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CEIAG - Careers

SLT Careers Lead:

Mr D Wilson
email: dwilson@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk 
tel: 01204 301 351

Careers Advisors:

Caroline Seddon (Connexions)

Fiona Richardson (Connexions)

Careers Coordinator:

Ms A Brett-Andrew
email: abrettandrew@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk

Careers at Thornleigh Salesian College

At Thornleigh Salesian College, our Careers Programme is inspired by the vision of St John Bosco, who believed that every young person has unique gifts and is called to make a positive difference in the world. Rooted in our Catholic faith and the Salesian values of Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour, we encourage every student to Aspire, Discover, Act and Succeed.

Through high-quality careers education, meaningful encounters with employers, universities and apprenticeship providers, along with personalised guidance, we equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed choices about their future. Guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, we inspire students to use their talents in the service of others, contribute positively to society and pursue careers that enable them to flourish as compassionate, responsible citizens.

By embedding the Gatsby Benchmarks throughout our curriculum and enrichment programme, we ensure that every student is empowered to realise their potential and leave Thornleigh ready to thrive in education, employment and life.

Aspire. Discover. Act. Succeed.
Inspired by Don Bosco. Prepared for Life.

Careers Curriculum

Our Careers Curriculum is designed to inspire ambition, develop essential employability skills and prepare students for successful futures. Embedded across all subject areas and enrichment opportunities, careers learning helps students make meaningful links between education and the world of work. Through a progressive programme from Year 7 to Sixth Form, students develop the knowledge, confidence and decision-making skills to Aspire, Discover, Act and Succeed while recognising how their talents can be used to serve others.

Labour Market Information (LMI)

Understanding the changing world of work is essential for making informed career choices. We provide students with up-to-date Labour Market Information to help them explore growth industries, emerging careers, regional opportunities and future employment trends. By understanding the skills employers value today and in the future, students are empowered to make ambitious, informed decisions about their education and career pathways.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer an exciting route to skilled employment, allowing young people to earn while they learn and gain nationally recognised qualifications. We promote apprenticeships alongside university as an equally valuable progression pathway, ensuring students understand the full range of opportunities available from Levels 2–7, including Higher and Degree Apprenticeships. Through employer engagement and expert guidance, students are supported to find the pathway that best matches their aspirations and strengths.

Find an Apprenticeship

UCAS - Apprenticeships

Greater Manchester Apprenticeships

apprenticeships.gov.uk

Post-16 & Post-18 Pathways

Every student's journey is unique. We provide impartial information, advice and guidance to help students explore the wide range of opportunities available after GCSEs and Sixth Form. Whether progressing to A Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships, university, employment or other training, our personalised support enables students to make confident, informed decisions that reflect their interests, abilities and ambitions.

National Careers Service

Post 16 - 18 Pathways

Careers Guidance - Connexions

Independent careers guidance is an important part of helping young people make successful transitions. Working in partnership with Connexions, every student has access to impartial, confidential careers advice tailored to their individual aspirations and needs. Professional careers advisers support students with option choices, progression planning, applications and career decision-making, ensuring every young person receives the guidance they need to achieve their potential.

Connexions

Additional Support for SEND & Pupil Premium Students

We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to achieve their ambitions. Our inclusive Careers Programme provides tailored support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those eligible for Pupil Premium, ensuring that barriers to progression are identified and overcome. Through personalised guidance, employer encounters, workplace experiences and targeted interventions, we help every student develop the confidence, skills and aspirations needed to succeed in education, employment and adult life.

Work Experience

Work experience is a valuable opportunity for students to develop workplace skills, build confidence and gain first-hand insight into the world of work. By spending time with employers, students develop resilience, communication, teamwork and professionalism while exploring careers linked to their interests. These experiences help students make informed decisions about future education and employment while strengthening the skills employers value most.

Alumni Stories

Our former students are a powerful source of inspiration for current learners. Through alumni talks, mentoring and career events, students hear first-hand experiences from individuals who once walked the same corridors and have gone on to succeed in a wide range of professions. Their stories demonstrate that with ambition, determination and the right support, every student can achieve their goals and make a positive contribution to society.