St. Joseph's
Grammar School, Donaghmore
Educating For the Future Since 1922
Careers Education Information and Guidance (CEIAG)
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At St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef, careers education is a fundamental part of our curriculum, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make informed decisions about their futures.
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Our comprehensive Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) programme ensures every student is prepared for seamless transitions into employment, further education, or training.
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Cutting-Edge Careers Support with PeopleHawk
To enhance career planning, St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef has introduced the innovative PeopleHawk IT Platform into our careers programme. This cutting-edge tool provides pupils with:
Enhanced Self-Awareness:
Scientifically validated assessments of values, interests, and personality enable students to identify their strengths and discover ideal career matches, courses, and subject choices at every key stage.
Immersive Career Exploration:
Pupils can explore thousands of tailored career options, access UK and Irish university course information, and view a live, customised job board featuring over 10,000 apprenticeship and regional job opportunities.
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Pathway Comparison:
Students can compare post-16 and post-18 options, including apprenticeships, further education, and university courses, to find the pathway that best suits their aspirations.
Streamlined Applications:
AI-enabled tools allow pupils to create high-impact CVs, personal statements, and letters of motivation, with direct feedback provided by the platform’s AI engine or our Careers Team.
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Key Stage 3: Building Foundations
Careers education begins in Years 8–10 through Education for Employability lessons, introducing pupils to the world of work. In Year 10, students receive tailored guidance to make informed subject choices for Key Stage 4, including:
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Careers information from subject teachers and Heads of Departments.
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Attendance at a Year 10 Options Evening, where presentations are delivered by the Head of Careers, Mr P Corrigan, and the Head of Curriculum, Mrs O McCourt.
Our curriculum team works closely with the careers department to ensure each student has a personalised learning pathway that maximises their academic potential and career opportunities.
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Key Stage 4: Exploring Opportunities
Year 12 pupils engage in careers lessons designed to inform them of the various training, work, and study options available at the age of 16. Key activities include:
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Valuable work experience placements, offering insights into specific roles and workplaces.
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An A-Level Subject Choice Afternoon and Mini Careers Fair, where students interact with subject teachers, A-Level pupils, and local employers.
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Guiding Futures, Shaping Success
Interactive Workshops
Each year group participates in engaging Young Enterprise Northern Ireland workshops. These interactive sessions explore workplace themes through practical activities, encouraging pupils to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
Dedicated Careers Guidance
Our Careers Officer, Nuala Madden, provides tailored advice at key transition points in Year 10, Year 12, and Year 14, ensuring every pupil is fully supported in their educational and career choices.
Collaboration and Development
As a member of the Dungannon Area Learning Community, St Joseph’s works closely with other schools to share resources and develop careers education. Careers staff also attend events organised by Mid-Ulster Council, ensuring they remain informed about local career trends and skills demands.
Promoting STEM
Promoting STEM for opportunities in these high-demand sectors, and career choices.
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Sixth Form:
Tailoring Aspirations
A-Level students receive individualised guidance and a wealth of resources to support their career planning:
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One-to-one consultations with the Senior Management Team at the beginning of Years 13 and 14.
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Careers lessons and personalised advice in the dedicated Careers Suite.
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Presentations from Ulster University, Queen’s University, Scottish and South of Ireland universities, South West College, and Student Finance Northern Ireland.
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Work experience placements in Term 3 of Year 13 to deepen their understanding of specific careers.
Year 14 pupils benefit from additional support, including presentations on Foundation Degrees, Higher-Level Apprenticeships, and Life at University training sessions. These sessions prepare students for the challenges of higher education, offering practical advice on managing academic and personal responsibilities.
​The Transition from School to Career Success
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The journey from school to the professional world can be challenging, but the support I received from St. Joseph’s Grammar School was instrumental in helping me secure a degree apprenticeship at Mallaghan Engineering.
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My passion for engineering began when I studied Engineering and Technology at GCSE. This subject not only sparked my interest but also laid the foundation for my future career. The Careers Department and the Engineering and Technology Department at St. Joseph’s played a vital role in nurturing this interest by providing tailored one-on-one guidance, workshops, and opportunities for work experience. Their focus on future planning ensured I felt supported and confident in making informed decisions about my career path.
For students with specific industry interests like mine, the school created pathways to success by introducing us to local employers and highlighting apprenticeship opportunities that matched our strengths and aspirations.
In Year 13, I had the opportunity to undertake work experience at Mallaghan Engineering. From the moment I stepped through their doors, I knew this was where I wanted to build my career.
Through the school, I was also introduced to the MEGA apprenticeship programme. MEGA provided workshops and valuable insights into the different levels of apprenticeship opportunities available, as well as information about the numerous local companies involved. I was determined to secure a degree apprenticeship, which required applications to both MEGA and Ulster University, alongside completing my UCAS form to keep my options open.
Securing a degree apprenticeship in engineering is highly competitive, and the interview period coincides with exam season, making it an intense time. St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef prepared me well for this challenge by offering interview preparation sessions, mock interviews, and classes on interview techniques. These proved invaluable when I faced interviews with industry professionals.
Today, I am proud to be a degree apprentice at Mallaghan Engineering. The skills I developed at St. Joseph’s / Scoil Iósaef—such as teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail—have been essential in my fastpaced, hands-on role. I feel privileged to work for a respected local company, learn from experienced professionals, and continuously develop my technical abilities while pursuing my studies at Ulster University.
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Cara Murray
Pupil