It is not always obvious to young people how the subjects they study at school can help them to gain good jobs in the future. It is therefore essential that subject teachers help young people to make connections between curriculum subjects and future careers. However, teachers may not have knowledge of local labour markets, skills gaps and awareness of the full range of different routes into jobs; many subject teachers will require training and support.

• What responsibilities do all teaching staff have for linking their subject to career development?
• How informed are school staff about local, regional and national skills shortages and opportunities for example in high demand areas, for example in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)?
• How is the integration of careers into the curriculum monitored, reviewed and evaluated?

In Boroughbridge High School, the Head of Drama had been concerned about the falling numbers of young people taking the subject at GCSE. This led to an initiative to improve focus on employability and transferrable skills developed in drama (e.g., confidence, communication and presentation skills). The drama teacher identified several local employers who had either studied performing arts or who had employed individuals with performing arts backgrounds. These have been invited into school to talk to students and parents about the relevance of the subject. The number of drama groups has now doubled from one to two being taught at GCSE.

Resources for school leaders and teachers:

• Resources to link curriculum learning to careers from been produced by CEGNET.
• Guidance on how to work with STEM ambassadors from STEM Learning.
• The STEM Insight programme offered by STEM Learning provides staff in schools and colleges a unique chance to experience STEM-related work in industrial or university settings.

• Guidance on how to set up a school STEM club from STEM Learning.
• STEM Learning’s e-library of teaching and learning resources has a repository for teachers which includes many useful resources and collections on STEM topics.