High praise for City College Plymouth’s careers provision

Following a rigorous assessment, the College has achieved 100% in all of the eight areas that are assessed against the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance. These eight benchmarks have been adopted by the Government as a framework for providing a high-quality careers provision.

The areas covered by the Gatsby benchmarks include addressing the needs of individual students, encounters with industry speakers, exposure to opportunities available through additional further education or university-level study, and a curriculum that is carefully linked to careers. 

Nicky Henderson, Senior Enterprise Co-ordinator at Heart of the South West Careers Hub, who carried out the assessment of the College’s careers provision, said:

“City College Plymouth has worked really hard over the past two years to embed careers across all areas of the College. 

“It is obvious that the drive to ensure that every student is able to identify their best next step is now a focus that is fully supported by the Senior Leadership Team – Gatsby can only be achieved when this is the case. 

“A special mention must go to Sarah Sinclair who has been instrumental in delivering a comprehensive careers strategy, which sets out the blueprint for how this whole college approach can be built upon going forward. I look forward to seeing how this develops over the next academic year. Great job!”

According to a report compiled by The Careers and Enterprise Company in 2020, the average number of benchmarks achieved by schools and colleges across the UK was 3.7, with City College Plymouth achieving 100% in all eight.

Some of the highlights mentioned included access to inspirational speakers such as West End make-up artists for hair and beauty students, virtual work experience opportunities offered during the pandemic, and the College’s recently developed Transforming Futures Strategic Action.

City College Plymouth Careers Coordinator, Sarah Sinclair, said:

“It was incredible to hear we had achieved 100% in all eight benchmarks: this is testament to the team we have here, who go above and beyond for our students to ensure they are on path to their perfect career.

“The team works very hard to treat every student we see as an individual, but we are also fortunate that the College enjoys a cross-College approach to careers provision: something that truly benefits our students and their futures.”

Such an achievement is pleasing for the College, as a successful careers provision is part of its strategic action that focuses on developing a high-quality, careers-led curriculum that ultimately builds better futures for all. 

In addition to being one of a handful of colleges to receive 100% in all eight areas, the College’s Careers service was also awarded Matrix Standard accreditation in 2020.