CPS Careers Provision: Apprenticeships & Colleges

Our Careers Department is committed to inspiring minds, shaping character, and nurturing futures by opening every student’s eyes to the full range of pathways available beyond Year 11. Through meaningful exposure to employment sectors, further education, apprenticeships, and emerging opportunities, we aim to broaden horizons and spark curiosity about the world that awaits them.

We strive to equip students with the confidence, knowledge, and ambition to navigate their Post‑16 journey—encouraging them not only to see what is possible, but to genuinely feel excited and prepared for the next chapter of their lives.

Careers Team

Careers education is embedded across the curriculum and supported by staff, specialist advisors, and a strong network of external partners. Together, we create a dynamic and responsive provision that evolves with the changing landscape of education and employment, ensuring our students remain well‑informed and future‑ready.

Ms Wayman Careers Lead
Careers Lead – Ms Wayman

As Careers Lead, Ms Wayman coordinates the whole‑school strategy for careers education, ensuring that every year group receives a high‑quality and engaging programme of guidance, events, and experiences. Careers learning begins in Year 7 and develops throughout each key stage through visiting speakers, curriculum‑linked opportunities, workplace experiences, and key annual events such as the Careers Fair and Business Day.

She oversees and schedules all individual careers appointments, which are available to any student but typically take place in Years 10 and 11. Every student is invited to meet with a Careers Advisor, and additional appointments are happily arranged on request. This personalised, student‑centred approach ensures that all young people receive the guidance they need to explore their next steps with confidence.

Careers Advisor – Hampshire Futures

To provide independent, impartial, and professional guidance, Calthorpe Park School works in partnership with two highly experienced Careers Advisors from Hampshire Futures (Hampshire County Council):

Mr Neil Reynolds and Mr Howard Rowntree.

Neil Reynolds is the Careers Advisor from Hampshire Futures (part of Hampshire County Council), working at Calthorpe Park School every Thursday.  He is qualified to Level 6 in Career Guidance and Development, and registered with the Career Development Institute.  Neil has worked in many education settings, including secondary schools and colleges, plus has a background in business, marketing, management and the music industry.

The Career Advisor sees his role as guiding students to make aspirational, but realistic, informed decisions for their future pathways by asking challenging questions and providing the information and tools for them to explore the possibilities open to them.  He encourages students to find out what is out there in the careers world, and research what may suit them, to keep options open and not to be afraid to make decisions when the time is right.

Students can make appointments for Thursdays by speaking to Ms Wayman or sending an email to b.wayman@cps.hants.sch.uk and a time will be arranged as soon as possible.

Both Advisors are qualified to Level 6 in Career Guidance and Development and bring extensive backgrounds across education, business, marketing, management, and the creative industries. Their expertise enables them to support students in exploring a wide range of pathways—from A‑Levels and vocational courses to apprenticeships and employment.

Working individually with students, they encourage thoughtful reflection, independent research, and informed decision‑making. Their calm, supportive, and impartial approach helps students consider their options, understand what motivates them, and feel confident in planning their next steps.

If you would like to make an appointment for a student, please click here.

Useful Links
Exam Boards for 25/26
Careers Policy
Provider Access Policy Statement
Destination of Leavers

Additional Information

Local Colleges & Useful Sources of Information
Local CollegesGuidesUseful Links
Farnborough 6th Form College Russell Group – Informed Choices Apprenticeships
Farnborough College of Technology  A Guide for Parents – steering your teenager towards a job and careerTraineeships
Queen Mary’s College, Basingstoke  The UniGuide for choosing A Levels  T Levels
HSDC AltonThe Apprenticeship GuideSpringpod – Work Experience
Basingstoke College of Technology  Apprenticeships – What parents need to knowSpringpod – University Experience
Guildford CollegeFind an ApprenticeshipLocal Market Information
Farnham CollegeWaverley Training Services and Information leaflet
Merrist Wood College
National Careers Week
Sparsholt CollegeCareer Pilot
Peter Symonds CollegeCareers of the Future
Military Preparation CollegeSocial Media for job hunting
Useful Links
Exam Boards for 25/26
Careers Policy
Provider Access Policy Statement
Destination of Leavers
College Open Events 2025/26

What to do before attending an open day:

  • Before attending any open event, please confirm the need to book, date(s) and times with the college or sixth form
  • Read through the prospectus/website to help you plan which courses you want to know more about
  • Make a list of questions to ask
  • Plan to create a positive first impression on the college staff you talk to at the event: one of them could be your future tutor!
  • Can’t make an open event? Many colleges have tour videos and other information on their website, which are available all year round.

Please note: these dates and timings are correct as of 08/09/2025 and are subject to change – we would urge you to check the college websites regularly, prior to attending.

CollegeOpen Events
ACM, Guildford
book a place online
Check website for details
Aldershot Construction College (FCOT)Thursday 16 October, 4 – 6.30pm
Thursday 20 November, 4 – 6.30pm
Thursday 12 February 2026, 4 – 6.30pm
All Hallows Sixth Form CollegeThursday 25 September, 5.30 – 7.30pm
Alton College – HSDCThursday 9 October, 5 – 7.30pm
Saturday 18 October – 10am – 1pm
Wednesday 11 March 2026 – 5 – 7.30pm
Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT)Monday 13 October, 4.30 – 7pm
Saturday 22 November, 10am – 12pm
Farnborough College of Technology (Farnborough Campus)
Click here for their prospectus
Tuesday 14 October, 4 – 7.30pm
Wednesday 15 October, 4 – 7.30pm
Wednesday 19 November, 4 – 7.30pm
Wednesday 11 February 2026, 4 – 7.30pm
Farnham CollegeWednesday 22 October, 4.30 – 7pm
Saturday 15 November, 9.30am – 12pm
Frensham Heights 6th FormSaturday 20 September, 9am
(Fee paying)
Guildford CollegeSaturday 11 October, 9.30am – 12pm
Wednesday 12 November, 4.30 – 7pm
Merrist Wood CollegeTuesday 15 October, 4.30 – 7pm
Saturday 8 November, 9.30am – 12pm
MPCT (Aldershot site)Every Friday – hourly slots from 9am – 4pm
Peter Symonds CollegeWednesday 1 October, 5.30 – 8.30pm
Thursday 2 October, 5.30 – 8.30pm
Wednesday 1 July 2026, 5.30 – 8.30pm
Thursday 2 July 2026, 5.30 – 8.30pm
Queen Mary’s CollegeWednesday 24 September, 5 – 8pm
Our Open Evening takes place on 24 September, when many
Year 11 students will be needed in school.  If planning on
visiting QMC, please plan to go on their second date:

Thursday 25 September, 5 – 8pm
SalesianWednesday 8 October, 6 – 8.30pm – book here
(Fee paying)
Sparsholt CollegeSaturday 4 October, 10am – 4pm – register here
Saturday 8 November
Saturday 7 March 2026
Wednesay 29 April 2026
Thursday 11 June 2026
Surrey Maths School – opened September 2024Tuesday 23 September
Wednesday 15 October
Thursday 11 December
See this page for more details about their admissions criteria
The Sixth Form College Farnborough
Click here for their Prospectus
Tuesday 30 September – our Careers Fair takes place at school on the same evening for Year 11 students.  Please plan to visit on the following two dates:

Wednesday 1 October, book at this link
Thursday 2 October, book at this link
Yateley 6th FormThursday 16 October, 6.30 – 8.30pm

For further guidance or to speak to a Careers Adviser, please email b.wayman@cps.hants.sch.uk or Neil.Reynolds@hants.gov.uk

Employer Opportunities & Provider Access Legislation (PAL)

There are a number of ways employers can support our careers provision. View our Careers Provider Access Policy here.

Employers wishing to discuss how they can support the school’s careers provision, please register your interest here.

Providers or employers wishing to share opportunities and attract high-potential candidates for apprenticeships as early as possible please email our Careers Team

CPS Careers Events

Careers Fair

The Autumn Careers Fair is a valuable source of inspiration for young people in Years 10 & 11.  Representing your business or industry can offer an insight and open doors previously not considered.  Just a few hours of your time and you can foster an otherwise untapped curiosity, exciting and motivating our young people as they approach two challenging years of study and exams.

Register your interest for future events here.

Business Day

The Spring Business Day is an exceptionally popular event where representatives from a range of employment backgrounds, from finance and entertainment, to hospitality, armed services and architecture are welcomed.  Representatives are able to host 50 minute workshops for students starting to think about life after school. These talks could be the first time a student has heard of your industry and one workshop can broaden horizons and correct misperceptions.  In the afternoon, students participate in mock interviews.  Visitors who support with this often comment that it is the highlight of the event, a wonderful opportunity to see some of our school’s young people shine, excel and delight.

Get in touch here!

Labour Market Information (LMI)

What is LMI

Labour Market Information (LMI) helps students understand the current and future world of work, including which jobs are growing, what skills employers need, typical salaries, and local opportunities. This supports students in making informed decisions about subject choices, training routes, apprenticeships and careers.

Latest UK Labour Market Overview (2026)

The most recent national data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that between November 2025 and January 2026:

  • The employment rate increased to 75.1%,
  • The unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.2%,
  • Economic inactivity decreased to 20.7%.
    These figures help illustrate the current shape of the UK job market. [ons.gov.uk]

Additional analysis reports that 1.25 million young people are not in work or full-time education, reinforcing the importance of strong guidance and skills development. 

Future Job Growth & Emerging Sectors

According to national labour market research, several key industries are expected to grow in the coming years, including:

  • Digital & Technology (AI, cybersecurity, data roles),
  • Clean Energy & Renewables (wind power, hydrogen),
  • Health & Social Care,
  • Advanced Manufacturing (aerospace, automotive),
  • Creative and Professional Services.

These sectors are prioritised for investment and offer strong future career opportunities for young people. 

Useful LMI Tools for Students

These tools help students explore job roles, salaries, entry requirements and future prospects in an interactive way:

Careerometer (LMI For All)

Compare up to three jobs at a time and see average pay, working hours and future demand.
🔗 https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/explore_lmi/

National Careers Service

Find job profiles, skills needed, entry routes and pay information.
(Referenced as a core official LMI source.)
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

Statutory Careers Guidance

Our school follows the Department for Education’s statutory careers guidance, including the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring students receive high-quality, independent careers advice.
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-guidance-provision-for-young-people-in-schools

Why LMI Matters for Students

Using up-to-date LMI helps students:

  • Make confident and informed decisions about their future.
  • Understand job trends and opportunities in the UK,
  • Explore local and national career paths,
  • Identify the skills and qualifications employers are looking for,

Feedback
Employer Evaluation
Parent Evaluation