The Careers and Experiencing Work Short Course provides young people with the opportunity to explore career options, develop employability skills, and gain meaningful experience of the world of work.
The course is designed to build self-confidence, promote informed decision-making, and support transition into further education, apprenticeships, or employment.
Learners complete a selection of challenges within seven themed modules. Each module is split into two sections, offering a variety of practical, reflective, and research-based activities. Learners collect evidence in a portfolio and record progress in a student book or e-portfolio.
Course Modules
Empowering Futures delivers a flexible programme that supports learners in identifying, planning, and preparing for meaningful career pathways.
Functional Skills in English, Maths, and Digital Literacy are embedded throughout the course, tailored to learners' chosen sectors or vocational goals (e.g. hair, construction, business, customer service).
1. Self-Development Reflect on strengths, areas for development, and motivations Set SMART personal and career-related goals Identify transferable skills
Embedded Skills: English (self-assessment writing), ICT (goal tracking templates)
2. Career Exploration Research careers in areas of interest Understand entry requirements and progression routes Compare vocational, academic, and apprenticeship pathways
Embedded Skills: English (note-taking, reading careers info), Digital Skills (online research)
3. Career Management Build a personalised career action plan Understand labour market information (LMI) Explore options for post-16 or post-18 transitions
Embedded Skills: Maths (interpreting data/salaries), ICT (creating a plan or timeline)
4. Considering Higher Education Explore college and university courses Understand application processes and student finance Compare course formats and institutions
Embedded Skills: English (UCAS personal statements), Digital Literacy (course comparisons)
5. Considering Apprenticeships Learn how to search for and apply for apprenticeships Explore employer expectations in work-based training Compare job descriptions and qualifications
Embedded Skills: English (writing applications), Maths (understanding wages/contracts)
6. Preparing for the Workplace Create a CV and cover letter tailored to a chosen industry Practise interview techniques and personal introductions Prepare for work placements with scenario-based tasks
Embedded Skills: English (CV writing, mock interviews), Digital Skills (email communication)
7. Being at Work Understand workplace rights, responsibilities, and behaviours Learn about health and safety procedures Reflect on placement experiences or industry encounters
Embedded Skills: Maths (rotas, time sheets), English (reflection reports), ICT (HR documentation)
Awarding Body
ASDAN
Student Expected Outcomes
Provider Expected Outcomes Upon completion, learners will:
- Develop practical skills in career planning, job searching, and workplace readiness
- Build confidence in handling real or simulated workplace scenarios
- Create a portfolio of work to support progression into further training or employment
- Explore career pathways in various sectors
- Receive support for reintegrating into mainstream education or transitioning to other learning opportunities, if appropriate
Key Stage course delivered to
KS3;KS4;KS5;
Admissions Criteria
Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged 13 or over at the time of enrolment.
Eligibility :Must be eligible to study in the UK. Open to learners in alternative provision, home education, or mainstream education who are seeking vocational experience and skills in business administration.
Academic Requirements: No formal qualifications are required. However, learners should be able to:
Engage in basic English and Maths tasks (an initial assessment may be carried out to support learning needs if need be).
Use or develop basic digital skills for administrative tasks.
Behaviour and Attendance Learners must demonstrate: Respectful behaviour toward staff and peers. A commitment to attending sessions regularly and actively participating.
Support Needs: Empowering Futures is an inclusive provider. Learners with SEND or additional support needs are encouraged to apply. We aim to provide appropriate support and reasonable adjustments to meet individual needs.
Referral and Enrolment Referrals can be made by: Schools Local authorities Parents/carers (for home-educated learners)
Youth and support services : All prospective learners will be invited to attend a meeting to view the provision, meet the staff, and determine whether the environment and course are suitable for their needs and goals.
Staff Experience
The course is facilitated by professionals who:
- Hold teaching and vocational qualifications relevant to career development and related fields
- Possess hands-on experience in various industries Are trained in inclusive practices, safeguarding, and behaviour management
- Engage in continuous professional development to stay updated with industry standards
- Have a history of guiding learners toward further education, apprenticeships, or employment
Delivery Area
Classroom, online and where applicable
Programme length
Up to a whole Academic Year
Transport Provided
Can be organised
Days Of Delivery
Tuesday and Thursday
Times of Delivery
9:30am -2:30pm
Staff Ratio
Group
Additional Notes
- Group Size and Delivery Format: The course is designed to be flexible and personalised to meet the needs of each learner.
We deliver the course via:
1-to-1 sessions where needed (e.g. for learners with high needs or specific support requirements)
Small group delivery with a maximum of 4 learners per group to ensure focused attention and meaningful interaction.
This model allows for effective differentiation, strong pastoral support, and the opportunity for learners to build confidence in a low-pressure environment.
- Minimum Group Size: The minimum group size is 1 learner, allowing for bespoke 1-to-1 tuition where group delivery is not suitable. We aim to group learners when appropriate, but never exceed 4 per session.
- Minimum Days per Week Learners are required to attend a minimum of one day per week, choosing either: Tuesday, or Thursday
There is no requirement to attend both days, though additional support days may be arranged by agreement for learners requiring further engagement or catch-up.
- Flexible and Inclusive Sessions are scheduled to ensure consistency and to support routine and responsibility.
Empowering Futures works with referring schools and agencies to ensure timetables are suitable and align with EHCP targets or reintegration plans.
Cost of Course
Cost per full day: £61.05 Cost per half day: £30.52
