Opportunities and career support

Universal Careers Guidance

SBC Opportunities has a dedicated team of Careers Advisers who are contracted by local schools and colleges to provide impartial and independent careers advice and guidance for students from Year 8 through to Year 14.

We support young people in exploring all their available options. We look into all aspects of education, employment and training including colleges, training, apprenticeships, universities, work and volunteering.

Opportunities is externally accredited to the Matrix Standard, the nationally recognised quality benchmark for Information, Advice and Guidance services - our latest accreditation is July 2022.

All our Careers Advisers are qualified in Careers Guidance to at least Level 6 and are registered professionals with the CDI.

For further information about the delivery of careers advice and guidance in your or your child's school contact the school. Visit the Find a School page for full school details..

Alternatively, contact us at opportunities@stockton.gov.uk.

Targeted support in schools

We have a team of Progression Advisers who provide 1:1 support for those in Year 11 who are at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training). We also support young people who have learning difficulties and disabilities, those who are in our Care and those who attend special schools. We work in every Stockton school.

You can find out if you or your child will receive one to one support from a Progression Adviser in school by asking your tutor, Head of Year, the Careers team in school or contact us at opportunities@stockton.gov.uk.

Support for young people who are not in learning or employment

We provide help for young people who have left education and are not in work, and for those in work who are looking for a change. Dedicated Advisers proactively help people look at their options.

We have staff in different roles who provide targeted support for those who are anxious, those who don't know what they want to do, people who aren't getting jobs, people who want to go back into education and need some help with that, and young people who have plans and need to do something else before they start their course or career.

All our Advisers offer support with:

• one-to-one discussions helping young people think about and decide upon their options
• creating an action plan to give focus to the young person's career journey
• providing up to date and accurate job information to inform choices
• exploring the offer from colleges and other learning providers
• help to create a personal, tailored CV
• looking for apprenticeship and training opportunities
• visits to colleges and other learning providers
• job seeking skills and tips
• applications
• exploring HE and help with UCAS

If you have left school and need our help, please contact us on 01642 677600 or at opportunities@stockton.gov.uk or drop in to the Employment and Training Hub on Wellington Square in Stockton.

Employment and Training Hub

We provide a drop-in service where you can see an adviser, or if you prefer you can contact us on 01642 677600 to arrange an appointment.

The Employment an Training Hub is the place to go for young people and adults of all ages to explore your options and receive support.

Visit our Employment and Training Hub page for all the information you will need.