0
How to Apply

Careers

MENU
CLOSE
Go Back

CAREERS

This page sets out how Macclesfield College delivers careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in line with statutory guidance and the updated Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance (2024).

At a glance: Careers ADVICE at Macclesfield College

  • A planned and published careers programme for all students
  • Access to impartial, one-to-one careers guidance from qualified advisers
  • Careers learning embedded across all curriculum areas
  • Regular employer engagement and meaningful work-related experiences
  • Clear use of labour market information to support decision-making
  • Targeted and inclusive support for all learners, including SEND and vulnerable groups
  • Robust evaluation using destination data, Compass and quality assurance processes

Macclesfield College careers programme 2025-2026

Careers Leader: Seb Catania
Careers Lead / Head of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)

Careers Link Governor: Rachael Charlton

Contact Email: info@macclesfield.ac.uk

Macclesfield College is committed to delivering a stable, high-quality and inclusive careers programme that supports all students to achieve positive progression outcomes into employment, apprenticeships, further or higher education, or training.

The Careers Programme is designed in line with the updated Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance (2024) and is underpinned by the College’s Matrix-accredited CEIAG service. Careers education is embedded as a core element of every learner’s journey, regardless of programme, level or starting point.

Key features of the programme include:

  • A planned and published careers programme accessible to students, parents/carers, staff and employers
  • Access to impartial, one-to-one careers guidance from suitably qualified advisers
  • Embedded careers learning within curriculum areas
  • Regular employer engagement and meaningful encounters with workplaces
  • Use of current Labour Market Information (LMI) to inform decision-making
  • Targeted support for vulnerable learners and those with SEND

The programme supports students to: –

  • Understand their skills, strengths and aspirations
  • Explore a wide range of progression pathways
  • Develop employability skills valued by employers
  • Make informed and realistic career decisions

The Careers Programme is accessible through multiple channels:

  • Students
    • Careers education embedded in curriculum delivery
    • Tutorials and PASS programme
    • One-to-one careers guidance appointments
    • Careers events, employer talks and progression activities
  • Parents and Carers
    • Information shared at enrolment, open events and parents’ evenings
    • Access to careers information via the College website
    • Opportunities to engage with careers staff at key transition points
  • Staff
    • Curriculum resources linking learning to careers
    • Access to LMI and progression information
    • Staff development focused on careers education and Gatsby Benchmarks

The Careers Programme is published on the College website and reviewed annually to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Macclesfield College’s Careers Programme aligns fully with the eight updated Gatsby Benchmarks:

  1. A Stable Careers Programme
    A structured and well-communicated programme, supported by senior leaders and governors, with clear learning outcomes and regular evaluation.

  2. Learning from Career and Labour Market Information
    Learners, parents/carers and staff have access to up-to-date LMI to support informed career choices.

  3. Addressing the Needs of Each Young Person
    Careers provision is personalised and inclusive, using aspiration and destination data to target support, particularly for vulnerable learners and those with SEND.

  4. Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
    Curriculum teams embed careers learning and highlight progression routes within schemes of work.

  5. Encounters with Employers and Employees
    Learners experience multiple, meaningful employer encounters each year, planned and reflected upon.

  6. Experiences of Workplaces
    Learners participate in work experience, industry visits, live briefs or simulated work environments.

  7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education
    Learners engage with FE, HE, apprenticeship and training providers to understand all progression routes.

  8. Personal Guidance
    All learners can access impartial guidance from a qualified careers adviser at key decision points.

The impact of the Careers Programme is measured through a robust quality assurance framework, including:

  • Analysis of student destination and progression data
  • Achievement and retention data
  • Termly Compass self-evaluation against Gatsby Benchmarks
  • Curriculum CEIAG audits
  • Learner, parent/carer and employer feedback
  • Monitoring through Matrix Standard compliance

Success is defined by sustained positive destinations for students and improved confidence, preparedness and career readiness.

The Careers Programme is formally reviewed:

  • Termly through CEIAG audits and Compass evaluation
  • Annually as part of the College self-assessment and quality improvement cycle

Next scheduled annual review date: July 2026

Findings from reviews inform continuous improvement and ensure the programme remains responsive to learner needs and labour market changes.

This Careers Programme is approved by Senior Leadership and Governors and is published in line with statutory guidance for colleges. It supports Macclesfield College’s commitment to high-quality, impartial careers education for all learners.

NEED FURTHER INFORMATION?

Have any more questions or need further guidance? Please email us at info@macclesfield.ac.uk

EMAIL NOW

careers advisor

A headshot of a Careers Advisor

louise barnett

careers advisor

Louise Barnett is the College’s Careers Adviser. With over 17 years experience in education and business, she provides expert guidance to help students explore career options, make informed choices about their future and develop the skills needed to succeed. 

Appointments with Louise are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students can book an appointment by visiting The Hub or by clicking the button below.

book here

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Louise encourages students to explore these resources alongside their individual appointments to plan effectively for their future and take advantage of every opportunity available.

Careers information, advice and guidance for students aged 13+

Information and applications for university courses visit: www.ucas.com

Advice on apprenticeships, careers and work experience visit: targetcareers.co.uk

Government resource for apprenticeship opportunities

A photograph of the seating area inside Macclesfield College's Student Hub
Your Favourites

    Search our website
    Learners Login
    Staff Login
    Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube
    Not found the right course?

    If you haven’t found the right course for you, then tell us about the course that you are looking for.