Career help for teenagers in the West

A new online career planning tool for young people in the South West has been launched by the University of Bath.

The Careerpilot website is aimed at 14-19 year-olds, and has been launched by the University’s Division for Lifelong Learning as part of the Western Vocational Progression Consortium.

It includes job sector information, relevant web links, video interviews with students and personal planning tools which build upon the students’ own profile of skills, ambitions and qualifications.

Sue Lewis, Support for Learners Coordinator at the University, said:

"We are very excited to launch a website which young people can use either independently or with teachers or parents, to explore and plan their work, study and career options. At a time of high youth unemployment and increased higher education fees, it is vital that young people are able to explore the range of options and choices that are open to them. Enabling young people to see that there are lots of pathways leading to work and further study, through apprenticeships, full and part-time learning alongside work – including to higher education level, will enable them to make informed choices and stretch and fulfil their aspirations."

The website, www.careerpilot.org.uk, has already received positive feedback from students and teachers.

Jason Worlock, year 12 student at Sir Bernard Lovell School in South Gloucestershire, said:

"I thought the website was brilliant! I would definitely use the site again to investigate options for the future."

The Western Vocational Progression Consortium comprises of seven higher education institutions in the South West: The University of Bath; Bath Spa University; University of Bristol; Gloucestershire University; The Royal Agricultural College; The Open University in the South West and The University of the West of England.