Outstanding Progression
At Wilberforce College, we offer a series of specially developed programmes to help you make informed and realistic decisions about your education and employment goals, and achieve your career potential.
Sound careers advice is crucial to making effective choices about your next steps in education and employment, and Wilberforce works intensively to support students to manage their career decisions and choices; prior to college entry, throughout enrolment, during time at college and after leaving us.
Every student is entitled to receive impartial, individually tailored Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) from our qualified and experienced Careers Adviser, Sarah Didsbury. Sarah is available full-time throughout the whole year, and appointments can be made during term-time as well as over holiday periods. Careers advice is offered through one-to-one appointments, and in group delivery through a range of careers and employability workshops
Overview of Support
- Advice on career paths and options
- Support with higher education and UCAS applications
- Help with researching and selecting apprenticeship opportunities, including degree apprenticeships
- Work experience and volunteering advice
- Student finance information
- CV writing, interview techniques and employability skills
- Advice on up-to-date job market information
- Follow Wilberforce Careers on Instagram @wilberforcecareers
Sarah Didsbury
Careers Guidance & CEIAG Manager
Sarah ensures careers and progression are embedded throughout your college life, from careers learning in lessons to access to a wide range of employers, universities and apprenticeship providers. She designs a tailored careers service that provides high-quality advice, activities and guidance so every learner feels supported, inspired and motivated to make informed decisions. With over 15 years’ experience in the sector, she is passionate about helping young people explore all available pathways.
- sld@wilberforce.ac.uk
- Room J109
Katy Wasling
Careers Adviser
Katy supports students in taking their next steps after College with confidence, whether that progression involves university, employment, apprenticeships or alternative pathways. Through 1-1 careers meetings, she provides tailored, professional guidance and aims to ensure every individual student feels prepared and empowered about their future.
- klw@wilberforce.ac.uk
- Room J109a
Life After Wilberforce
Our programmes cover a wide variety of career paths, including medicine, veterinary science, engineering, teaching and law. Taking part will give you the extra support and specialist experience you need to get a relevant university place, and take the next step towards your dream job.
Although qualifications are key factors in getting a great job or going on to university, we also understand the importance of work experience. We work hard to forge links with local and national companies to help you secure industry placements or find a suitable job relevant to your area of study.
Higher Education
Wilberforce is the next step on your journey through education, with your hard work here preparing you for the next step onto university. We have a dedicated Higher Education team to guide you through the application process, offering help with creating a memorable personal statement, choosing the right courses and university for you, and navigating your way through student finance.
You’ll have the opportunity to visit universities across the country to help you make your decision as to which is the right one for you. We’ll also have a programme of guest speakers and a Higher Education Fair to give you further opportunities to explore your options in more detail.
If you’re considering making an application to the University of Oxford or Cambridge, we offer a dedicated Pathways Programme, including support with applications, mentorship from current Oxbridge students, attendance at conferences and overnight visits to both institutions.
Vocational Pathways
Wilberforce College is committed to ensuring students receive the best careers guidance whatever their chosen pathway. As well as programmes in place to help students make successful applications to University, we also offer a range of activities in college to support students who wish to progress on to apprenticeships, employment, traineeships and study programmes.
We work closely with a number of local apprenticeship providers and other colleges, who have a regular presence in the college to provide additional and impartial 1-1 advice to students choosing vocational and technical pathways.
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First Year
Autumn Term
- Explore pathways: HE, apprenticeships, vocational routes, and local labour‑market opportunities.
- Self-awareness activities: Begin using Unifrog for exploring skills and interests.
- Careers guidance: One‑to‑one support tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
- Careers talks & employer encounters: from a broad range of sectors to ensure inclusivity and aspiration for all.
Spring Term
- Work preparation: CV basics, applying for part-time work and work experience.
- Explore higher education: University course research, open days, foundation year options.
- Inclusive SEND support: Prioritised guidance on reasonable adjustments, transition support, and accessible internship options.
- Higher Education Careers Fair
Summer Term
- Work experience or industry engagement: Exposure to real workplaces.
- Reflect and demonstrate skills learned during placements.
- Early application planning: Personal statement drafting or apprenticeship research.
- Employment and Apprenticeships Fair
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Second Year
Autumn Term
- Apply for next steps: UCAS applications, Apprenticeship applications, Employment and traineeship options
- Personal statements & CV refinement. Support with interviews. Students demonstrate their transferable skills.
- Inclusive progression planning: Ensuring all destinations are accessible and appropriate for individual goals.
Spring Term
- Decision-making support: Offer-holder decisions, apprenticeship shortlisting, employer responses.
- Financial guidance: Student finance, bursaries and inclusive funding options.
Summer Term
- Finalising applications: Clearing guidance, late apprenticeship opportunities, job search.
- Transition support: Preparing for university, employment, or training—focusing on wellbeing, independence, and inclusivity.
