WITH the end of the school year approaching, youngsters are being forced to think about their future.

Up until two years ago, 16 yearolds had limited options – they either carried on with their education at sixth form or college, or went straight into work.

That all changed when the Government introduced new laws in 2013, increasing the school leaving age to 17.

From this year, education is compulsory until the age of 18.

When Daniel Gee took over as headteacher the Bromfords School, in Grange Avenue, Wickford, last September, he promised to make his mark – and he certainly looks set to do that with his latest initiative.

The secondary will soon be launching an employability course, which is designed to fill a gap in the post-16 education market.

Mr Gee explains: “When pupils reach 16 they either go on to do their A-levels or go to college to get specialist qualifications, whether that be in catering, hair and beauty or construction.

“The problem is they have to have a really clear idea about what they want to do.

“Our employability course will enable pupils to study a variety of qualifications that will support them and make them more employable. There will be a requirement to complete community work and a placement.

“After the year is up, they will have the qualifications to go on to study A-levels if they want, and the skills to go into work.”

The course will take place in school and will be led by director of sixth form Jane O’Reilly, and assistant director, Rob Altman.

Pupils will complete six units of work, covering customer service, teamwork, and health and safety.

A visit to Natwest’s headquarters in London has also been scheduled into the curriculum.

They will also complete a portfolio complete with CV, application forms, covering letters and examples of their work, for which they will be awarded bronze, silver of gold awards.

For one day a week, pupils will be on work placement.

Mr Gee said: “The focus of the course is retail, so we’re looking for retailers, small or big, which can offer placements. We are looking for retailers who are willing to provide experience and basic training, in return for what is essentially free labour.”

Although the course is set to start in September, it is still in the early stages of planning.

Bromfords will host an information evening for pupils in two weeks time. The school also hopes to offer the course to other Year 11 leavers throughout the area.

“This is something that isn’t readily available to students at the moment,” Mr Gee added.

“There are a lot of parents of 16 year-olds who are concerned about what their sons or daughters are going to be doing next year.

“The course doesn’t commit them to a particular career route, it takes a year of their time.

“Everyone I have spoken to about it thinks it’s a really good idea.”

Pupils who did not get a C grade or above in GCSE maths and English will have to resit their exams as part of the employability course.

At the end of the year-long course, they will be armed with a BTEC Level 2 in retail, and have the Employability for Life Charter Plus Award.

Are you a local business which can offer a placement to pupils? If so, call 01268 47120.