Derby College Awarded Gold Career Mark
Derby College has been awarded the top Career Mark accreditation in recognition of its consistent quality in providing careers education and guidance for learners at its campuses in Derby, Ilkeston and Morley.
Career Mark is awarded by the Quality in Careers Standard Board (QiCS). It measures good practice in a number of areas – management, curriculum, information, guidance and outcomes in helping young people develop life long career management skills.
Career Mark Assessor John Ambrose from QiCS commended Derby College’s investment, links with employers, including through the Employer Academy programme, support with university applications and the structured tutorial system within the curriculum.
His report states: “Derby College invests considerably into the importance of careers education information advice and guidance. This is evident from the dedicated curriculum time allocated to careers education as part of the tutorial programme.
“The College also provides access to external specialism to the students in the form of REED NCFE for career management activities, to complement their internal support team of Careers Advisers, a Students Progression Adviser and a Careers Assistant.
“The College has embedded systems in place across the full range of courses to ensure that students receive effective tutorial support.
“The college's comprehensive "Pro Monitor Individual Learning Plan" system allows the management to effectively monitor and review delivery to ensure that learners are receiving a consistent programme, regardless of their course and the campus they attend.
“The students value the opportunities that are offered for contact with employers, as well as the support with higher education applications. They know who to go to if they need advice and guidance.
“It was a pleasure to meet such enthusiastic staff and to have the opportunity to speak to a wide range of learners who were highly motivated towards their future career journeys.
“By the end of their course at Derby College students are well prepared to make their transition to their chosen destination.”
Derby College Head of Learner Support Services Helen Jefferson said: “Having been awarded the Career Mark for three consecutive years, we have now been awarded the gold standard.
“The award of Career Mark is well justified as the team has helped thousands of students over the years to fulfil their goals – whether that is to go onto university, an apprenticeship or into work.
“With Career Mark re-awarded to the College, students can be confident that they will continue to receive an excellent standard of advice and guidance support.
“Advice and guidance for students is recognised as one of the major priorities for education and this is not an easy award to gain.
“One of the biggest influencers on the assessors was the feedback from students who fed back that they were very impressed and grateful for the support that they have received at College.”