Student Page
Welcome to Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)
Student Page
Careers education is a vital part of your curriculum at Weavers Academy. It is part of striving for success and learning with PRIDE.
Every student will be invited to a 1-1 career guidance meeting in Year 10 or 11. If you would like to request a meeting, and you're in a different year group, or you would like a follow-up conversation, you can request this by emailing our Careers Coordinator, Miss Keeley Dargue, Keeley.dargue@weaversacademy.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apprenticeship?
In brief, an apprenticeship is a mix of on-the-job training and learning. You will be employed in a real job, whilst studying for a formal qualification. Sometimes your training will be one day a week at a local college or sometimes the training may be for a block period, perhaps a week or two weeks at a time with a training provider, or the training may happen in the workplace. There are various types of qualifications you can gain, depending on the levels of the apprenticeship. You can start an apprenticeship any time after the end of year 11. You have to make an application and go for interviews, you will be competing against other applicants for the apprenticeship, just like a real job.
For more information on current apprenticeship opportunities, see Miss Dargue or have a look here:
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
I want a particular career, but my parents/carers would like me to do something else. What shall I do?
You will be surprised how many students ask this question. Always remember your parents/carers have already been in the workplace and have a lot of knowledge about employment. They only want the best for you. Sometimes it is hard when you want to do one thing and someone else thinks you should take a different career or route. Why not book an appointment to see the careers advisor and ask your parents/carers if they would like to come too? Then you can all talk it through together. Ultimately, your career choices must be what you want, but you do have to think about it carefully and be well-informed before you make a decision.
Have a look at this website for videos about different careers.
Unifrog Careers Library
What is the minimum wage?
The minimum wage is the least amount of money an employer can offer you, depending on your age. The current figures for 2026 are here. Remember this is the least amount you can receive; an employer may offer you more.
What age can I get a part time job?
Young people can work part-time from the age of 13, but there are lots of rules surrounding this, particularly the number of hours you can work. Once you turn 16, there are less rules. Because of the restrictions in employment for young people, many students do not look for part-time work until they are 16. Around your 16th Birthday, you will be sent your National Insurance number. This is an important document, as you will need this number for the rest of your life. Don’t lose it!! An employer will need to know your National Insurance (NI) number.
https://www.gov.uk/child-employment
What is a CV and do I need one?
A CV (curriculum vitae) is quite simply a document that shows your qualifications, some useful information about your interests, the skills and qualities you have and a list of your work history. Yes, everyone should have a CV, as employers may well ask for it. It is beneficial to prepare one when you are still in school and add to it throughout your working life.
Is it true that going to university is really expensive? I am worried I cannot afford it.
As it stands currently, there are two parts to paying for university. The first part is the tuition fee. There is a loan to cover this for all UK students, provided you satisfy the residency requirements. All students are entitled to 100% of this loan.
The second part is a maintenance loan for your living costs, whilst you are at university. The amount you receive depends each year on the amount of income your parents receive. The higher the household income, the less you receive as a loan. However, everyone receives something, even if it is the lowest rate.
You do not start to pay back any of your loan until you finish your university course and are in paid employment. The amount you pay back depends on how much you earn above the threshold.
Student Finance And Support Available | UCAS
Student finance for undergraduates: Overview - GOV.UK
Can I leave school at 16?
Yes, you can leave school at the end of Year 11, but due to the raising of the participation age to 18, you must be in some form of education, training or employment until your 18th birthday. This could include further education in a sixth form, a college, apprenticeship or traineeship.
What is a gap year?
A gap year is when a student takes a break between their studies and higher education. This is usually at the end of year 13. There are lots of reasons to take a gap year. Some people want to travel, others want to get a year’s work experience and for some they just want to get some money in their bank account, by working for a year.
What is a technical qualification?
Technical qualifications are practical qualifications for over 16s. They are designed to help you get the skills you need to start your career or go on to higher levels of education. There are a number of different types including; T Levels, Cambridge Nationals and BTECs.
Useful links:
Apprenticeships:
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The Apprenticeship Guide |
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GOV.UK apprenticeships website |
Impartial careers information
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Prospects |
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National careers service |
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All about school leavers |
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Unifrog - The universal destinations platform. |
University and higher education advice
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UCAS website |
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Student finance England |
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Not going to uni |
Local further education providers
Northampton college Northampton College | Full and part time courses | Adult Courses | HE | Apprenticeships
Moulton college Discover your perfect course | Moulton College
Tresham college Tresham College | The Bedford College Group | Further & Higher Education
UTC Silverstone HOME - Silverstone UTC
Other useful websites
Careers videos and quiz icould - Career ideas and information for your future
Gap year blogs and information Gap year advice | National Careers Service
Careers advice, jobs and apprenticeships Milkround | Graduate Jobs, Schemes & Internships