EBP South and Basingstoke Consortium, who usually work in 100+ schools providing career support to 1000’s of students, has adapted their organisation to offer continued support.
Following the closures of schools EBP South and Basingstoke Consortium were quick to turn their services into free online support for students across Hampshire.
Cath Longhurst, EBP South and Basingstoke Consortium CEO said, “We know that many students and parents are anxious about what this situation will mean for them in the future and we are doing everything we can to provide guidance and support to reassure young people and help them understand their options.”
They have opened-up their resources to create an online bank of careers information to support young people planning their future careers and their next steps into college, sixth form or apprenticeships.
EBP South’s YouTube channel now provides a range of short videos from Can I still apply to College? How do I choose a course? To How do I apply for an apprenticeship? to provide a quick overview of next steps for them to take.
Experienced Career Practitioners continue to provide much needed one-to-one information, advice and guidance online, which has proven to be a lifeline for parents as well as students to be able to access tailored support and ask direct questions to an actual person with experience and knowledge of the colleges and apprenticeships in the local area.
These services are an essential provision provided by EBP South and Basingstoke Consortium. Parents and carers are often not aware of the options, application process, deadlines or understand the vast range of careers and career pathways available. It’s hoped that like with home-schooling the online services can also provide parents and young people with home-careers support.
Emma Bagnall, Level 6 Careers Practitioner for EBP South said, “Parents/Carers should continue to encourage their young person to stay positive and motivated. If they haven’t yet applied to college or apprenticeships, then they should start by considering their skills, and interests and use this to focus their exploration using further education and apprenticeship websites.
While students may consider this a time of loss as they are missing out on vital schooling, there are many opportunities to demonstrate motivation, resilience, continual learning and develop communication and teamwork skills. These skills are critical to any business or further/higher education offers and will support their continued success and achievement.
Use this time to plan and organise their time to best develop themselves for whatever future path they desire.”
Parents, carers and students looking for careers support and exploring their next steps can access the resources through www.ebpsouth.co.uk