CAS ITT & ECT Meeting: How to talk to students about careers in Computing

If you were unable to join us for the 'How to Talk to Students About Careers in Computing' thematic community meeting, don’t worry! You can catch up on all the content and key insights below.

Key Takeaways

1. Careers education matters – High-quality careers guidance can inspire students and improve attainment.

2. The Gatsby Benchmarks – Schools should align with these, particularly linking curriculum learning to careers.

3. Quick wins in the classroom – Small actions, such as career slides at the start of lessons, can make a big impact.

4. External support is available – Organisations like STEM Ambassadors and Amazon Class Chats offer free resources and guest speakers.

5. Representation matters – Careers displays and discussions should reflect the diversity of students.

Summary of the Session

With National Careers Week fast approaching, this session explored how teachers can better integrate careers education into computing lessons. Jonny Usherwood, an experienced teacher now working with Teach First, led the discussion and shared key insights from research and practice.

The session opened by highlighting a stark ‘destinations gap’ between disadvantaged and wealthier students. Studies show that students with greater exposure to the world of work are more motivated to achieve higher grades. With this in mind, Jonny encouraged teachers to consider how their schools approach careers education and whether they work with external organisations to enhance opportunities.

A major focus was the Gatsby Benchmarks, a framework for high-quality careers guidance. Benchmark #4 – linking curriculum learning to careers – is especially relevant for computing teachers. Participants shared practical ways they already embed career discussions, such as using starter slides showcasing computing-related jobs, mapping careers across the curriculum, and inviting guest speakers.

Jonny emphasised that careers education doesn’t have to be complex. Simple steps like displaying career pathways in classrooms, referencing real-world applications during lessons, or sharing teacher career journeys can be powerful. He also stressed the importance of relatable role models – careers posters and examples should reflect the diversity of students.

BCS offers many videos showcasing different job roles in tech and also has a quiz to help identify the career route best for you which can be found here

Teachers were introduced to several free resources to support careers education, including:

• Amazon Class Chats – Opportunities for Amazon employees to engage with students about careers in tech.

• STEM Ambassadors – A volunteer network providing industry professionals to speak to schools.

• Text She Can & Scottish Teachers Advancing Computing Science – Platforms offering engaging video resources on computing careers.

Next Steps: Reflecting on Your Own Practice

To integrate careers education more effectively, consider:

• How often do your lessons make explicit links to real-world careers?

• Could you invite industry professionals to speak to your students?

• Does your classroom display computing careers that are diverse and relatable?

• How might you engage parents in career discussions?

Three quick actions you could take next week:

1. Add a 'Careers in Computing' slide to your lesson starters.

2. Identify a local business or university contact for a guest speaker session.

3. Update your curriculum map to highlight where career discussions fit.

Further Resources

• CAS Career Resources (Coming Soon!) – Keep an eye on the CAS website for new careers presentations and posters.

• Gatsby Benchmarks Overview
• Amazon Class Chats
• STEM Ambassadors
• Scottish Teachers Advancing Computing Science
• Session Recording

By embedding careers education into everyday teaching, we can inspire the next generation of computing professionals. Let’s ensure our students see the exciting and varied pathways that computing can offer!