Careers Education
Careers Education at Poltair School
At Poltair School, we are committed to maximising the life chances of all our young people, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed beyond school.
Our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme plays a vital role in preparing learners for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
We aim to inspire our learners to explore the wide range of careers, pathways and training opportunities available to them, helping them make informed decisions that reflect their individual interests, strengths and aspirations.
Throughout their journey at Poltair, learners are encouraged to develop essential employability skills, gain an understanding of the world of work and discover the qualifications and pathways available to them. Our programme also explores the changing nature of employment, including the growing importance of technology and digital skills.
Through meaningful experiences, employer encounters and careers guidance, we aim to ensure every learner feels confident and prepared to take their next steps towards a successful future.
Careers Lead: Mrs Rhian Stevens
Email: [email protected]
Annual Careers Event 2026 – Thursday 12th November
We are delighted to be hosting our annual Careers Event on Thursday 12th November 2026, welcoming learners from Poltair, Penrice and Brannel in Years 9, 10 and 11, along with their families, to explore the exciting opportunities available beyond Year 11.
This event offers a fantastic opportunity to meet representatives from colleges, sixth forms, universities and a wide range of employers across industries including Public Services, Armed Forces, Healthcare, Hospitality, Catering, Tourism, Construction and Engineering, and many more.
Whether learners already have a career in mind or are just beginning to explore their options, the evening will provide valuable information, inspiration and guidance to help them make informed decisions about their futures.
Please let us know if you and your learner will be attending by completing our short attendance form below.
Poltair Careers Fair 2026 – Attendance Form
We look forward to welcoming our learners and their families for an inspiring evening of opportunities and possibilities!
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
At Poltair, throughout the academic year, we raise awareness of Apprenticeships with all our year groups, either through tutor time activities and/or special events and trips.
We had many activities to raise awareness and understanding of the apprenticeship pathway across all year groups throughout the week including webinars, special guest assemblies, tutor time activities, Year 11 CV workshop and the opportunity to meet visiting employers face-to-face. Be sure to check out the wide range of useful downloads and resources at the bottom of this page, shared courtesy of Amazing Apprenticeships.
Types of Apprenticeship
The popularity of apprenticeships is growing rapidly with young people able to start them at a wide range of entry levels including:
- Supported Traineeships and Traineeships: a programme for those who may need support or are not quite ready to go into a full apprenticeship.
- Intermediate Apprenticeships: Level 2/3 for beginning the apprenticeship journey, starting age from 16, no upper age limit.
- Advanced Apprenticeships: Level 3/4 apprenticeships equivalent to two A level passes with valuable work experience.
- Higher Apprenticeships: Levels 4-5. Suitable for those looking to build on their knowledge and progress from their Advanced-level qualification.
- Degree Apprenticeships: Levels 6-7. Degree apprenticeships are offered by universities and other higher education providers in partnership with employers. They contain either a full degree or degree-level qualification and go up to master’s level (which is postgraduate).
Resources for Students and Parents
Apprenticeship levels explained
Apprenticeships hints and tips
Step-by-step guide to applying for an apprenticeship
College Information
We take great pride in helping our students prepare for the next step – whether that’s college, university apprenticeships or in the workplace.
| College | Contact details |
|---|---|
Truro College |
www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/events |
Callywith College |
https://www.callywith.ac.uk/open-events |
Cornwall College GroupIncludes: Cornwall College Newquay, Cornwall College St Austell, Cornwall College Camborne, Duchy College, Stoke Climsland, Rosewarne, Falmouth Marine School, Bicton College |
https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/events/ |
Bodmin College Sixth Form |
https://www.bodmincollegesixthform.co.uk/sixthform/ |
Useful Websites
National Careers Service – a comprehensive careers website with job profiles, outlining: the skills required, main tasks, pay levels and career prospects for hundreds of different jobs. In addition, valuable guidance on the different stages involved in getting a job.
Find an Apprenticeship – the government website listing Apprenticeships in England
Amazing Apprenticeships – a website for anyone wanting to know more about apprenticeships. The website has a search facility for job specific apprenticeships in a particular area.
Veryan – this is an extremely useful tool when looking for a Work Experience placement. It has a range of occupational sectors to select from, within each sector there is a list of companies who have participated in the scheme. From this you are able to access the type of job, contact details etc.
UCAS – a very helpful website for students thinking of applying to higher education. Also contains valuable information on different options, including apprenticeships.
Bodmin Sixth Form College – For all information regarding FE Courses, advice sessions, open days etc.
Callywith College – For all information regarding FE and HE Courses, advice sessions, open days etc.
Cornwall College – For all information regarding FE and HE Courses, advice sessions, open days etc.
Truro College – For all information regarding FE and HE Courses, advice sessions, open days etc.
Newquay Tretherras Sixth Form – For all information regarding courses, advice sessions, open days etc