC National either in Business or IT are eligible to join the programme. Other entry criteria apply which include completion of course work and 95% attendance and above.

Competition for Career Academies UK places is tough. But if you think you're ready for this sort of challenge, we look forward to discussing the prospect with you.

Parents and Guardians

If you would like more information about the Career Academies UK programme or our Btec courses in either Business or IT, please contact Juliet Williams-Siley on
020 8320 2939 or email juliet.w-siley@lewisham.ac.uk.

Purpose

• Serve as a Career Academies UK advocate, leveraging corporate and community connections to raise awareness of the Career Academies UK and build support.
• Help develop Partner in Business (mentoring), field trips and other relevant enrichment experiences for Career Academies UK students and teachers.
• Secure/sponsor paid internships for Career Academies UK students.
• Assist in local programme budget development/local fundraising efforts.
• Act as a catalyst for change in state education, in support of the school or college's institutional improvement plans.

If you are interested in finding out more about possibly becoming a member of our local advisory board please contact Juliet Williams-Siley on 020 8320 2939.

Membership

• Our Local Advisory Board members represent a demographic cross section from companies within the community.

• Our Members are professionals in their own field, providing corporate and community-wide access to act as an effective advocate and garner additional support for the Career Academies UK.

Governance

• Career Academies UK has a proforma governance model requiring a Chairperson (to serve for two years), vice-chair and secretary. The model sets out governance rules.
• Recommended meeting schedule of at least three meetings per year.
• Each meeting should be no longer than one and a half hours.
• Each meeting will be fully minuted with action points.
• Each meeting will receive a progress report from the Career Academies UK Co-ordinator.

Employers and Businesses

We are seeking businesses to help provide:

• time for employee volunteers to act as mentors for young people
• paid internships opportunities for six weeks during the summer
• seminars and events for students that complement their curriculum studies
• support from senior business leaders on Local Advisory Boards
• role play interviews and CV development workshops
• in kind and financial support for Academy activities

If you are interested in getting involved with this exciting programme please contact Juliet Williams-Siley on 020 8320 2939 or email juliet.w-siley@lewisham.ac.uk.