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.

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

Insight One: The Promise of Primary, Wave 1

Insight Two: The Promise of Primary, Wave 2

Insight Three: The Promise of Primary, Final Pilot Report

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

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.

Dorset Careers Hub - Primary Padlet

Employer Encounters

Offsite Visits

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. Take a look at the guidance and resources below, including our careers bingo templates.

Linking Careers to Transition

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

The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) Resources

Access the range of CEC resources using the links below.

Primary Careers Resources Platform:

The CEC Primary Careers Resources Platform will help you:

- Embed career-related learning in your school’s curriculum
- Conduct career-related learning activities with your class
- Engage parents and other stakeholders in career-related learning

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, including:

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.

CEC Primary Newsletter:

The CEC 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

Primary Newsletter | The Careers and Enterprise Company

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.

Watch the recording here Careers Excellence Seminar 6 | The Careers and Enterprise Company

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