Find out how to apply Learn more
Find out how to apply Learn more
Find out how to apply Learn more
“Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
At our career-focused College – we are passionate about empowering every student to secure fulfilling roles in their dream sectors. Annually, we proudly celebrate our students’ achievements as they progress into top university placements, prestigious apprenticeships, and rewarding careers.
Here, your success starts with a personalised study programme tailored to your career ambitions. With strong employer partnerships like those with East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, a dedicated support network, and enriching extracurricular activities, you’ll have unmatched opportunities to develop workplace-ready skills while contributing positively to your community.
Our commitment goes beyond academics—we strive for excellence in career development. By adhering to Gatsby benchmarks and being Matrix accredited, our Careers, Student Services, and Apprenticeship teams are here to provide the guidance and resources you need to thrive.
Your future starts here with opportunities as extraordinary as your ambitions!
Our College Careers Leader is Leyanne Fitzmaurice – leyanne.fitzmaurice@eastlancslearning.ac.uk
Apprentice can request an additional 1-2-1 meeting with their Training and Development Coach to discuss careers concerns outside the Careers Conversations and Progress Review meetings that take place normally. Trainer/Assessor can also suggest an additional meeting to the apprentice if they feel it is needed following feedback from the employer.
On request, the Careers team will give advice and help searching and applying for jobs including hints and tips on interviewing and resources to help with all aspects of getting that job.
Level 3 and above apprentices will be given information about Higher Education opportunities, including the College’s undergraduate programmes and offered a face-to-face, Teams or telephone appointment with the Careers team if additional Information Advice and Guidance is required.
Apprentices can access support from the Careers team for personalised impartial Information, Advice and Guidance to help them explore their career and progression options. Each apprentice will receive an individual action plan following their meeting outlining any steps that they may need to take to achieve their career aspirations.
The careers programme sets out the career development and employability events and activities that can be expected as a student of the College. Students benefit from a tailored study programme, aligned to their career aims, strong employer links and career development events such as Industry and Conference days.
These are further enhanced by excellent partnerships, dedicated support and an extensive extracurricular programme.
Pupils can receive information and advice about their GCSE options and post-16 opportunities. Activities are dependent on the school’s participation. For further information on activities the college delivers/supports please contact your young person’s school direct.
High Needs Students will be able to work with the local authority, and school Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), and college to prepare their career pathway, and arrange for transition as identified in their Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP).
As well as the opportunity to look around the College’s campus, explore the facilities and meet the staff who work there, participants can find out about courses, subjects and progression information from course tutors to help them to make their future choice. Members of the Careers team are available for anyone requiring Information Advice and Guidance about options and future career plans. For more information or to arrange a college tour visit, click Book a college tour.
High Needs Students can also talk to the Learning Support Team about their planned pathway and how the college can meet this.
Parent/carers are welcome to attend.
Connect events allow applicants to the college to visit their chosen course area(s) to connect with staff, students and sometimes employers. Invited participants are encouraged to try short activities, explore facilities, and get a feel for college life. A 1:1 Curriculum Connect Chat is then arranged to discuss future goals and how the course applied for can help to achieve this. The Careers team are available to give additional Information Advice and Guidance if required. For more information about Connect, visit the Connect page on our website.
For High Needs Students, the Additional Learning Support team are available to offer any specialist advice and guidance to ensure that students are supported onto the right programme that will help them to achieve their goal as specified in their EHCP.
Parents/carers can attend support briefings on areas such as travel, finance and wellbeing. They can also engage with their young person’s telephone Connect Chat.
These events allow the participants to find out about the college experience as well and take part in lessons and workshops in various subject areas. They will also receive subject-related and progression information from course tutors. They can also talk to our student support teams during the day to find out how they can help them during their time at the college.
The College’s dedicated Careers team are available to support individuals with personalised information, advice and guidance to explore their post-16 options and career aspirations and pathways.
The Academic and Technical Education Mentors are also available to give information and advice on college courses and career paths that they can lead to.
Parents and carers are welcome to attend where appropriate.
The local authority and school Special Needs Coordinator (SENCO) will work with individuals to prepare their career pathway. From this, an identified transition plan in the Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) can be arranged. These can involve bespoke tours, taster sessions and specialist advice and guidance.
Parents/carers are welcome to attend where appropriate.
Curriculum staff are available to give subject-specific and general information and advice during enrolment with support from the Careers team if any additional guidance is needed on the day.
Parents/carers are welcome to attend where appropriate
Students can access support from the Careers team for personalised impartial Information, Advice and Guidance to help them explore progression options within and beyond college, including further study, apprenticeships and employment. Each student will receive an individual action plan following their meeting outlining any steps that they may need to take to achieve their career aspirations.
Participants take part in a mock employment, apprenticeship, university or further study interview, to help them to develop their skills and build their confidence. Mock interviews can be delivered face to face or via Teams if required and can be carried out by a member of the Careers team or using interactive software including BodySwaps to help students develop vital presentation and communication skills.
Students can expect regular individual contact with their Personal Tutor and at least two 1:1 personal development reviews in terms 1 and 2 to discuss long term career goals and progress towards achieving these.
Further appointment with the Careers team can be arranged if additional Information Advice and Guidance is required.
High Needs Students will receive support from their tutor and delivery team; employability and independent living skills will be included as part of the curriculum to prepare the student for life outside college.
Students can get help and advice on how to search and apply for jobs and volunteering opportunities, including hints and tips on interviewing and resources to help with all aspects of getting that job.
Students on Technical programmes are supported in finding, applying for and completing a work placement or work experience relevant to their course. Participating in work placements and work experience helps to strengthen student’s CVs, helps them to develop practical skills, build industry connections, and enhances their confidence so that they are job-market ready when the time comes.
High Needs Students will be supported to apply for work experience that is in line with their needs, the course, and the outcomes on their EHCP. Student will be supported to make meaningful interactions with employers to ensure that they have positive experiences of the workplace to support their career aspirations.
Events and sessions providing information and advice on all aspects of apprenticeships are held regularly throughout the year. Participants in these events can find out about different levels available, what is involved and the skills, knowledge and abilities needed to successfully secure and complete an apprenticeship.
A dedicated day of activities, workshops, resources and invited speakers to help A-level students decide what to do following completion of their course.
Dedicated week of activities during the year including workshops and talks from invited speakers to help students find out information about a variety of different career opportunities including employment, apprenticeships, further study options and volunteering.
The Careers team and Learning Support team are available for additional Information Advice and Guidance.
Students on specific Technical courses are selected to participate in inter-college and industry-based skills competitions, giving them the opportunity to compete against their peers, showcase their talents, work as a team, gain feedback on their performance and meet with judges and employers. This experience develops broader skills outside their taught curriculum and builds their resilience and can be used to enhance their personal statements and CVs for their future destination.
Level 3 Year 2 students who have decided that they do not want to go to university are enrolled onto this Careers Education programme. The sessions have been designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed for these students to succeed in securing their planned destination following college, whether it is pursuing their employment or an apprenticeship or other career goal.
Level 3 year 1 students can gain information to help them to consider their options once their course is finished. Students can visit the HE Market Place where they can talk to representatives from the many university providers who have a stall there. In addition to HE providers, representatives from the large apprenticeship providers are also available for those interested in finding out more about this route.
These are designated days where students can meet employers and specialists relating to particular sectors or fields of study. The days usually include talks and workshops so that they can find out more about where their chosen area of study can lead once their course is completed.
Specially developed additional sessions designed so that relevant students can succeed in their chosen subject or field, including Psychology, Business, and Teaching.
Students on selected courses will have the opportunity to participate in events and projects that the community can participate in. The projects help them to develop their planning and organisational skills and build their confidence.
Students have the opportunity to participate in subject, industry and sector specific talks and workshops delivered by invited specialists and experts to help them explore their chosen career and possible next steps.
Students on T-level courses are supported in finding, applying for and completing a work placement or work experience relevant to their course. T-level recruitment days take place in specific subjects and feedback from employers help learners to develop their skills.
High Needs students will be supported to apply for work experience that is in line with their needs, the course, and the outcomes on their EHCP. Learners will be supported to make meaningful interactions with employers to ensure that they have positive experiences of the workplace to support their career aspirations.
All students have the opportunity to link careers to their learning through trips and visits to relevant industry related workplaces and Higher Education providers relating to their chosen curriculum area to help them to make their post course progression choice.
• Careers Induction: information on the Careers Department, resources available and how to contact the team. All students and courses.
• Your Future: Post Level 3 Options recap: refresher of planned chosen destination and how it is going to be achieved. A Level year 2 and Level 3 year 2 Technical students.
• UCAS Apply tutorial: how to apply for a university place and the process involved. A Level year 2 and Level 3 year 2 Technical students.
• Higher Education Application Support: help available to successfully apply for a Higher Education place. A Level year 2 and Level 3 year 2 Technical students.
• Next Steps Tutorial: discussions with tutors on what learners would like to do when the course has finished. Entry, Level 1 and Level 2 students.
• UCAS: What Next: discussions with tutors on what students would like to do when their course has finished. A Level year 2 and Level 3 year 2 Technical students.
• Introduction to Student Finance: information about applying for student finance to support you through Higher Education and what is involved. Additional 1-2-1 support is also available for learners who need further assistance. A Level year 2 and Level 3 year 2 Technical students.
• Introduction to Student Finance for Parents and Carers: information about how to support your young person to apply for student finance to support them through Higher Education. Parents and Carers of Level year 2 and Level 3 year 2 Technical students.
• National Apprenticeship Week: events and activities throughout the week giving information on apprenticeships, what is involved and the benefits of apprenticeships. Level 1, 2 and 3 students and courses.
• Higher Education Application Support: help available to successfully apply for a Higher Education place. A Level year 2 and Level 3 year 2 Technical students.
• National Careers Week: activities, sessions, speakers and resources designed to help you consider what your next steps after college will be and how to achieve your planned destination. All students and courses.
• Future Focus: this is our interactive careers and employability programme designed to support level 3 students who have chosen not to go on to Higher Education. Learners can find out about careers and how to develop the skills and knowledge they will need to be successful in achieving their goal. A Level year 2 and Level 3 year 2 Technical students.
• Parent University Advice Event: information on the benefits and process of applying to university and for Student Finance. A Level year 1 and Level 3 year 1 Technical students.
• Introduction to Unifrog: introduction to this e-resource and its uses in destination planning. A Level year 1 and Level 3 year 1 Technical students.
• Student Finance 1-2-1 support: additional help for learners wanting to apply for financial support to study in Higher Education. A Level year 2 and Level 3 year 2 Technical student.
• HE Awareness Day: a chance for learners to visit the HE Market Place and speak to invited university and apprenticeship providers. A Level year 1 and Level 3 year 1 Technical student.
• Your Future: Post Level 3 Options: information on things to consider and resources available to help students consider their next steps following the completion of their course. A Level year 1 and Level 3 year 1 Technical student.
• A Level, Level 3 Results Day and Clearing: information, advice and guidance for students following their results. Learners can also benefit from talking to invited universities who are on site to support this event. A Level year 2 and Level 3 year 2 Technical student.
Pupils can receive information and advice about their GCSE options and post-16 opportunities including apprenticeships. Activities are dependent on the school’s participation. For further information on activities the college delivers/supports please contact your young person’s school direct.
High Needs Students will be able to work with the local authority, and school Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO), and college to prepare their career pathway, and arrange for transition as identified in their Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP).
In these events, participants can gain information and advice on apprenticeships and what they involve. Training and Development Coaches are available to give information on all aspects of apprenticeships.
The Careers team is also available if you require Information Advice and Guidance about future career plans and how an apprenticeship could contribute to these.
Parent/carers are welcome to attend where appropriate.
Apprenticeship Connect events allow applicants to explore the college campus, visit their chosen course area and connect with staff and other apprentices. A 1:1 Apprenticeship Connect Chat is then arranged to discuss future goals and how the apprenticeship can help to achieve this.
For more information about Connect, visit the Connect page of our website.
The College’s dedicated Careers team is available to support individuals with personalised information, advice and guidance to explore career options, aspirations and pathways.
Parents and carers are welcome to attend where appropriate.
Subject/sector specific information and advice is available from the Apprenticeship Team.
Information about apprenticeships, what is involved and how to be apprenticeship ready are available through the college’s tutorial programme for current level 2 and level 3 learners who are looking to secure an apprenticeship. Subject/sector specific information and advice is also available from the Apprenticeship Team.
Events and sessions for current college students providing information and advice on all aspects of apprenticeships are held regularly throughout the year. Participants in these events can find out about different levels available, what is involved and the skills, knowledge and abilities needed to successfully secure and complete an apprenticeship.
This is a dedicated enquiries mailbox for providing information and advice on apprenticeships and what it involves. For more information, visit our College Website and look for Apprenticeships.
During this meeting apprentices develop their awareness of the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to succeed in their chosen apprenticeship field through a robust initial assessment process to establish their starting points and areas for development.
During their induction to the College, apprentices are given information relating to the Careers team, the resources that are available including Labour Market Information (LMI) and CV templates and how they can contact them to arrange personal advice and guidance meetings if they require one.
These are regular reviews held with the apprentice’s Training and Development Coach and employer at key points during their apprenticeship. The progress reviews assess their progress towards achieving any long-term career goals and aspirations.
Apprentices can be referred to the Careers team if required for a personalised information, advice and guidance chat.
This final review meeting with the apprentice is to determine their destination following the successful completion of their End Point Assessment. The review includes information and advice from Training and Development Coach and employer on the apprentice’s chosen career.
Apprentices are sign-posted to additional support from the Careers team for careers information, advice and guidance for those looking to change their career path or progress onto alternative options such as Further or Higher Education.
Selected apprentices can be invited to take part in local and national skills competitions demonstrating the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for their chosen apprenticeship. Participation in this can add to the apprentice’s experience and broaden their awareness of the sector through exposure to other apprentices and employers and will enhance their CV.
Apprentice can request an additional 1-2-1 meeting with their Training and Development Coach to discuss careers concerns outside the Careers Conversations and Progress Review meetings that take place normally. Trainer/Assessor can also suggest an additional meeting to the apprentice if they feel it is needed following feedback from the employer.
On request, the Careers team will give advice and help searching and applying for jobs including hints and tips on interviewing and resources to help with all aspects of getting that job.
Level 3 and above apprentices will be given information about Higher Education opportunities, including the College’s undergraduate programmes and offered a face-to-face, Teams or telephone appointment with the Careers team if additional Information Advice and Guidance is required.
Apprentices can access support from the Careers team for personalised impartial Information, Advice and Guidance to help them explore their career and progression options. Each apprentice will receive an individual action plan following their meeting outlining any steps that they may need to take to achieve their career aspirations.
Held regularly throughout the year, these events enable participants to find out about a wide range of courses on offer from the College, ranging from beginners’ programmes to higher-level qualifications. Staff are available to talk about the different subject areas and explain what each course involves.
For anyone requiring careers information, advice and guidance, representatives of the Careers team are also on hand during these events.
During these events, applicants are invited to attend a personal interview where they can find out about the chosen course or study area, what the course entails and how it can help them reach their academic/career goals.`
The Careers team are also available to give additional Information Advice and Guidance if required.
For selected LAL courses, applicants are invited to book and attend an interview where they can find out more about the course, what is involved and whether it is the right choice for their progression/career aspirations.
Interviews are held throughout the year at Information, Advice and Guidance events and at multiple venues.
Prospective learners applying to take a HE qualification are invited to experience what it is like to be a student, what is involved in their course and where it can lead to.
For students who are thinking of progressing onto a higher-level qualification, these talks aim to give information on courses available from the College and what is involved.
Subject, sector and course specific information and advice is available from course teachers.
Additional information, advice and guidance is also available from the Careers team on request or as required.
Personalised careers information, advice and guidance appointments are available to help individuals to choose their next steps towards achieving their academic goal or destination. Participants can access this service by dropping in during an open event or by booking an appointment; details are available here: https://lal.eastlancslearning.ac.uk/supporting-you/careers-information-advice/
During their induction and throughout the course, students will receive subject-related information on progression in their chosen field of study.
(For HE, Access to HE and LAL courses).
Students will receive regular 1:1s with the opportunity to discuss their course and future employment or progression aspirations.
(For HE, Access to HE and relevant LAL courses).
Where necessary for the course being studied, students will be supported in looking for and securing their work placement needed to achieve their academic goal. Work placements are often monitored as an indication that students are completing the requirements needed for their course to enable them to become a work-ready practitioner.
(For relevant HE and LAL courses).
Where appropriate, teachers provide meaningful encounters with employers, mock interviews and other employability skills are also developed as part of the curriculum offer.
(For HE, Access to HE and relevant LAL courses).
Students on specific technical courses are selected to participate in inter-college and industry-based skills competitions, giving them the opportunity to compete against their peers, showcase their talents, work as a team, gain feedback on their performance and meet with judges and employers. This experience develops broader skills outside their taught curriculum and builds their resilience and can be used to enhance their personal statements and CVs for their future destination.
(For relevant HE courses)
Designated days where students can meet employers and specialists relating to particular sectors or fields of study. These events usually include talks and workshops so that students can find out more about where their chosen area of study can lead once their course is completed.
(For HE, Access to HE and relevant LAL courses).
This is an annual week-long programme of activities and events for University Centre students. Participants can listen to guest speakers and attend workshops relating to their areas of study and find out more about progression into careers or further study.
The Careers team are also available to give additional Information Advice and Guidance if required.
(For HE, Access to HE and other invited students).
Where appropriate, students have the opportunity to participate in subject, industry and sector-specific talks and workshops delivered by invited specialists and experts to help them explore their chosen career and possible next steps.
(For HE, Access to HE and relevant LAL courses)
Students on affiliated HE courses will have the opportunity to visit the partner university to find out more about higher level study to help them with their post course progression choice.
For relevant LAL courses, educational trips and visits are arranged for students to find out more about future employment and progression routes to help them to make their future choices.
(For HE and Access to HE courses).
Where appropriate, Careers Advisors will carry out class visits and 1:1 guidance interviews to ensure students have opportunities to explore progression options beyond college.
(For HE, Access to HE and relevant LAL courses).
Help is available to enable learners to successfully apply for further learning or a Higher Education place.
(For Access to HE courses and relevant LAL courses)
In addition to the activities above, ad hoc employer activities, university visits and speakers are included within the programme dependant on availability and course level.
Please note this programme may be subject to change.
We know that thinking about what to do after school and college can be difficult, and supporting young people through that decision can be just as tough. We also know that employers need as much information as possible to guide them in their recruitment journey to ensure they safeguard their future workforce. That’s why we have pulled these sections together, providing you with as much detail as possible as to what is available to support you in your career journey, whatever that may be.
Thinking about what you want to do after College can be difficult, and our expert team of advisors are here to help each individual on their journey. Whether you’re unsure of your options, want to know more about different careers or need guidance preparing for your next step, our Careers Zone team can provide you with the tailored support you need.
You can talk to our expert team about:
Our expert team can also provide information on the local jobs market (Labour Market Information LMI) to help you research your chosen career path and make informed choices. Our online resources provide information on different job roles, what qualifications and skills they require, and what prospects and salaries you can expect.
As a Parent, Guardian or Carer, you have a vested interest that your young person is making the right decisions for about their future career. Choosing a career can sometimes seem overwhelming so that’s why it’s important for you to know that at Nelson and Colne College, we have a dedicated team of expert advisors that are here to help and support each student on their journey. All students are given the opportunity to receive a 1:1 careers information, advice and guidance appointment, in addition to the support on their course from curriculum tutors and industry experts.
Students have access to a range of services such as:
Plus, students will also gain an insight and understanding of Labour Market Information (LMI). You can find more information on LMI and how this can benefit students in choosing their future career path below.
You may find the following websites below when supporting your child with their future career choices
UCAS Parents and Guardian Guide
Our Careers Programme involves a range of different activities to inform and prepare our young people for the world of work. These include:
We are keen for parents, guardians and carers to contribute to our Careers Programme by sharing their skills and knowledge or through links from their own employment or self-employment. If you are interested in getting involved, please get in touch by contacting 01282 440259 or email careers@eastlancslearning.ac.uk. Alternatively fill in the online enquiry form and a member of the team will contact you.
Our expert curriculum and careers teams work with young people to prepare them for the world of work. Employers play a key role in supporting our Careers Programme by helping to develop student’s understanding of the workplace, explore potential future careers and improve their work-ready skills. This is done in a variety of ways including:
As an employer, you may be looking to take on a work experience student, an Apprentice, or even need support with a project and would like students to be involved. There are many benefits to taking on young people for work placement and other opportunities.
These include:
If you are interested in offering a work experience placement to one of our students, please email the Work Experience team WEX@eastlancslearning.ac.uk
We also offer employers the opportunity to advertise any local part-time job vacancies or volunteering opportunities.
If you are interested in contributing to our Careers Programme or have an opportunity you’d like to tell us about for our students, please get in touch by contacting 01282 440259 or email careers@eastlancslearning.ac.uk.
Labour Market Information (LMI) is a useful tool to help research future jobs in the local area, understand the skills needed for certain roles and the demand for future employment.
LMI helps to break down the complex ‘world of work’– ranging from descriptions of different careers, their entry routes, promotional prospects, salaries paid, skills and qualifications needed, etc. Crucially for young people, LMI also covers future demand – what kinds of jobs will be in demand after leaving school and what kinds of skills will be needed.
It is vital, in an environment where new industries are emerging and many of the most important jobs of the future don’t yet exist, that individuals have access to high-quality labour market information and earnings data to underpin their choices.
We have sourced some links and resources for you to explore Labour Market Information both locally and nationally.
Look at jobs in demand in Lancashire, as well as profiles and job matches
Reports and presentations on specific areas of Lancashire
https://www.lancashireskillshub.co.uk/our-people/evidence-base/
Compare the Labour Market by region, job type and company
https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/salaries/labour-market
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