At On Track Education Totnes, we are committed to supporting our students as they prepare for their next steps beyond school. Our dedicated Careers Lead, Ruth Bentley, provides independent Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) to all students.
Ruth works with students both individually and in small groups, helping them to explore their interests, understand their options and feel confident about their future pathways in education, training or employment.
With a background in careers guidance and as a qualified IAG Adviser, Ruth ensures that every student receives personalised support tailored to their aspirations and needs.
How We Support Students
Our careers programme includes:
- One-to-one careers guidance sessions
- Support with college, apprenticeship and job applications
- Help to develop CVs and prepare for interviews
- Exploring different employment sectors and career pathways
- Organising career-focused activities throughout the school year
- Transition planning to support students moving on from school
- Accessible and Ongoing Support
Ruth regularly attends both school sites during the week so that students can build familiarity and feel comfortable seeking support when needed.
Students can request a meeting by speaking to their Tutor or another key member of staff.
This support is also available to parents and carers. If you have any questions about your child’s future options or would like to discuss progression pathways, you are very welcome to get in touch directly.
Careers & Employability Development Plan
This document outlines how we support students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their future. Through a structured careers and employability programme from Year 7 to Post-16, we help young people explore pathways, build workplace skills and prepare for their next steps in education, training or employment.
Careers Employability Development Plan
Gatsby Benchmarks Alignment
Our careers programme is designed in line with the Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance, ensuring students receive high-quality, structured and meaningful careers education.
| Gatsby Benchmark |
How We Meet This Benchmark |
| 1. A Stable Careers Programme |
A structured careers programme from Year 7 to Post-16, published on our website and reviewed annually. |
| 2. Learning from Career & Labour Market Information (LMI) |
Students access up-to-date Labour Market Information through resources such as the National Careers Service, BBC Bitesize and employer encounters. LMI is embedded into careers lessons across all year groups. |
| 3. Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil |
Students receive personalised support, including 1:1 careers interviews in Key Stage 4 and Post-16. Careers guidance considers individual aspirations, strengths and needs. |
| 4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers | Students engage with guest speakers, employer workshops, careers fairs and industry-specific events throughout the year. |
| 5. Encounters with Employers & Employees | Subject-focused sessions demonstrate how learning in English, maths, science and vocational subjects connects to future career pathways. |
| 6. Experiences of Workplaces | Students participate in workplace visits, employer-led sessions and work experience opportunities where appropriate. |
| 7. Encounters with Further & Higher Education | Students attend college visits, apprenticeship expos, university visits and receive talks from Post-16 providers. |
| 8. Personal Guidance | All students in Years 9–11 receive at least one 1:1 interview with a qualified careers adviser. Additional guidance is available as needed. |
Careers Resources
Xello:
Xello is an online career and future planning platform used at On Track Totnes with students. It is used as a starting point to:
- Explore careers — learn about different jobs, skills, salaries, and pathways.
- Plan education pathways — understand what subjects or qualifications are needed for specific careers.
- Set goals and build portfolios — track achievements, skills, and reflections.
- Prepare for post-school options — like college, apprenticeships, or work.
Xello helps students plan their future by connecting who they are with what they want to do.
Careers websites:
icould: Features over 1,000 real-life, short career videos to help students understand different job roles and industries.
BBC Bitesize Careers: Explores various job sectors, offering insights into roles, qualifications, and required skills.
National Careers Service: Provides over 800 job profiles with detailed information on what roles involve and how to enter them.
Careerpilot: An excellent tool for mapping out future work and study options, suitable for all ages.
Apprenticeship website: Use this service to search and apply for apprenticeships in England.
Resources for Parents:
Talking Futures: Helps parents discuss career options and modern education pathways with their children.
Skills for Careers: Offers guidance on understanding exam results and training options.
All About School Leavers & NotGoingToUni: Focused on alternatives to university, including apprenticeships, school leaver programmes, and, for NotGoingToUni, gap years.
Careers Events
Throughout the school year, we are supporting students to attend a range of apprenticeship open days, expos and careers fairs to help them make informed decisions about their next steps.
Why These Events Matter
Attending apprenticeship and careers events helps students to:
Explore real-world opportunities
Build confidence speaking to employers
Understand different career sectors
Develop aspiration and motivation
Make informed decisions about Post-16 pathways
We encourage parents and carers to discuss these opportunities with their child and support them in preparing questions ahead of each event.
For more information about upcoming career activities, contact us.