Careers Team

Varndean College is an affiliate member of the Career Development Institute.

Resources

Careers information
Software / Websites
Gap Year information / Volunteering
Work Experience
Job Vacancies
Apprenticeships
University Courses and Prospectuses

Opening Hours

9am to 5pm – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
9am to 4pm – Wednesday and Friday

Careers Planning

Students are made aware of possible progression pathways pre enrolment at College and this forms part of the admissions process:-

Open Saturday/Open Evenings – When considering options at college and beyond, parents and prospective students can speak to subject staff and careers advisers at these events.
Year 10 Taster Days – You will receive subject related information about progression within each subject
Interviews & Enrolment Interviews – Your interviewer can provide information, advice and guidance about your subject choices.
New Students’ Day – You will receive subject related information about progression within each subject

Careers Programme

Once at College, students are supported and encouraged to consider their progression routes and career options through subject lessons, tutorial time and through subject progression reviews. There is extensive support from the experienced, professional college Careers team. In accordance with the DfE Guidance for Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges (October 2018) we are committed to using the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks to develop and improve our careers provision. An overview of the Careers Programme can be found here.

Tutorial Programme

The Careers team also deliver support materials through the Tutorial Programme, which helps students explore their post 18 options: university, apprenticeships, school leaver programmes, employment or a GAP Year. Students also receive support in making applications, writing UCAS personal statements and CVs, preparing for interviews and developing employability skills. Students have one to one meetings with their tutor to include discussion of plans for progression and careers. Both the Careers Programme and the Tutorial programme are reviewed annually – Next review date July 2023.

Work Experience

Work Experience is an integral part of a student’s learning programme at Varndean College. Employers and universities place enormous value on time spent in the workplace and the benefits it brings to young people. All students are expected to experience time with an employer while they study with us. We have developed excellent links with local businesses through parents and carers, staff contacts and our local EBP. Students have experienced placements in a wide range of settings including education, media, engineering, finance and many more. The college is hugely grateful to employers for their help in supporting our students to build confidence and gain skills in a working environment. Last year the following organisations offered our students placements: Big Lemon Bus Company, Brighton & Hove City Council, Fairlight Primary School, The Grand Hotel, Hacker Young Accountants, Henfield Leisure Centre, Kineo, Network Rail, Oxfam, Sussex Police, Travelbag, University of Brighton, University of Sussex. We know businesses often want to help but may not know how they can do this. If you are interested in finding out about the different ways your business could support our students, please see our page for employers.

Provider Access Legislation

Promoting all Progression Routes

www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/fe-skills/provider-access-legislation Varndean College support and teaching staff want to make sure students (and parents/carers) are aware of all progression routes and that they understand all pathways open to them beyond Varndean when they are making choices about progression. We also appreciate that students may need to make choices at any point whether during enrolment after unexpected GCSE results, after exams at the end of Year 12 or part way through a course with us, and of course, beyond year 13. We have always been supportive of students who may need or want to look at provision elsewhere or choose a more vocational or technical method of learning. Our admissions team, tutors, Heads of School and Careers team all know how to provide this information to students in order to best meet their individual needs. Specific Activities:-

During tutorial students are invited to talks given by Sussex Council of Training Providers (ASK)
All students invited to attend an annual Apprenticeship Fair attended by Training Providers and businesses offering apprenticeships
All stakeholders engaging with the college have the opportunity to share alternative pathways into their industry sector
Level 2 Empowerment Day – students hear from a current apprentice on why they chose the apprenticeship route
Vocational courses and open evenings at MET and Plumpton College promoted to all students

Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)

Recognising skills gaps and needs of our local economy and how the college is meeting this challenge within its curriculum LMI Sussex 2022.

Apply here for entry in September 2025 |

Exam Certificate Collection

Careers Team

Head of Progression - Careers Lead

Careers Manager

Employment Engagement Coordinator

Widening Participation Coordinator

Progression Assistant

Trainee Careers Advisor