CEG criteria
The establishment provides an up-to- date careers resource centre, which meets national standards.
WRE criteria
The establishment provides up-to-date information on WR opportunities.
Evidence
Assessor will visit the careers resource area
Comments box replies
Students survey on use and usefulness of the resource centre
Discussion with careers adviser
Discussion with learning/ resource centre manager
Discussion with local Careers Wales company regarding the Careers Library Initiative audit paperwork
Establishment's own self-evaluation against the national standards
Action plan for improving the resource centre
Contents list
Direct observation
Lesson plan and student materials for a resources centre lesson
CEG notes
Full advice on the nationally agreed standards is provided in the CWQA good practice guidance and in the DFES (1999) Better Choices 4 booklet 'Careers Information in schools and colleges'.
WRE notes
Full advice on the nationally agreed standards is provided in the CWQA good practice guidance and in the DFES (1999) Better Choices 4 booklet 'Careers Information in schools and colleges'.
Good
practice guide
Through the careers library initiative and other support from Careers Wales, careers centres that house information are likely to meet this criterion.
The careers resource centre should also contain information about work related education opportunities e.g. how to get involved in enterprise activities and how to prepare for work experience.
Good practice in careers resources centres includes:
The location. This says a lot about status, particularly if the room is hidden away in a remote corner! It does not matter whether the centre is a dedicated room or part of a general learning resource centre.
Design and storage. Is material labeled and easy to find? Is the CLCI or similar used and understood?
Accessibility. Are opening times published? Is the location signposted around the site? Do students feel comfortable about to using the area?
Range of media. Is information presented in a range of different ways e.g. video; pamphlets; ITC; books; magazines?
Can student print and take away the results of using IT based interest profiles and information research
Is there up to date local LMI (Labour market information)?
Maintained. Is the centre kept tidy and information stored away after use? Is old materials thrown away and new material ordered?
Content? Is there information on all major themes e.g. HE; FE; training; finances; application skills (A section) and occupational areas? Is content checked for bias and appropriate images?
Student understanding. Are students shown how to use the careers resource area and encouraged to do so regularly
Evaluation and monitoring? Is the use of the centre monitored and is feedback gathered on its effectiveness?
