Embedding Careers Education into the Classroom: Updated Gatsby Benchmarks and Free Resources
Careers education plays a crucial role in equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to navigate the evolving world of work. With the recent updates to the Gatsby Benchmarks, it is more important than ever for teachers, career advisors, and careers leaders to integrate careers education seamlessly into the classroom. Below is a breakdown of free resources available to support embedding careers education, aligned with each Gatsby Benchmark from the IMI.
Benchmark 1 – A Stable Careers Programme
A structured and well-implemented careers programme ensures that students receive consistent and high-quality career education.
- IMI Careers Package – Infographic: Provides an overview of career pathways, helping educators create a stable and informative careers framework. Coming soon….
- Career pathway maps – within Technical, Parts & Sales, Office & Management and Accident Repair: www.autocity.org.uk/index.php/2018/12/18/career-pathway-maps/
Benchmark 2 – Learning from Career and Labour Market Information
Ensuring students and educators have access to up-to-date labour market information (LMI) is essential for informed career decisions.
- LMI Reports – Providing real-world job market insights. https://tide.theimi.org.uk/industry-latest/research
- Skills Profiles – Showcasing key competencies required for different career paths. https://tide.theimi.org.uk/industry-latest/research
- Education Report & Baseline Reports – Data-driven insights to support decision-making. https://tide.theimi.org.uk/industry-latest/research
- EDI Data – Helping to ensure inclusivity and diversity in career planning. https://tide.theimi.org.uk/industry-latest/research
Benchmark 3 – Addressing the Needs of Each Pupil
Personalised careers guidance allows every student to explore opportunities that align with their aspirations and abilities.
- Autocity IAG (Information, Advice & Guidance) – Career guidance information and resources tailored to individual student needs. autocity.org.uk/index.php/explore-job-roles/
- Work-Ready Resources – Preparing students with essential employability skills. autocity.org.uk/index.php/2022/08/12/employability-skills-toolkit/
- Life Skills Resources – Fostering resilience, communication, and problem-solving abilities. autocity.org.uk/index.php/2023/02/02/new-for-2023-imi-life-skills-activities/
Benchmark 4 – Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers
Embedding career-related learning within subject teaching enhances student engagement and relevance.
- Lesson Plans: Subject-specific career integration for:
- Maths, English, ICT and Business Studies autocity.org.uk/index.php/2023/02/16/4141/
- Activities & Specialist Days: Hands-on experiences that link academic content to industry.
- Team Competitions: Enhancing teamwork and problem-solving in real-world scenarios. autocity.org.uk/index.php/competitions-events/
- Activity project: mapped to the Scottish curriculum for excellence. www.autocity.org.uk/index.php/competitions-events/
Benchmark 5 – Encounters with Employers
Engagement with industry professionals broadens students’ understanding of potential career paths.
- Team Competitions: Industry-led challenges that develop practical skills and employer engagement. autocity.org.uk/index.php/competitions-events/
Benchmark 6 – Experience of Workplaces
Experiencing the workplace firsthand is invaluable in preparing students for employment.
- Work Experience Placements – Opportunities for students to gain hands-on industry exposure. https://jobs.theimi.org.uk/work-experience-placements
- Work Experience Resources & Support Guides – Helping students and educators facilitate meaningful placements. autocity.org.uk/index.php/2022/08/12/work-experience-tool-kits-for-organisers-employers-and-pupils/
- ‘See Inside’ VR Films – Virtual reality experiences of different work environments.
- See Inside Events at the IMI Skills Competitions – Live showcases of technical and vocational skills in action. https://tide.theimi.org.uk/about-imi/imi-skills-competitions
Benchmark 7 – Encounters with Further and Higher Education
Meaningful interactions with colleges, universities, and training providers enable students to explore post-secondary options.
- Coming soon…
Benchmark 8 – Personal Guidance
One-to-one careers advice ensures students receive tailored guidance on their next steps.
- Careers@theimi.org.uk – Direct access to career professionals for personalised support.
Latest Gatsby Benchmark Updates
Engagement of Parents and Carers
- Parents’ Guide – Helping parents understand how to support their child’s career journey www.autocity.org.uk/index.php/parents/
- Updated version coming soon…
Meaningful and Varied Encounters and Experiences
- Work Experience Placements & Support Resources – Providing structured and impactful work experience opportunities and support advice for pupils, organisers and employers. https://jobs.theimi.org.uk/work-experience-placements
Focusing on the Use of Information and Data
- LMI, Skills Profiles, Education & Baseline Reports, EDI Data – Ensuring decision-making is informed by up-to-date insights. https://tide.theimi.org.uk/industry-latest/research
Careers at the Heart of Education and Leadership
- Embedding career education within school leadership ensures a whole-school approach to preparing students for the future. Coming soon…
Inclusion and Impact for Every Young Person
- A commitment to ensuring that all students, regardless of background, receive high-quality career education and support. Coming soon…
- EDI Hub and inclusive workplaces https://tide.theimi.org.uk/equity-diversity-and-inclusion
Next steps
By integrating these resources into teaching and careers programmes, educators can ensure students receive engaging, meaningful, and impactful career education. Access all resources free of charge and help shape the future workforce today!