MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FIRST TERM: EXPLORE YOUR NEXT STEPS WITH THE CAREERS TEAM
23.10.2025As we approach the end of the first half term, students from across Years 12 and 13 have settled into their studies and are thinking about their next steps after College. In the next instalment of our series ‘making the most of your first term’, we’re looking at the College’s Careers service – and how our experienced team supports students to progress to their dream next steps, be that university, an apprenticeship, or the world of work.
Here at HNC the College has a dedicated Careers team who work with students to support progression and help them to determine the right next steps. Supporting students to be career ready forms a key part of HNC’s Experience Blueprint, and there are a number of ways the team can help. Below, we share our top five reasons for taking advantage of the support and expertise on offer here at HNC.
Develop a vision for the future
HNC’s Careers team aims to support students to progress to their next steps with confidence, whatever those next steps may be. Whether students have a clear vision for the future, or whether they are unsure of which career to aim for, the team is on hand to share their expertise and guidance. For many, the broad range of career options open to them post-18 are so varied, it can be tricky to narrow down. We encourage all students at HNC to access the in-house support so that they can be confident that they are progressing to the right next step for them.
Receive bespoke advice and support
The College’s Careers team consists of two Careers Advisors and a Work Experience Officer, who are available to speak to throughout the academic year. One to one appointments are designed to support individual students to plan for their next steps, and the sessions are all as unique as the ambitions our students are aiming for. Students can book multiple sessions, and the Careers team will follow up on any advice shared. After each appointment, CEDAR will be updated with a full action plan – with the added benefit that parents/carers can see what has been discussed so that the conversation can continue at home.
Understand the opportunities available
Whilst the majority of HNC students choose to progress to university once they have completed their Level 3 studies, this is not the only option available to students post-18. Our Careers team are knowledgeable in all areas of progression, whether that’s university, apprenticeships, gap years, voluntary work or moving straight into the world of work. Each progression route requires a different approach and careful preparation, and the team can ensure that students on the right track to secure their vision.
Secure meaningful work experience that supports future progression plans
The College’s Work Experience Officer is here to ensure that students are supported to seek and secure meaningful work experience that can help them to stand out from the crowd and develop essential career ready skills. Whilst the College works with a number of local organisations and advertises regular work experience opportunities (please see the Careers Teams channel for further information), we encourage students to proactively approach local employers. Our Work Experience Officer can meet with students at one of the weekly drop-in sessions to support students to create a CV and provide networking advice. We also work with students to run mock interviews, so that students can build key communication skills and confidence ahead of taking part in their first interviews.
Attend careers fairs and develop networking skills
At the end of Year 12, the Careers team hosts a large careers event. This is a whole College event that sees students meet and network with over 100 different universities, employers, and apprenticeship providers, as well as being invited to attend a wide range of talks, panels and workshops from across different sectors and industries. This brilliant event provides students with plenty of opportunities to explore their options ahead of completing their UCAS and apprenticeship applications – as well as encouraging students to develop their networking and communication skills!
Catherine Cushnie, Assistant Principal, shares more “ensuring that students are career ready and excited for their next steps is a key constituent of the HNC Experience Blueprint. Our experienced Careers team share their knowledge through a variety of one to one appointments, opportunities and events that students can engage with throughout the year, so that by the time they’ve completed their Level 3 studies, they are confident that they have chosen the right next steps for them, whether that’s university, an apprenticeship, the world of work – or something else entirely! I would encourage all students to make an appointment so that they can start to plan how they will secure their dream vision for the future”.
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