Careers and Work Experience
Careers education is a huge part of what we do at Millbay Academy because it helps every student understand their strengths, explore future pathways and feel confident about the choices ahead of them. As students move through school, having clear guidance becomes increasingly important, which is why we have a designated Careers Team who provide personalised support, high‑quality advice and meaningful opportunities to learn about further education, apprenticeships and the world of work. Their role is to ensure every student is informed, inspired and fully prepared for their next steps.
Career Leaders
Charlie Wells - Creative Industries Technician and Careers Leader
Fiona Pratten - Safeguarding Staff and Careers Leader
Millbay Academy Careers education is carefully designed to support every pupil in developing the knowledge, skills and aspirations they need for their future. Our programme is fully aligned with the national framework for high-quality careers guidance, known as the Gatsby Benchmarks, which are outlined below:
Careers Education
Careers education at Millbay Academy is delivered to all students from Year 7 to Year 11 through our Personal Development curriculum, alongside a wide range of enrichment opportunities. Our programme is carefully structured to provide a progressive journey that develops students’ aspirations, knowledge of future pathways, and key employability skills.
Key Stage 3
In Key Stage 3, the focus is on introducing students to the world of work, raising aspirations, and helping them explore their interests.
Year 7: Students begin to explore careers through enrichment activities, employer encounters, and applied learning opportunities that highlight key roles and industries.
Year 8: Students build their understanding of different employment sectors and begin to explore labour market information, helping them identify future opportunities and pathways.
Year 9: Students focus on developing employability skills and begin to make informed decisions about their future pathways. They are supported through the options process and have opportunities to explore university and career pathways through visits and careers-focused activities.
Key Stage 4
In Key Stage 4, careers education becomes more personalised and focused on progression and post-16 pathways.
Year 10: The emphasis is on employability skills and preparation for the workplace. All students complete a work experience placement, providing valuable insight into different industries and helping them develop confidence and workplace skills.
Year 11: Students receive targeted support to help them make informed post-16 decisions. This includes engagement with further education providers, apprenticeship opportunities, and careers events, alongside personalised guidance to support their next steps.
Our Careers Ethos
Careers Enrichment
In addition to the taught curriculum, Millbay Academy offers a wide range of career enrichment opportunities. These include:
Careers Information
Students have access to high-quality, up-to-date careers information through dedicated careers resources, online platforms such as Unifrog, and support within school. This ensures they are well informed about academic, technical, and apprenticeship pathways.
Careers Advice and Guidance
Careers advice and guidance is an ongoing process at Millbay Academy. All students have access to impartial and personalised support, including one-to-one guidance interviews at key transition points. Independent advisers work in partnership with the school to ensure students receive accurate, unbiased advice tailored to their individual needs and aspirations.
Work Experience
Work experience is a key part of the careers programme. All Year 10 students complete a placement with an employer, enabling them to develop essential employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience, while gaining real insight into the workplace.
Please follow the link below to our Work Experience Information page. Year 10 work experience will take place from 21st–23rd July 2026. All placements must be secured and approved at least three weeks before the start date.
We strongly encourage students to begin contacting businesses as early as possible. Placements are highly competitive and starting early gives you the best chance of securing an opportunity that truly aligns with your interests and future career goals.
Partnerships
Millbay Academy works in close partnership with a wide range of employers, education providers, and training organisations. These partnerships provide meaningful encounters and real-world experiences, helping students to understand career pathways and make ambitious, informed decisions about their future.
