Careers
Sponne School is committed to providing a stable careers programme that is embedded in our PSHE curriculum and tutorial programme. We have a named Careers lead (Lisa Bhakta- Assistant Headteacher) who is a member of the senior leadership team and our PSHE co-ordinator (Mrs A Warner - OCR Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development) has responsibility for the delivery of the careers provision across the school. We work with external providers such as Prospects for independent careers advice and guidance and 1-1 interviews. Proactive Education helps us to deliver an established work experience for our year 10 students and students have another opportunity for work placements during year 12. Careers events are also provided for alongside this and students are given the academic and pastoral support needed for them to reach their full potential. Student voice is a key component to reviewing our provision and this allows pupils the opportunities to become central to developing our CEIAG programme.
We were accredited with the Careers Standard revalidation award, provided by Career Mark in January 2018 with them recognising that “The CEIAG programme is most certainly impacting on students. They are clearly developing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to effectively manage their careers journeys. Students value CEAIG and know its importance in their future lives. It is not seen as an add-on activity but a key part of their education.”
For more details of the Careers curriculum in PSHE lessons, please follow this Link
Careers advice
Students have access to 1-1 interviews with Prospects and can request an interview by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.
Policies
Links to websites
Please see below for relevant Careers related websites that can provide further guidance:
chas.careersoft.co.uk/jed/Login.aspx
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
https://www.semlep.com/labour-market-information
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/employment-help-young-people
https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
https://chas.careersoft.co.uk/jed/Login.aspx (check your google classroom for the login code)
Career Opportunities
Medical Awards Programme:- We encourage students to enrol on the Awards Programme independently at this weblink: [https://medicmentor.co.uk/
Nursing, Midwifery & Healthcare Support Worker Open Day Event – International Year of the Nurse & Midwife:
Saturday 15th February 2020, 9am to 2pm http://bit.ly/OpenDayFeb20
Cambridge University Hospitals – Deakin Centre - http://bit.ly/cuhfindingus
Nestlé Academy - https://www.nestleacademy.co.uk/
Falmouth University - Book an open day at falmouth.ac.uk/experience/open-days
Enterprise Advisor
John Allen
An ex Sponne School pupil who was born in the town, and moved back when I left the Army.
I have four children aged 9, 6, 5 and 3 so am aware of the challenges that parents and pupils are facing.
My interest in becoming an Enterprise Adviser began when I was invited to attend a couple of student workshops at Sponne and as an ex pupil I felt I wanted to give something back to the school.
I have a varied employment history which has exposed me to a wide range of sectors and business types. I have operated at all levels and now run my own successful company which continues to grow.
Working with the careers lead I will be using my business contact to engage with the students to ensure they gain the widest exposure to the opportunities available to them when they leave secondary education.
Career History
December 2014 – To date Business Owner
Bluewire Hub Ltd
Providing Energy Performance Certificates, Legionella Risk Assessments, Floor Plans and 3D VR ready property tours across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.
December 2016 – December 2017 Project Manager - 12 Month FTC
Travis Perkins PLC
Accountable for the delivery of a group wide programme of new product development, realising an overall cost reduction of circa £5M.
2014 – December 2016 ECO Project Manager
National Energy Services Ltd
Managed a project delivering national energy saving installations with a total value of £6.5M
March 2011 – December 2014 FSG Property Services Ltd
Operations and Compliance Manager
Promoted the installation of renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures to a variety of markets including housing associations, local authorities, schools and commercial premises.
December 2005 – February 2011 Michael Graham Estate Agents
Area Manager
Managed 7 regional lettings offices, accountable for improving business levels and retaining existing clients. Increased managed property portfolio by 15% over 10 months.
March 2004 – December 2005 JD Landscaping
Self Employed
February 1998 – March 2004 Silverstone Circuit Ltd
Operations Manager
October 1996 – January 1998 Travelled and worked in Australia
1984 - 1996 HM Forces (Army)
Mechanical Engineer REME