For Choice in Education
Careers
Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) at Ringwood Waldorf School aims to provide students with the knowledge and experience to make informed decisions for their future choices regarding higher education, apprenticeships, training or work.
The school follows the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks, which are the foundations of our Careers Programme, and coordinates a variety of activities, visits and events throughout the year. These include guest speakers and talks from Further and Higher education, industry and training providers, work experience opportunities, practice interviews and 1:1 personal careers guidance.
The school has a dedicated Careers Lead, Kate Pursglove, who can be contacted by email on: careers@ringwoodwaldorfschool.org.uk
At Ringwood Waldorf School, we aim to support pupils and parents/carers by providing timely advice and guidance throughout Classes 6 - 12.
Every student has the opportunity for an impartial guidance interview, to explore the range of education and training options available including apprenticeships and other vocational pathways.
Ringwood Waldorf School also has a qualified and impartial Independent Careers Advisor who meets with all pupils in Class 10 and Class 12 to provide support in making individual future career and study plans.
At Ringwood Waldorf School, we are committed to helping you explore and prepare for your future training, work and career path. In Classes 6 - 12, you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities within the classroom that will help you discover your interests and strengths. You will focus on building essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership, while learning how your studies can connect to different career options.
In Classes 9 - 12, you will also have access to tailored advice, careers talks, university visits, mock interviews and gain valuable work experience. We will also support you as you plan for your next steps with writing CVs, personal statements and applications.
You can also look at the following sites for information:
Skillsometer can help you discover what jobs you might like to do in the future.
Careerometer can be used to explore and compare key information about different jobs, and help you identify potential careers.
Further information can be found under
At Ringwood School, we recognise the importance of preparing students for the ever-changing world ahead. Our staff work closely with parents to guide students through their education, fostering independence and responsibility as they plan their future paths.
Parents can help by engaging in career discussions at home, assisting with work experience placements, and supporting CV building. Practising interview skills and supporting careers events also play a key role. Parents are also encouraged to attend College and University Open Days to help students explore different options.
For information can be found under:
Apprenticeships have become a large part of the UK labour market in the last few years. In the past, apprenticeships were based more on practical and vocational careers however this is no longer true. There are now many apprenticeship schemes available across a wide range of fields and careers ranging from Level 2 (GCSE) all the way up to Level 6/7 (Degree and Masters).
For further information see:
What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a paid job with training. You typically work for 4 days a week and attend a college, university or training provider for one day a week.
In addition, degree apprenticeships enable you to gain a full undergraduate degree while you work. Degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete and you will spend most of your time working alongside studying part-time at university. For example, you might go to university one or two days per week, or in short blocks, such as a week at a time. Overall, you spend about 20% of your time studying and 80% of your time working.
Through an Apprenticeship you earn a salary, gain qualifications and get real working experience. On average, 92% of apprentices are offered a full time job after they finish.
Who offers Apprenticeships?
A wide range of employers offer Apprenticeships; from small local businesses to large national companies.
The Pay
Apprenticeship wages vary from company to company and it is their decision how much they pay you. Wages are usually dependant on the industry, location and type of apprenticeship.
In addition to a salary, apprentices are also entitled to the same rights as all other employees; a contract, a minimum of 20 days leave per year plus bank holidays, sick entitlement, and any other benefits employers may offer.
The Benefits
You earn while you learn! You are paid as an apprentice and the Government also pays for your training so there are no student loans, no tuition fees and no debt!
On top of this, you gain a recognised qualification, develop skills in your chosen career as well as valuable work experience.
At Ringwood Waldorf School, our pupils undertake a week of Work Experience in Class 10 and two weeks of Community Social Work in Class 11.
This valuable experience helps students transition from education to employment, providing a real-world insight into the working environment. It’s a chance to develop skills, understand the responsibilities of different roles, and build confidence for the future.
While students are responsible for arranging their own placements in Class 10, the school Careers Lead provides comprehensive guidance and support to ensure that they secure relevant opportunities. The school also undertakes the necessary Health and Safety Assessments on all placements.
We are incredibly proud of the feedback we continuously receive on our students from their work placements, and we deeply appreciate the ongoing support from local employers who host them.