At West Herts College we value the input of our students' Parents and Carers when it comes to planning their next steps. Parents and Carers can have a huge influence on a young person's decision when it comes to choosing a course, career and method of study, so we've compiled useful resources and information to help our network of Parents and Carers provide advice and guidance.

In addition to a students’ main qualification they will also participate in GAP.

This means they will take part in a study programme full of career and skills boosting benefits, all with the aim of giving them the opportunity to become career ready!

One of the key objectives for the college is to equip learners with the skills and experiences they need to be successful in life and work.

All students will take part in 37 hours of on the job training related to their chosen industry sector. We will arrange masterclasses and employer engagement experiences to provide them with as many opportunities as possible.

Our Bravura skills project runs alongside this providing students’ with the skills and core competencies that employers require. You will see Bravura sessions on students’ timetables.

Inspired with personalised 1 to 1 Careers Education Information and guidance to help students’ secure their next steps and intended destinations in the short and medium terms.

With the UK poised for high career growth as it emerges from the pandemic and employers looking to recruit the best talent to succeed in a post Brexit economy, we want to provide our learners with the platform and opportunities to maximise their potential and showcase their talent. 

  • Careers Advice & Guidance at College

    Our GAP team has qualified careers specialists who help our students plan the best route towards their intended destination. Some students will have a clear path in mind to reach their dream job, whilst others will need help exploring the options that are available to them. To help our students plan for a future full of opportunity they'll develop a personal careers plan with the GAP team which will have bespoke targets that are relevant to their chosen sector.

    Students can book 1:1 Careers Advice and Guidance sessions via the GAP website here, or by simply dropping in to see the GAP team on campus. 

  • On-the-job Training

    We've teamed up with local employers to bring our students GAP. On-the-job training to give students the skills and experiences that will help them to land a great first job.

    Students will target the skills needed for success in ways which suit them and the employer, meaning they'll be busy every time they go to work and can expect to be completely involved in projects and tasks.

  • Project Bravura

    We are working with employers to clarify what skills employers are seeking and providing opportunities for students to develop these skills.

    This enables students’ to build on the knowledge and skills they develop through completion of their main qualification and develop excellence in the skills needed in their intended destination.

    Bravura focuses on skills and knowledge categories that include:

    • Occupational skills – a set of competitive skills that employers are seeking for a specific job
    • Transferable skills – a set of skills for you to be flexible and adaptable in your careers
    • Digital Skills – a set of skills to use digital technology to become more productive at work
    • English and Maths –a focus on the skills that relate to specific employment sectors and job-roles
    • Entrepreneurship – employers are seeking individuals who have forward thinking attitudes and  who can make a difference to the success of the business

  • CIAEG Events Calendar

    Click the button below to view our CIAEG Events Calendar.

    CIAEG Events Calendar

  • Local Labour Market Information

    The College uses Labour Market Information to inform its curriculum planning, that means that we're constantly adding new courses and opportunities to meet the needs of local employers and prepare our students for the job opportunities of the future. 

    We know that a big part of the decision making process when choosing a course will be considering the job opportunities that are available locally and further afield. We encourage all of our students to find out more about the Local Labour Market information for Hertfordshire by visiting our GAP website: https://www.gap.westherts.ac.uk/local-opportunity

    As a parent/carer of a young person, you can also find out more by visiting HOP - Powered by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership - explore hopinto.co.uk to discover the amazing career opportunities in our local area. 

  • Useful Resources

    There are plenty of routes in to employment and we pride ourselves on delivering high quality, Matrix accredited advice and guidance to all of our students. There is also plenty of information and tools available online to help with career planning, take a look at our shortlist of useful websites to the right.

    LMI for All - https://www.lmiforall.org.uk/widget/

    Prospects - https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice 

    National Careers Service - https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/

    All About School Leavers - https://www.allaboutschoolleavers.co.uk/

    Apprenticeships Search - https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

    UCAS - https://www.ucas.com/careers-advice

    Not Going to Uni - https://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/

    Discover Uni - https://www.discoveruni.gov.uk/

    CV Writing and Interview Skills - GAP - CV Writing and Interview Skills Guide

If you would like to find out more about GAP, work experience opportunities or book a 1:1 session then head over to our GAP website: click here. You can also contact the GAP team directly ifor help planning your son or daughter's next steps by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 01923 812000.