LCB Careers & Employability Programme 2025-26
The Leeds College of Building Careers & Employability Programme outlines the careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) available to all learners. It aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks, Department for Education (DfE) statutory guidance, and the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) framework.
The Programme complements the College’s Careers Policy and Strategic Plan, ensuring careers provision is inclusive and supports learners’ awareness, readiness and progression into further study, education, training or employment.
While developing transferable skills relevant to a wide range of industries, the Programme also promotes construction as a rewarding and sustainable career choice. In response to national skills shortages, learners are supported to understand the breadth of opportunities within construction and how they can contribute to the future of the industry.
Careers Programme Activities - 16 to 19 / EHCP learners
Autumn Term: September – December 2025
| Activity Title | Description | Gatsby Benchmarks | Target Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Partnerships + Skills Team Introduction |
Introduction to the Careers & Employability Team and the support available, including meaningful encounters and skills development opportunities. |
1, 2, 4 |
First-year groups |
|
Employability Skills: CV Writing |
Workshops delivered by Progress Coach tutorials, Employers, DWP. Monthly CV checks by careers team. Resources shared via Teams on request. |
1, 2, 3 |
All groups |
|
Today’s Talks – Staff Journeys |
Staff share career paths from education into employment or into construction careers. |
1, 2, 4 |
All groups |
|
Post-18 Options |
Guidance on apprenticeships, higher education, and employment. Optional university visits and UCAS application sessions. |
1, 2, 3 |
University Centre full-time T Level second year groups |
|
Bridge Builder Careers Sessions |
Short sessions delivered by careers team and DWP schools team – identifying transferrable skills |
1, 2, 3 |
Bridge Builder learners |
|
Personal Guidance Appointments |
1:1 appointments available for all students, focus on course choices and alternatives. Parents welcome. |
1, 3, 8 |
All groups |
Spring Term: January – April 2026
| Activity Title | Description | Gatsby Benchmarks | Target Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LCB Careers Fair |
Event with employers, higher education providers, apprenticeship organisations. |
1, 5, 7 |
All groups |
|
Personal Guidance Appointments |
1:1 support for all students. Focus on progression planning and refining next steps. |
1, 3, 8 |
All groups |
|
UCAS Submission Support |
Drop-ins and application reviews supported by universities. |
1, 3, 7 |
University Centre full-time T Level second year groups |
|
Student Finance Presentation |
Understanding tuition fees, loans, and budgeting. |
1, 3, 7 |
University Centre full-time T Level second year groups |
|
Employability Skills: CV Review & Job Search |
Strengthening CVs and using online job search tools. |
1, 2, 3, 4 |
All groups |
Term: April – July 2026
| Activity Title | Description | Gatsby Benchmarks | Target Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LMI Spotlight Sessions |
Explore local sector trends and employer demand related to students’ subject areas. |
1, 2, 4 |
First-year & adult trades |
|
Employability Skills: Interview Skills & Mock Interviews |
Improving interview technique and confidence, mock interviews with employers. |
1, 2, 3 |
All groups |
|
Personal Guidance / Progression Planning |
1:1 support with final progression planning and transition. Appointments can be booked by tutors or Progress Coaches. Parents welcome. |
1, 3, 8 |
All groups |
|
Understanding Higher Education |
University visits, workshops on higher education and higher apprenticeships. |
1, 3, 4, 7 |
University Centre full-time T Level first year groups |
|
Bridge Builder Careers Sessions |
Final term sessions twice per half term with targeted support. |
1, 2, 3 |
Bridge Builder |
|
Bridge Builder Careers Support – EHCP Students |
Short careers sessions twice per half term covering strengths, employer expectations, CV writing, job search, interview prep.
|
1, 2, 3 |
EHCP students |
Employability Skills
Employability skills support can be delivered throughout the year on request by tutors. Resources are shared through Today’s Talks.
- Autumn: CV awareness, identifying strengths, understanding careers in the construction industry
- Spring: Tailored CVs, cover letters, job search techniques
- Summer: Interview preparation, communication, online applications, confidence and resilience
Experiences of the Workplace & Employer Encounters
Employer encounters take place throughout the year and may include site visits, career talks, demonstrations, employer-led projects, apprenticeship panels, and virtual or physical work experience opportunities.
Apprenticeship Learner Support
Apprentices may access careers support when required and can book appointments via their tutor to ensure guidance is tailored to their progression and career planning needs.
Adult Learner Careers Support – Delivered Throughout the Year
All adult learner groups receive one careers session delivered by the Educational Development Trust (EDT), part of the National Careers Service. Session content is agreed with tutors and may include:
- Exploring the jobs market
- Identifying skills
- CV writing
- The value of experience
- Digital skills
- Construction labour market trends
Each session includes guidance on accessing independent one-to-one personal guidance appointments with EDT.
Compliance Statement September 2025
Leeds College of Building meets its statutory duty by providing all 16–19 learners (and up to age 25 with an EHCP) access to independent, impartial careers guidance. The model prioritises high-need learners (SEND, EHCP, NEET-risk, looked-after children) for proactively booked one-to-one appointments, while ensuring all learners are informed of their entitlement and how to access support. This approach aligns with DfE statutory guidance (2025), Gatsby Benchmark 8 and Ofsted expectations.
Personal Careers Guidance – Available All Year
All 16–19 learners (and up to age 25 with an EHCP) are entitled to independent, impartial personal careers guidance with a qualified careers adviser.
- High-priority learners (SEND, EHCP, NEET-risk, looked-after children) are proactively offered one-to-one appointments.
- Other learners are informed of their entitlement and may self-book or book via their Progress Coach, tutor or the careers team.
- Guidance supports informed decision-making around career pathways, education, apprenticeships, vocational training or further study.
- Parents and carers may attend sessions for learners under 18, or EHCP learners up to age 25.
Support Available During Personal Guidance Appointments
- Career Pathways: Exploring options linked to interests, strengths and skills
- Education & Training: Advice on apprenticeships, vocational courses or higher education
- Progression Planning: Planning future education, training or employment routes
- Employability Skills: Access to CV, interview and application support
All appointments are recorded on the College system (Collysys), including attendance and outcomes. This provision aligns with DfE statutory guidance (2025), Gatsby Benchmark 8 and Ofsted expectations.
Booking an Appointment
- Via Progress Coach or directly with the Careers Team at C21 (North Street) or Student Services (South Bank 1)
- Email: careers@lcb.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 222 6045
Student Evaluation and Feedback
Regular evaluation and feedback are used to measure impact and support continuous improvement.