St Columbanus' College

Careers

Welcome to the Careers Department at St Columbanus’ College. We believe that informed decisions are the foundation of future success. Our department provides a continuous roadmap of support for all year groups, through our Careers, Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme, focusing on:

Self-Discovery: Identifying individual abilities, personalities, and interests through the use of the unifrog platform.
Informed Choice: Expert guidance during key transition points in Years 10, 12, and 14.
Diverse Pathways: Preparing students for Higher Education, Further Education, Apprenticeships, and direct entry into the workforce.

People don’t choose their careers; they are engulfed by them.

John Dos Passos

Everyone should experience defeat at least once during their career. You will learn from it.

Lou Holtz

To be successful, the first thing to do is to fall in love with your work.”

Sister Mary Lauretta

CAREERS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

This year in our College, we are focusing on raising awareness across a variety of sectors and a range of career pathways. We aim to do this by highlighting different career roles and pathways each month.

Students in Years 8 – 10 will have the opportunity to explore these pathways during their timetabled Employability classes, while senior pupils will gather information and explore pathways in PD classes.

Networking

Industry Partnerships & Employer Networking

At St Columbanus’ College, we bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work by maintaining strong links with industry leaders. We are particularly proud of our ongoing networking initiatives with Radius Housing and Northstone, providing our students with unique insights into the construction, housing, and civil engineering sectors.

Help us shape the next generation! We are looking for employers to support our students through:

Career talks & workshops
Work experience placements
"Day-in-the-life" insights

If you can offer your time or expertise, please fill out our survey LINK. Thank you for supporting our growing employer network!

Radius Housing: Building Future Pathways

Our partnership with Radius Housing goes beyond simple career talks. Through the Radius Schools Partnership Programme, students engage in:

Skill-Building Workshops: Focused on CV building, personal branding, and interview techniques led by industry professionals.
Industry Perspectives: "Day in the Life" presentations that showcase the diversity of roles within the housing sector—from property management and community development to finance and IT.
Social Impact: Learning how business and housing associations contribute to building stable, inclusive communities across Northern Ireland.

Northstone

Working with Northstone (NI) Limited—one of the UK’s leading construction and materials groups—allows our KS4 students to explore the vast opportunities within civil engineering and infrastructure. This collaboration highlights:

Technical Career Paths: Exposure to roles in site engineering, quarry operations, and sustainable materials production.
Apprenticeship & Graduate Insight: Direct access to information regarding the Northstone Graduate Development Programme and Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs), perfect for students looking to "earn as they learn."
Sustainability in Action: Understanding how major contractors are innovating to meet modern environmental and safety standards.

Visitors: Bringing the World of Work to the Classroom

We believe that the best way to prepare for the future is to experience it today. Our visitors' programme brings industry experts, academic leaders, and entrepreneurial challenges directly to our students.

A Day in the Life: Industry Insights

We host professionals from diverse sectors—including our partners at Radius Housing to share "A Day in the Life" sessions.

These talks provide an unfiltered look at:

Daily responsibilities and workplace culture.
The essential skills and qualifications needed for specific roles.
The "hidden" career paths within large organizations.

HE/FE Roadshows & College Talks

Navigating the transition to Higher (HE) or Further Education (FE) can be daunting. To support our Year 12 and Year 14 pupils, we host:

University Roadshows: Representatives from top universities across the UK and Ireland visit the College to discuss course options, campus life, and the UCAS application process.
FE College Workshops: Local colleges provide detailed guidance on vocational paths, Level 3 diplomas, and Higher Level Apprenticeships.
Student Finance & Life Sessions: Practical advice on budgeting, moving away from home, and making the most of the first year at university.

Young Enterprise: Learning by Doing

Our collaboration with Young Enterprise empowers students to develop an "entrepreneurial mindset." Through hands-on programmes like Company Programme and Learn to Earn, students:

Launch Real Businesses: Work in teams to research, brand, and trade their own products.
Develop Soft Skills: Build resilience, leadership, and financial literacy through practical challenges.
Network with Mentors: Gain direct feedback from business volunteers who help bridge the gap between education and employment.

Careers Information

St.Columbanus’ College has a progressive CEIAG programme from KS3 up to Sixth form. The Careers Department also uses expert support from the Northern Ireland Careers Service, F.E. Colleges and Universities, local businesses and parents to enrich provision.

Key Stage 3

Years 8-10

The Foundation of Future Success

At St Columbanus’ College, the Junior School years are for discovery. Our Personal Career Planning Process is designed to start to allow students to journey from self-awareness to confident decision-making.

Self-Discovery & Assessment

Our programme is a focus on the individual. Through structured self-assessment exercises, pupils evaluate their unique profile, gaining a clear understanding of:

Personal Strengths: Identifying what they excel at.
Areas for Growth: Understanding where they can develop new skills.
Interests & Passions: Aligning their hobbies and curiosities with potential career paths.

Enterprise & Innovation: Learning by Doing

We believe in "hands-on" learning to spark creativity and ambition. Our partnership with Young Enterprise introduces students to the business world through high-energy programmes:

"Step Up": Encouraging students to take the first step in understanding how their skills translate to the workplace.
"Blast Off": A fast-paced introduction to entrepreneurship and the mechanics of running a business.

Informed Decision Making (Year 10)

Year 10 is a pivotal transition year. We ensure no student makes a choice in isolation:

The Decision-Making Module: A dedicated curriculum unit that teaches students how to choose, rather than just what to choose.
Impartial Expert Guidance: Provided by our Careers Adviser, providing information and guidance during the induction days.

Year 10 Options

Click HERE to view the College’s Careers Guidance for choosing GCSE options.

As you begin to choose your GCSE subjects, it is important to look beyond the classroom and consider Labour Market Information (LMI).

What is LMI?

LMI is data about the world of work. It tells us which industries are growing, what skills employers are looking for, and where the jobs will be by the time you leave education.

Skills Barometer (click HERE)

In Northern Ireland, the Department for the Economy publishes the Skills Barometer. It identifies specific skills gaps; these are areas where our economy needs more qualified people.

Using the Skills Barometer for your GCSE choices is important because:

Future-Proofing: It helps you identify growth sectors like Cyber Security, Agri-Food, and Advanced Manufacturing.
Informed Decisions: You can see which subjects lead to high-demand careers
Strategic Planning: Some career paths require specific "building block" subjects at GCSE to progress to A-Level or University. For example: Civil engineering requires Maths A-Level or Primary Teaching requires science at GCSE.

This is an essential tool in ensuring your option choices line up with potential career opportunities in the future.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/careers

“The best career advice given to the young is: Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it.”

Katherine Whitethorn

Other relevant sources of advice for choosing subjects:

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/subject-choices-year-10

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/forms/year-10-subject-choices-quiz

General link to Careers A – Z

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/career-z-list

Key Stage 4

Year 11

Key Stage 4: Professional Development & Action Planning

In Years 11 and 12, students transition from exploration to active preparation. Our goal is to equip every pupil with the practical experience and professional networks required to succeed in a competitive global economy.

Year 11: Professional Immersion & Skill Building

Year 11 marks a significant step forward as students begin to test their career theories in real-world settings.

Action Planning: Building on the foundations laid in Year 8, students refine their Personal Career Plans. We focus on the "twin demands" of the labour market—helping students align their personal interests with the actual skills currently sought by employers.
Financial Capability & Enterprise: Students complete a module on Financial Capability, learning the vital link between education and future financial independence. This is complemented by Young Enterprise activities that foster an entrepreneurial spirit.

Year 12: Transition & Strategic Choice

The final year of Key Stage 4 is dedicated to securing the best possible "Next Step" for every student.

One-to-One Career Consultations: Every Year 12 student receives an individual guidance interview with our Careers Adviser. This impartial, professional consultation ensures that post-16 choices are carefully reviewed and evidence-based.
The Digital Careers Hub: Our Year 12 Unifrog platform provides 24/7 access to:

Virtual Work Experience: Remote opportunities with global firms.
Application Toolkits: Support for college, training, and apprenticeship applications.
Course Directories: Detailed information on all available post-16 pathways

Click HERE to view the College’s Careers Guidance for choosing Post-16 options

video link https://youtu.be/mAFtxMcID-4?si=FTxN6EmG3_u6nh0x

Post 16

Years 13 & 14

In the Sixth Form, our focus shifts toward specialised transition. We build upon the foundations of Key Stage 4 to ensure students are ready for the global stage, whether through Higher Education, Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs), or direct entry into the workforce.

Navigating Post-18 Pathways

Preparation for life after St Columbanus’ is intensive and highly personalised. Our Post-16 programme includes:

Guest speakers: from Higher Education and Further Education establishments ie. Belfast MET, SERC, CITB and Work+
The UCAS Journey: Expert guidance through the university application process, personal statement workshops, and interview preparation.
Higher & Degree Apprenticeships: Support for students seeking competitive paths that blend professional work with degree-level study through work+ .
University Roadshows: We are pleased to host the University Roadshow in September, offering students direct access to admissions teams from across the UK and Ireland.
Careers Fairs: Students are encouraged to engage with industry at major events, open days, Higher Level Apprenticeship fair at Regent house (Nov) and local HE/FE exhibitions.

An Enterprise Mindset: Innovation & Risk

Enterprise education is a cornerstone of our Sixth Form experience. We believe a "can-do" mindset is essential for economic and personal success. Through our partnership with Young Enterprise, students engage in workshops that simulate the high-stakes world of business.

Innovation & Risk Management: Learning to navigate change and make data-driven decisions. Business Mechanics: Practical experience in budgeting, operations, and leadership. Employability Excellence: Refining the "Power Skills" that employers demand: communication, resilience, and complex problem-solving.

Forging the Link: Learning, Earning, and Working

The Careers Department is a forward-thinking hub that bridges the gap between the classroom and the global economy. Our philosophy is built on three pillars:

Learning THROUGH Work: Gaining real-world insights through placements and guest speaker sessions.

Learning ABOUT Work: Understanding market trends, labour demands, and the reality of modern industries.

Learning FOR Work: Developing the qualifications and professional etiquette required to thrive in any career.

Information

Careers Staff

he department is led by a dedicated team of educators and external professionals:

Head of Department: Mrs. L. Fegan
Professional Guidance: Kathy Dutton

We are supported by a designated Careers Adviser from the Northern Ireland Careers Service, ensuring our students receive the most up-to-date, impartial advice.