Primary Career-Related Learning

Research shows that starting career-related learning (CRL) early is essential. Pupils start to adopt stereotypes based on gender, ethnicity and social background from an early age. Such stereotypes can go on to influence career and subject choices. 

Career-related learning (CRL) in primary schools is about broadening pupil's horizons and aspirations, challenging stereotypes and helping them develop the skills and sense of self that will enable them to reach their full potential. 

The Careers and Enterprise Company's career-related learning resources for primary schools includes activities to give pupils a wide range of experiences of education, transitions and the world of work. 

The resources support primary schools to develop an inclusive approach to career-related learning. You can easily access them by visiting the Primary Platform, here. 

To access training on ‘Getting Started with Career-related Learning in Primary’, visit The Academy here. 

Resources created via the 'Start Small; Dream Big' project are available below.

You can access the 'Start Small; Dream Big' Insight Brief Reports here:

Insight One: The Promise of Primary, Wave 1

Early indications from Wave 1 of the Start Small; Dream Big pilot show real promise emerging, with a range of positive outcomes for schools, teachers, pupils, parents and the employers who took part.

Insight Two: The Promise of Primary, Wave 2 

Insights from Wave 2 of the three-wave Start Small; Dream Big pilot show 89,000 children received employer encounters across over 400 schools nationwide, and a notable shift in career aspirations, particularly among girls. 

Insight Three: The Promise of Primary, Final Pilot Report

This final report brings together evidence of impact across all three waves of Start Small; Dream Big. The pilot set out to test whether structured career-related learning in primary schools could broaden horizons and aspirations and challenge stereotypes from an early age.

Primary Career-Related Learning Resources

We have created a range of resources to support your school to develop a career-related learning programme. These include templates, resources and guidance to deliver employer encounters and link careers to offsite visits. We hope you find them helpful!

Dorset Careers Hub Primary Padlet

We have created a Padlet to support career-related learning in school. From curriculum links, to competitions and employer engagement, this helpful resource can be shared with your colleagues. 

Employer Encounters

A collection of resources designed to support schools in delivering effective employer encounters as part of their careers programme. It includes practical templates, guidance, and tools to help organise meaningful engagement with employers.

Offsite Visits - proposed activity and suggested communications

School trips and offsite visits are a brilliant opportunity for a workplace experience. Ask staff prior to your visit if they are happy to talk about their role. 

Careers Bingo - Offsite Visits

This document is an interactive “Careers Bingo” activity designed for primary school students during visits or employer encounters. It encourages pupils to explore different job roles by speaking with staff and observing the workplace, helping them learn about a variety of careers in a fun and engaging way.

 

Transition Guide from Primary to Secondary from the CEC

Careers is a great way to support with transition to a new year group or school.

Careers Buddy Bingo

This document is an interactive “Careers Buddy Bingo” activity designed to help primary school students get to know each other while learning about different interests and experiences. It encourages communication and teamwork by asking pupils to introduce themselves, ask questions, and find classmates who match different statements in a fun and engaging way.

 

The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) Resources

Access the range of CEC resources using the links below.

Primary Careers Resources Platform

Whether you're new to career-related learning or have been doing it for some time, the platform will help you develop an approach that will broaden pupils’ horizons.
 

The resources are free for you to download and are from organisations that have been funded to test what works at primary, as well as other trusted providers.

Careers Related Leaning Courses

Two free online courses for primary staff are now available on The Careers & Enterprise Academy.

Please note: No Compass or Compass+ account is needed, just register and create an Academy account to get started!

Primary Futures

Primary Futures, run in partnership with the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT). This is a free programme for primary schools developed by teachers, for teachers that connects schools with inspiring role models from across the world of work through our database of thousands of volunteers to excite children about their futures and their potential.

Teachers can sign up for free and start connecting with a network of volunteers.

The Careers and Enterprise Company Primary Newsletter

The Careers and Enterprise Company are continuing to develop their work supporting career-related learning with Primary aged pupils. 

Sign-up to receive the latest Primary careers related news, resources, guidance and support

CEC Careers Excellence Seminar Recording

The recent Careers Excellence Seminar from the Careers & Enterprise Company focused on the importance of embedding careers education in primary schools.

Experts from education, business, and careers sectors discussed how early career interventions can broaden aspirations, improve transitions, and challenge stereotypes. The seminar highlighted best practices, employer engagement strategies, and the role of schools and employers in ensuring young people are better prepared for the future. 

Dorset Careers Hub Schools and Colleges can access further resources created through the 'Start Small; Dream Big' project through the Careers Leader Portal.