What We Do

We can offer a wide range of activities and workshops to help your school meet its Gatsby Benchmarks. 

Guided by MATRIX and Gatsby benchmarks, our sessions provide impartial IAG at key times within the student careers and education journey so that students can consider all their options, whilst tackling common misconceptions and preconceived beliefs.

Our core programme is aimed at Years 10 and 11 in line with the student journey, however we can also support with ad hoc activities for Years 8 and 9. We encourage you to contact us if you have any specific requests.

Gatsby Benchmarks

  • A stable careers programme
  • Learning from career and labour market information
  • Addressing the needs of each pupil
  • Linking curriculum learning to careers
  • Encounters with employers and employees
  • Experiences of workplaces
  • Encounters with further and higher education
  • Personal guidance.

Explore our wide range of activities and workshops below:

The Perfect Place to Start

Through an engaging careers quiz and expert guidance, pupils will gain valuable insights into various professions that suit their strengths whilst identifying and enhancing their own employability skills.

  • Audience: Year 10

  • Recommended timing: Sep-Mar

  • Mode of delivery: Classroom or virtual workshop

  • Essential resources:

    • Access to computers and wi-fi for students

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 2, 3, 7, 8


Career Quest: Navigating the Job Market

This session is aimed at enlightening learners to hidden jobs in the top labour markets in GM. Through myth busting and interactive games, we will help learners to make informed decisions on their career path.

  • Audience: Year 10

  • Recommended timing: Sep-Mar

  • Mode of delivery: Classroom or virtual workshop

  • Essential resources:

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 2, 3, 7

Understanding Post-16 Pathways

Explore the variety of post-16 options, including T Levels, A Levels, Apprenticeships & Vocational training. The aim of this session is to help learners discover what is best suited to individual learning styles and aspirations.

  • Audience: Year 10

  • Recommended timing: Mar-Jun

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Classroom or virtual workshop

    • Assembly.

  • Essential resources:

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 3, 7, 8


Leaving the Nest: Exploring College Life

Environment can play a big part in individual success. In this session, learners will look at the key differences in Further Education settings and through case scenarios can gain an understanding of which is their best fit.

  • Audience: Year 10

  • Recommended timing: Mar-Jun

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Classroom or virtual workshop

  • Essential resources:

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 3, 7


A Levels and T Levels

Deciding between A Levels and T Levels can be a difficult decision for young people. Through a light-hearted debate, learners will gain a balanced understanding of both
pathways. This will empower learners to understand whether an academic or technical route will most suit their individual career journey.

  • Audience: Year 10

  • Recommended timing: Mar-Jun

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Classroom or virtual workshop

  • Essential resources:

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 3, 7


Apprenticeships

In our experience, some pupils have misconceptions on apprenticeships and what they involve. The aim of this session is to unpick these false narratives, whilst highlighting the real benefits of pursuing this pathway.

  • Audience: Year 10

  • Recommended timing: Mar-Jun

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Classroom or virtual workshop

    • Assembly.

  • Essential resources:

    • Access to computers and wifi for students

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 2, 7

School Leaver Presentation

Mainly delivered in an assembly, this is a broad introduction to The Manchester College, covering our courses, facilities, support teams and much more.

  • Audience: Year 10/11

  • Recommended timing: 

    • Year 10: Jun-Jul

    • Year 11: Sep-Oct

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Assembly

    • Classroom presentation

    • Virtual options available.

  • Essential resources:

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 7


T Levels at The Manchester College

T levels have quickly become a first choice qualification for many students across the country. Pupils will explore our wide range of specialisms and what career opportunities are available beyond these.

  • Audience: Year 10

  • Recommended timing: Mar-Jun

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Classroom or virtual workshop

    • Assembly.

  • Essential resources:

    • Access to computers and wifi for students

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 2, 7


Campus Tours

Book a place on one of our campus tours allowing learners to see our industry standard facilities for themselves, helping them to become familiar with their future learning
environment.

  • Audience: Year 11

  • Recommended timing: Sep-Dec

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Campus based

  • Essential resources:

    • Individual access requirements

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 3, 7, 8


College Life

To settle pupils’ nerves, we’ll guide them through the transition from school to college, gaining insight, practical tips, and strategies to smoothly navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities that come with their next steps.

  • Audience: Year 11

  • Recommended timing: Mar-Apr

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Classroom or virtual workshop

  • Essential resources:

    • A projector/large screen

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 3, 7, 8

Application Workshop

Supporting pupils through completing and submitting their application to The Manchester College. We can cater to each school’s timetable and environment including lunchtime and after school drop-ins.

  • Audience: Year 11

  • Recommended timing: Sep-Jan

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Classroom or virtual workshop

  • Essential resources:

    • Access to computers and wifi for students

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 3, 7, 8


CV and Personal Statements

Equip pupils with the essential skills to create a standout CV and compelling personal statement. They will get the chance to identify and showcase their own strengths and
capabilities to share with colleges, universities and employers.

  • Audience: Year 11

  • Recommended timing: Sep-Jan

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Classroom or virtual workshop

  • Essential resources:

    • Access to computers and wifi for students

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 3, 7, 8

Ace Your Interview

Designed to equip pupils with the essential skills and confidence needed to excel in interviews. Preparing students with what to expect and how to ensure they make a lasting
impression.

  • Audience: Year 11

  • Recommended timing: Sep-Jan

  • Mode of delivery:

    • Classroom or virtual workshop

  • Essential resources:

    • A projector/large screen.

Gatsby Benchmarks:

1, 3, 7, 8