Choose The Level Of Help Before You Read Anything Soft.
Individual appointments are usually available within 5 to 8 working days. Urgent apprenticeship deadline slots are sometimes available within 48 hours at no surcharge if the diary allows.
Initial Careers Direction
£68 in person
£58 online
Length
75 minutes
Best for
A young person choosing between sixth form, college, training or a first application.
Includes
Option sort, constraints check, questions for school or provider.
Apprenticeship Application Check: £45 for one vacancy, £72 for up to three closely related vacancies.Parent and Young Person Review: £120 for 2 hours.Small group workshop: £240 for up to 12 learners, 2 hours within 12 miles of ST4.
02 Process
Five Steps, No Mystique.
BookEmail the situation, year group and preferred times.
PrepareSend predicted grades, option sheets, CV drafts or vacancy links.
MeetOnline or in person around Stoke-on-Trent and nearby towns.
ReceiveWritten plan as a PDF within 3 working days where included.
Check BackUse the plan to ask sharper questions before applying.
Helen’s Preparation Note
Why The Questions Arrive Before The Appointment.
I ask for predicted grades, current travel limits, favourite subjects and the exact apprenticeship vacancy link before a session because those details stop the appointment drifting into guesswork. A young person who likes engineering but cannot reach a 7:30am start in Stafford has a different plan from one who can get a lift three days a week. A student with good practical marks and weak written coursework needs different application evidence from a student who interviews well but has no examples ready. The aim is not to make anyone feel tested before we meet. It is to make sure the paid hour is spent on decisions, wording and next actions, not on hunting for entry requirements that could have been checked the day before.
03 Fit
What This Service Will Do, And What It Will Not Do.
Will Do
Map realistic sixth form, college, apprenticeship and training routes.
Improve application wording with the young person in the room.
Name travel, grade, routine and deadline constraints plainly.
Write clear action plans families can use after the meeting.
Will Not Do
Write UCAS personal statements from scratch or submit applications for someone.
Guarantee apprenticeship interviews, job offers, grades or employer replies.
Provide adult redundancy counselling, executive coaching or grievance advice.
Work with under-16s without a parent, carer or named school contact involved.
Take paid referral fees from colleges, training providers or recruitment agencies.
04 Local Detail
North Staffordshire Practicalities Are Part Of The Advice.
In personStoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Fenton, Longton, Hanley, Burslem, Tunstall, Kidsgrove and Stone.Home visitsLimited to a 15 mile drive from ST4. A parent or carer must be present for under-18s.WorkshopsAvailable within 25 miles of Stoke-on-Trent. Travel is included up to 12 miles from ST4, then 45p per mile.PaymentBookings under £100 are paid in full at confirmation. Packages and workshops need a 30% deposit.
05 Next Step
Email The Situation, Not A Perfect Brief.
Send the young person’s year group, the decision or vacancy involved, preferred appointment times and whether the session should be online or in person.