In this blog we explain the Gatsby Benchmarks, how they have influenced Government strategy for careers guidance and how Working Options programmes are helping sixth form colleges to deliver against the benchmarks.
What are the Gatsby Benchmarks?
A report published earlier this year set out what career guidance in England’s schools and colleges should look like going forward. The Gatsby benchmarks – there are eight in total – have a key role to play in:
How is Working Options helping schools and sixth form colleges to deliver the Gatsby benchmarks?
The Gatsby Benchmarks already closely reflect what Working Options is doing through our careers education programme in sixth form colleges. Below we show how we’re delivering on each.
| Gatsby Benchmark | How Working Options supports the benchmark |
| 1. Schools and colleges should offer a stable, structured careers programme | This is for colleges to develop but we can offer advice. |
| 2. Students and parents to learn from careers and labour market information | We offer some signposting through our Student Zone |
| 3. Careers programmes should address the needs of each student | Our Insights from Industry sessions provide a range of volunteer speakers (different levels of seniority and function) catering for a wide audience and always challenging stereotypical thinking. |
| 4. Curriculum should make links with careers | Our volunteer speakers share their career journeys to help students see how their learning is relevant and how it will help them in the workplace. |
| 5. Multiple ‘valid’ encounters for students with employers and employees | Our Insights from Industry sessions provide a two-hour encounter with a range of volunteer speakers where the student learns about what work is like and what it takes to become successful in the workplace. Sessions include networking time. |
| 6. First hand student experiences of workplaces | We don’t currently offer this, but it’s in development. |
| 7. Encounters with range of further and higher education providers to understand options | Outside our area of expertise. We do provide some information on education options after sixth form via our Student Zone |
| 8. Personal guidance interview opportunities for students | Outside our area of expertise. |
Schools and colleges have a big task on their hands to get careers education right and meet the standards expected. The more help they can get from employers to succeed the better.
