At JBC Skills Training, we believe that high-quality careers education is vital to empowering the next generation of professionals. That’s why we’re proud to unveil our refreshed Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Strategy, a whole-institution approach to preparing apprentices for lifelong success in the workplace.
Reviewed by Careers Leader Vicki Kerr in July 2025, this strategy is designed to align with the eight Gatsby Benchmarks — the gold standard for careers education and is built around three key pillars:
- A structured Professional Development Group (PDG) calendar (formerly known as Career Cafes),
- A revitalised National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) programme, and
- A curriculum fully embedded with career learning and labour market intelligence.
Intent & Vision: Future-Ready Talent
At JBC Skills Training, our mission is to develop confident, skilled, and adaptable professionals who add long-term value to their employers. Our careers strategy is built to support apprentices not only in becoming successful in their current roles, but in progressing, specialising, and stepping into more advanced positions within their existing organisations. We provide personalised, impartial, and forward-looking careers guidance that helps apprentices understand how they can build a meaningful future with their current employer—aligned to business needs, skills gaps, and sector growth. Our aim is to retain talent, drive internal progression, and contribute to a sustainable, high-performing workforce.
What’s New in 2025?
🔹 Career Cafes Become Professional Development Groups (PDGs)
To strengthen their relevance to internal progression and long-term development, we’ve rebranded our Career Cafes as Professional Development Groups (PDGs). This shift reflects our focus on helping apprentices develop within their current employment, while also encouraging greater employer involvement and collaboration. The monthly calendar includes targeted topics such as leadership, digital branding, problem-solving, and progression planning. Apprentices are encouraged to attend at least four sessions throughout the year, with short reflection-based assignments to reinforce learning.
🔹 A Fresh Look for National Apprenticeship Week (NAW)
Our 2025 NAW programme has been supercharged with a new theme:
“Future-Ready Apprentices: Innovate, Lead, Succeed.”
This week-long series of events includes:
- Industry speaker spotlights across priority sectors
- Alumni panels sharing inspiring journeys
- Interactive CV and interview workshops
- Future planning sessions covering FE, HE, and entrepreneurship
- A showcase of apprentice-led projects
All apprentices are invited to participate in any session that supports their growth, allowing for flexible, impactful engagement.
Strategy Highlights: Gatsby Benchmarks in Action
Our CEIAG strategy ensures that all apprentices benefit from:
- A structured and inclusive careers programme (Benchmark 1)
- Up-to-date Labour Market Information (LMI) embedded in training (Benchmark 2)
- Tailored support based on individual needs and aspirations (Benchmark 3)
- Curriculum linked to careers and industry trends (Benchmark 4)
- Meaningful encounters with employers and alumni (Benchmark 5)
- On-the-job learning reflected and reviewed (Benchmark 6)
- Clear pathways to further/higher education and next steps (Benchmark 7)
- Access to impartial, qualified career guidance via the National Careers Service (Benchmark 8)
Key Features
🎯 Professional Development Groups (PDGs) – Monthly Calendar Highlights:
- Jan – Setting SMART Goals & Career Vision
- Feb – Understanding Labour Market Trends
- Mar – Building Core Professional Skills
- Jun – Creating Your Personal Brand
- Nov – Planning Your Progression
- Dec – Reflecting on Your Journey
Each session includes a 10-minute reflective assignment to help apprentices connect learning with personal growth.
🌍 Employer & Parent Engagement
We actively engage employers and parents/carers in the CEIAG process. We collaborate with employers and apprentices to co-design PDG sessions, discuss specialist roles, and map out progression routes within their organisations—ensuring careers guidance remains directly aligned with real workplace opportunities.
The People Behind the Strategy
- Vicki Kerr, Careers Leader, oversees the full CEIAG programme, leads the PDGs, and organises NAW.
- Trainers are empowered to integrate careers into the curriculum and connect learning with real-world opportunities.
- External partners—including employers, alumni, and the National Careers Service—bring valuable insight and impartial advice.
Final Word: Shaping Futures with Purpose
This CEIAG strategy represents our unwavering commitment to nurturing future talent. By embedding careers thinking into every stage of the apprenticeship experience, we’re ensuring our learners are not only qualified but truly future-ready.
Visit our website to explore the full CEIAG strategy, upcoming Professional Development Groups, and how you can get involved in shaping tomorrow’s workforce.