Who we support

Secondary school teachers

Welcome to My Choice Swansea, a resource designed to support secondary school teachers in guiding students through the complex landscape of career education and future education pathways. Our platform is here to help you provide students with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to make informed decisions about their futures after school.

Supporting Teachers in Career and Pathways Education

As a secondary school teacher, you play a crucial role in helping students navigate the many possibilities that lie ahead after they finish school. My Choice Swansea is here to make that process easier by providing you with a wide array of resources and support to guide students through their career and education choices.

Connecting Students with Local Businesses

One of the best ways to prepare students for their future is by connecting them with local businesses and industry professionals. Through My Choice Swansea, you can access a network of businesses willing to offer a range of meaningful ways for students to explore potential careers firsthand. These real-world connections help students understand how their school subjects relate to future professions and inspire them to think beyond the classroom.

Exploring Post-School Pathways

The transition from school to further education or the workforce can be daunting for students. My Choice Swansea is dedicated to helping secondary school teachers provide students with the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on post-school education pathways. Whether your students are considering further education, vocational training, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce, our platform has detailed information on all available routes.

Guiding Students through the Decision-Making Process

Choosing the right educational pathway after school can be overwhelming, but My Choice Swansea provides the tools to help guide students through this process. We offer access to:

Career Exploration Tools: Help students understand different careers and the skills they need to pursue them.
Sixth form, college and work-based learning: Provide detailed information about local providers, including courses, entry requirements, and career prospects.
Work Experience and Volunteering Opportunities: Support students in gaining practical experience that will enhance their employability and broaden their understanding of career choices.

At My Choice Swansea, we are committed to ensuring that every secondary school student has the resources and guidance they need to make confident, well-informed decisions about their future. Together, we can inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, professionals, and innovators!

Resources

Careers Wales – Toolkit and toolboxhttps://careerswales.gov.wales/education-and-teaching-professionals/careers-in-the-curriculum/toolkit
Careers Wales – Career Match Quiz https://careerswales.gov.wales/career-match-quiz
Careers Wales – Future Jobs Wales – Southwest Wales https://careerswales.gov.wales/future-jobs-wales/jobs-in-south-west-wales
Careers Wales – Secondary school resources https://careerswales.gov.wales/education-and-teaching-professionals/teaching-and-learning-resources
Go Construct – https://www.goconstruct.org/
Qualifications Wales – Exams and assessment 2024 – 2025 https://qualifications.wales/exams-and-assessments-2024-2025/
Welsh Government – Power up https://hwb.gov.wales/resources/power-up
Mind Cymru – https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/mind-cymru-mind-in-wales/

What resources and support are available to help me deliver effective careers education?

Careers Wales provides free lesson plans, online tools, labour market information, and support for embedding the Careers and Work-Related Experiences (CWRE) framework across the curriculum. Your school’s designated Careers Adviser or CWRE Coordinator can also support you in planning activities, trips, and employer engagement opportunities.

How can I support students who are unsure about their future?

Encourage exploration rather than pressure to have all the answers. Help students identify their interests and strengths, and introduce them to the wide range of options available. Tools like Careers Wales’ “Career Match” and “Job Information” pages are great for starting these conversations and building confidence.

What if students ask me about pathways I’m not familiar with?

You’re not expected to know every detail about every career or qualification. Signpost students to reliable sources like the Careers Wales website or suggest they speak to your school’s Careers Adviser. You can also invite guest speakers or attend training sessions to boost your own knowledge of post-16 and post-18 options.

How can I embed careers learning into my subject?

You can integrate career learning through lesson content, examples of real-world applications, or by discussing how your subject relates to specific industries. For instance, linking maths to finance roles, or science to environmental careers. Careers Wales offers ready-made resources and examples to help with subject-specific links.

What role do secondary school teachers play in careers education?

Every teacher has a part to play in preparing students for the world beyond school. By linking your subject to real-life careers, highlighting transferable skills, and encouraging aspiration, you help students see how their learning connects to future opportunities. You’re also often a trusted adult students turn to for advice, so your awareness of pathways is invaluable.

Who we support

Contact us

We are very proud of Olchfa School and its ethos of achievement, excellence and care. We would love you to visit us and see for yourself what the school offers.