Providing high-quality career guidance in schools is essential for the future success of young people. Not only is it required by the Gatsby Benchmarks, but a well-structured and comprehensive career advice programme also equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for their future careers. It helps them make informed decisions, boosts their confidence, and gives them a sense of purpose. When students understand their options and have a clear path forward, they are more likely to excel academically and personally.
We understand that finding quality career resources can be a challenge for many educators, so we’ve used our 60+ years of experience in the employment sector to create a unique careers advice guide for students, empowering them to make the right choices.
The guide, which forms part of our sister company Reed Learning’s Gateway to work programme, is suitable for all secondary school year groups, with easy-to-understand descriptions and a comprehensive glossary.
What does the guide include?
Routes to employment
In-depth information on the various routes to employment (apprenticeships, traineeships, higher education, volunteering, and going straight into the workplace) and the pros and cons for each.
Insight into a wide range of industries
Information on different sectors including STEM careers, jobs in green energy, and 14 other industries, such as health and care, education, construction, and human resources.
Salaries and career progression
Within each sector, we have picked out one or two entry-level or professional jobs, pinpointing what GCSEs, A-Levels, university degrees or equivalent qualifications they need to enter that profession, how much they can expect to earn when they start out, and how much they can earn as they continue on their career path.
We have also highlighted a range of jobs in each field and provided up-to-date salary information, based on our 2025 salary guide data.
Discounted courses
For each industry, we have provided a link to a discounted course that students can take to learn more about the industry and gain essential skills and knowledge that they will need to work in that sector. All courses are available through Reed Courses and supplied by external providers.
Promotional pack
Alongside the guide, you will receive a free promotional pack for your school, enabling you to promote the careers guide to your students and their parents and carers. The pack includes:
A poster that can be displayed around your school
An advert to be added to your school's website and within your parent newsletter
An image to use on social media to inform parents about the guide and encourage them to speak to their child about careers
A lesson plan to help you get the most out of the guide
Reed Learning's Gateway to work programme
This guide forms part of ‘Gateway to work’, a free digital careers programme delivered by Reed Learning, designed to help students in years 9 to 13 successfully enter the world of work.
Through five engaging modules, students will go on a journey of self-discovery where they’ll learn all about the labour market, improve their employability skills with our digital work experience, and develop a winning CV so they can find and land their first job.
Find out more about Gateway to work.
