Careers Education and Guidance

Sirius Academy students are involved in a range of activities which build to create a comprehensive programme of Careers Education and Guidance.

The Academy works closely with innumerable local and national employers and educational providers to provide all our students with clear pathways to further study and the full range of employment and training opportunities.

The Academy's commitment to the provision of informed and impartial advice and guidance has been recognised by our receipt of the prestigious Careermark and IAG Gold Standard awards.

In addition, we are also an associate institution of the University of Hull.

On a practical basis, all students have access to individual advice and guidance from our dedicated Careers Advisor within the Academy. This complements a range of activities designed to promote self-awareness, employability skills and an understanding of employment opportunities and expectations at a local and national level.

The National Minimum Wage (NMW)

The National Minimum Wage in the UK is dependent on your age and whether you’re an apprentice. It’s set annually by the Government,

The NMW is applicable to every person over school leaving age, regardless of their position in the company. There are, however, a few exceptions where the NMW doesn’t apply, including:

• Self-employed people running their own business
• Company directors
• Volunteers or voluntary workers
• Family members of the employer living in the employer’s home.

National Minimum Wage Rates from April 2022 (previous year represented for comparison).

Rate from April 2022	Current rate (April 2021 to March 2022)	Increase
National Living Wage	£9.50	£8.91	6.6%
21-22 Year Old Rate	£9.18	£8.36	9.8%
18-20 Year Old Rate	£6.83	£6.56	4.1%
16-17 Year Old Rate	£4.81	£4.62	4.1%
Apprentice Rate	£4.81	£4.30	11.9%

Apprentices

The NMW for apprentices applies to all those aged under 19 employed on a Contract of Apprenticeship and apprentices aged 19 or over in the first year of their Apprenticeship.

It must be paid for all the time the apprentice spends working and all their time spent training. After this, the apprentice must be paid the normal NMW for their age (please see table above)

Parent information

Parents receive Child Benefit until approx. November and this will continue if you are in full time learning.

If you do not continue in full time education or non- employed training, Child Tax Credits will also stop- this will be in February- the young person may be able to claim benefits if in severe hardship.

Post 16 qualifications

Post 16 qualifications are offered at different levels. The levels you enter will depend on your examination results.

Level 3:
Requirements: At least five GCSE grades 4/5/ C or above, including English, Maths*

Examples: BTEC National, AS/A levels, Advanced NVQ/T-Levels

Level 2:
Requirements: At least four GCSEs at grade 3/ D including English, or a BTEC First Certificate/Award - merit/distinction*

Examples: BTEC First Diploma, GCSE re-sits, Intermediate NVQ

Level 1:
Requirements: No formal entry requirements required, however, an interest in your chosen subject/industry is necessary*

Examples: BTEC Level 1 Certificate, Adult Literacy/Numeracy, Level 1 National Certificate in Further Education (NCFE)

* Course requirements vary depending on the college and subject/industry areas. Please check with colleges/training providers.

Remember, it is important to achieve the best you can in your GCSE subjects as re-sit programmes are not readily available in all subjects- speak to Mrs Madden/Miss Norman for further information.