Parent/Carer Careers Hub

“80.75% of students say their parents help them to make key careers decisions“

Being a parent is a juggling act and knowing everything about careers on top of everything else? Don’t panic, there’s some great websites out there that provide all of the answers.

A career conversation with your child can make a big difference and sharing your own story can help. You possibly have some contacts who could offer a work experience, or provide some feedback on a CV for example. Below are some common problems that parents face when trying to support their young person in their career decisions and some support for you. 

How do I approach a conversation with them about their careers?

#1: Timings: Don’t force the issue

Rather than bringing up the topic of possible future career options when you think it’s most timely (for example in the run-up to important exams or on results day), gauge your child’s openness to discussing the topic before launching into a conversation.

If your child appears engaged and open, then try starting a conversation. If it’s clear they don’t want to talk, leave the discussion you want to have for another time and focus on what you think will get them talking – a sport for example, or some music they like. Once you’ve got a conversation going, try again.

#2 Obstacles (and observations): Consider what obstacles might be getting in the way

Often young people are not able to actively listen or contribute to a conversation around future career options when they are distracted or worried about something else. From them not answering back, or doing so with one-answer sentences, to not listening, being silent or even their posture, these are all signs that as a parent it’s worth being mindful of.

If you do spot any of these signs, the best approach is to recognise these emotions and acknowledge them, rather than try to fix or ignore them. Next time this happens, these acknowledgements can often help: ‘I see you’re worried, can I help?’ / ‘Let’s discuss another time when things are less stressful and difficult for you’.#3

#3 Passions: Focus on their passions rather than practicality

Young people’s brains are wired for reward, and often end-up doing great things if the payoff is worth it in their minds. So, to engage them on what their future career options could be, focus on identifying what they are most passionate about and what truly makes them tick. Following their passions as they grow up, means that you can keep regular conversations going. Good conversation starters include:

What subject are you most enjoying?

What project were you most excited about doing at school?
Are there careers you feel really passionate about?
When you think about a career that captures your interest?
What sorts of things do you most love doing?
What kind of people do you want to work with?

#4 Two-way communication: Learn to listen more than talk

As much as it may go against your instincts, try and withhold any opinions or ideas you may have when you and your child have conversations with regards to future career options. Be open to all ideas and recognise their career aspirations may change over time. The best way forward is to listen and not to judge. And if you don’t understand their goals, do your research and learn about it. Let them know you’ll support them in finding out more about what options are available to them, and what is needed to get into a certain career – from talking to family, people within your wider network, as well as schools and colleges. It may take a few conversations to be on the same page, but the key thing to remember is that this should be done collaboratively – from identifying together what the next steps are and the outcome that you both want.

#5 Ideas & Positivity: Continue to be interested

Above all, it’s so important to have open and regular conversations with teenagers and give them the opportunity to be completely honest about what they want to do with their lives. By listening to your child and educating yourself on the career choices they’re making, you can understand and support them.

There is no one solution, but there are things you can do that will help with the journey – from being prepared to come up with different ideas for conversation; getting comfortable with inevitable uncomfortable periods of silence; pay attention to how you are responding to the situation (are you tense or relaxed?); be open to not being judgmental; take away the pressure on yourself to fix the situation; and – importantly – remain positive about finding the right way to pursue a conversation with your child about their goals and aspirations when they are ready.

Further support in approaching these conversations can be found on the Talking Futures Toolkit for Parents Website. It will help guide you to have a constructive conversation with your child about their career. - https://www.talkingfutures.org.uk/ 

How can I help them decide what pathway to take if I don’t understand the pathways?

It  is likely your young person will have some understanding of career pathways and it may be useful to get them to explain it to you, this conversation alone could help them to consolidate their own decisions. However, if you are keen to find out more about the different pathways then this is a useful website to help explain them - https://www.talkingfutures.org.uk/pathways/ 

Key staff

For information about how parents, students, teachers and employers may access more information about our careers programme, please contact Assistant Headteacher and Careers Leader: Mr J Shelley.

Telephone: 01895 464 064 Email: office@ruisliphigh.org.uk 

We also have an Independent Careers Adviser: Mrs Neldrett (Education Development Trust).

Mrs Neldrett is in school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to support students from all year groups with one to one independent and impartial advice and guidance regarding their future career and further education options. Should you wish to book a careers appointment, please contact your child’s form tutor in the first instance.

Please see below for the details of the careers programme for each key stage, useful documents to help you make career choices, and useful websites.

Useful websites:
Ruislip High School’s One Stop Shop for Post-16 Option Choices: https://sites.google.com/ruisliphigh.org.uk/post-16/home
This site has been custom-made for Ruislip High students and parents, to help them explore post-16 options and make informed choices. You will need your Ruislip High School email to log in. 

Unifrog: https://www.unifrog.org/
The world’s biggest database of post-16 and post-18 opportunities, as well as a one-stop-shop where students can easily explore their interests, then find and successfully apply for their chosen pathway after school.

Careermap: https://careermap.co.uk/career-advice/careermag/for-parents-guardians
Careermap offers a complete guide to apprenticeships, courses and university opportunities along with useful articles offering education and career advice. It has separate magazines for students and parents.

The Buzz Quiz: https://icould.com/buzz-quiz/
This quick quiz helps students work out which careers might suit them in the future.

London Labour Market Information: https://london-lmi.startprofile.com/page/home-page
This website shows you where future jobs and career pathways are being created across London, as well as how to qualify and apply for these.

UCAS: https://www.ucas.com
Use this site to explore all university courses available and find out what their entry requirements are, and how to apply.

Find an apprenticeship: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch
This is the government database for all current apprenticeship vacancies.

School Leaver Programmes: https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/jobs/school-leaver-programmes
Use this site to see which companies are offering higher and degree level apprenticeships. 

Hillingdon Post-16 Prospectus 2022-23: https://indd.adobe.com/embed/431c8ff6-7239-478d-95d7-90cd0619373b?startpage=1&allowFullscreen=true
This online prospectus contains details of the post-16 providers in Hillingdon.

National Careers Service: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
This service provides careers information, advice and guidance and can help you to make decisions on learning, training and work at all stages in your career.

LMI For All

Use this tool to compare jobs in terms of their average pay, future availability and much more.