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Careers & Work Experience
Careers Information
At Three Rivers Academy careers and developing aspirations are a priority for all students.
Throughout the careers programme students have the opportunity to:
- To discuss their aspirations
- Meet employers and gain experience of the real-life world of work
- Make informed choices about their academic and career options
- Create an action plan to help them meet their career goals
- Develop an understanding of employability skills
- Successfully manage key transitions
- Engage in activities as part of National Apprenticeship Week (February 2026) and National Careers Week (March 2026)
KS3
- Discrete employability skills are explored in Aware lessons
- Year 9 careers scheme of work in Aware
- Access to Unifrog careers websites
- Year 9 options process
- Opportunities to learn about technical education providers
KS4
- Year 10 students complete a week of work experience
- Methods of applying for future employment
- The Big Interview
- Aware and tutorial programme
- Sixth form taster lessons
- Careers events
- Opportunities to learn about technical education providers
KS5
Students at Three Rivers Academy Sixth Form are supported throughout their two years with structured learning in their tutorials focusing on the range of opportunities for them. Support includes:
- External speakers
- Next Steps Programme
- Careers Interviews
- University visits
- All Year 12 students attend the National Apprenticeship Show at Sandown Racecourse
- Apprenticeship and job opportunities are placed on the noticeboard
- Unifrog is used to support students in making their applications for higher education and apprenticeships
- Year 12 students complete a week of work experience
Our Careers Leader is Mr A Detnon, email: andrew.detnon@threerivers.thpt.org.uk
Telephone. 01932 242 994, ext. 3536
Monitoring, Review and Evaluation
The careers programme is planned, monitored and evaluated regularly by the Careers Leader in consultation with the Leadership team to ensure the programme meets the requirements of the Gatsby Benchmark.
Funding is allocated in the annual budget planning in the context of whole school priorities and particular needs in the CEIAG area. The Careers Leader is responsible for the effective deployment of resources.
The quality and impact of careers education is measured through student voice, lesson observations, student surveys and destinations data.
To view our latest Gatsby Benchmark Score please click here. This will give you an indication of how our careers provision compares to the national average.
Enrichment and Extra Curricular
Being involved in extra-curricular activities is a great way to learn new skills, gain new experience and will enrich any CV, college, university or job application.
- Volunteering – V inspired has volunteering opportunities for 14-30 year olds
- Duke of Edinburgh Award – At Three Rivers Academy students in years 9 and 10 have the opportunity to complete the Bronze and Silver Awards.
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) opportunities are delivered by the relevant departments.
- Sports and PE – The PE department and the academies run a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Being part of a sports team is a great way to show teamwork and develop resilience skills.
- Other opportunities for enrichment are regularly advertised through the school bulletin.
Careers Websites
Students in years 9-11 can log into Kudos to learn about different careers. They should ask their aware teacher for the code needed to enter the website.
Career Information for Employers
Can you help?
Can you help maximise our students’ opportunities and expand their aspirations by providing them with work experience or becoming involved with career guidance?
We are looking for employers and businesses in every sector that can engage with our students, impart their skills and knowledge, and open their eyes to career opportunities.
There are several ways in which you can help our students – many of them taking just one hour of your time periodically (please see below).
Contact Us
We are always looking for innovative ways to improve our careers programme; if you would like to be involved with the careers programme at Three Rivers Academy or know someone at your workplace who could be of any assistance.
Careers Lead – Andy Detnon (Assistant Principal)
Ways to Get Involved
We welcome support from local employers and organisations who can help inspire our students and prepare them for their future careers. Whether you can offer a one-off activity or an ongoing partnership, there are many ways to get involved.
Site Visits
Time commitment: 1–4 hours
Invite students to visit your organisation and experience your workplace first-hand. Site visits help students understand different industries, explore career opportunities and see how businesses operate.
Interview Techniques
Time commitment: 20 minutes–1 hour
Share practical advice on interview preparation, including how students can present themselves confidently, answer common interview questions and make a positive impression with employers.
Traditional Work Experience
Time commitment: 1 week (5 days)
Offer Year 10 or Year 12 students the opportunity to experience working life within your organisation through a structured work experience placement.
Meet the Employer Talks
Time commitment: 20 minutes–1 hour
Speak to students about your career journey, your organisation and the opportunities available within your industry.
Guest Speakers
Time commitment: 20 minutes–2 hours
Deliver a talk to a class, subject group or year group, helping students learn more about careers, industries or professional experiences.
Big Interview
Time commitment: Approximately 4 hours
Support our students by taking part in mock interviews, providing valuable feedback and helping them develop their interview skills and confidence.
Employability Skills Workshops
Time commitment: 20 minutes–1 hour
Help students understand what employers are looking for by developing key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, resilience and professionalism.
Volunteering Opportunities
Time commitment: Flexible
All Three Rivers students are expected to complete volunteering hours as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. If your organisation can provide volunteering opportunities, we would love to hear from you.
Apprenticeships
Time commitment:Ongoing
If your organisation offers apprenticeships, you can help students take their first steps into the world of work through high-quality training and employment opportunities.