Student Careers
Your Career Journey at Birchwood
At Birchwood, your future matters — no matter how long you're with us. Whether you're here for a few weeks or a full academic year, we’re committed to helping you explore your options and feel confident about your next steps.
We know that every pupil’s journey is different. That’s why our careers programme is flexible, personalised, and designed to meet you where you are — whether you're thinking about college, an apprenticeship, 6th form or employment.
Support
You will have the opportunity to meet with our careers adviser to talk about your future. These meetings are designed to support you and help you feel ready to take your next steps.
These are the types of things you will discuss at your careers guidance meeting:
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Your interests (subjects you like, things you enjoy doing outside of school)
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What your strengths are (skills and qualities)
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Ambitions for the future (jobs or courses you are interested in)
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Whether you have already made plans for your post 16 education (college, apprenticeships etc) and what these are.
The careers adviser can support you with:
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Thinking about what you would like to do in the future
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Researching different courses and providers
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Submitting applications
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Searching for apprenticeships
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Suggestions on finding part-time work
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Considering your longer-term goals and plans.
Year 11 Leavers
Every pupil is contacted during the summer holidays (after results day) to discuss their results and ensure they have the information required to enrol with their chosen post 16 provider. The Careers Adviser will support with any issues at this point (this includes liaising
with the college, advocating on behalf of pupils, helping them to seek alternative options etc).
We continue to offer support to yr 11 leavers, as required. For example, if a pupil does not progress to their planned destination, they are invited in to meet with the Careers Adviser for support searching/applying for other opportunities. This support is not limited and is
bespoke to the individual pupil.
The Careers Adviser meets with The Education People during term 1 to discuss all Yr 11 leavers and arrange handover/additional support for pupils if required.
David Chalcroft is now working with Birchwood as an Enterprise Advisor.
Birchwood is very lucky to have this support as David has extensive experience working with apprentices and managing young people at the start of their careers. David has also worked with a wide number of employers and schools and supported links between students and employment.
Past Student Updates
Callum Brooks came to talk to Birchwood students about his career path since leaving Birchwood himself 6 years ago
Callum went on to pass level 3 qualifications in film making and is now studying for a degree in this area at Canterbury Christchurch university.
Callum has had various directing and other roles within the film industry and has built up a portfolio of experience and qualifications. Callum talked to the students about overcoming difficulties at school and how accessing university and a dream career is not out of their reach.
Thank you to Callum for coming into school and sharing his experiences with the students.
RW
I am now at Folkestone College studying health and social care and I am enjoying the course. I had help from Birchwood's careers advisor, Bethan, to apply for the course on the college website which was really good.
KF
I am now at sixth form college at the football academy and I am doing really well. Birchwood helped me get onto this course and I am really glad I got a place as it is exactly what I want to do.
Resources
This information is aimed at 16–19-year-olds to explain the different pathways available to this. The link is useful for students/parents and carers and staff.
A useful resource for insights into local employment trends, career opportunities, and industry demands.
CXK information and resources for students including LMI, IAG, and future pathways.
Discover the latest salary trends in the UK for 2025 with our comprehensive guides. Reed’s salary and benchmarking guides provide essential wage data and insights across 10 industries.
An overview of career options and qualifications to support fifteen pathways.
David Chalcroft is now working with Birchwood as an Enterprise Advisor.
Birchwood is very lucky to have this support as David has extensive experience working with apprentices and managing young people at the start of their careers. David has also worked with a wide number of employers and schools and supported links between students and employment.