Who we are
We are a UK-wide social mobility charity at the heart of a network of employers, volunteers, schools, and colleges.
Since 2002, we have all worked together to empower young people aged 15-25 and give their talents a platform from which to flourish.
We boost social mobility by delivering a structured programme of mentoring, paid internships, masterclasses, and workplace visits for young people from under-represented backgrounds.
In 2023 we supported 4,240 young people across our programme cohorts in 242 schools and colleges, providing them with the skills, self-esteem, and social capital to kickstart their futures.
Our work is enabled by our network of employer partners and volunteers who see lasting benefits to their business and the communities in which they work.
Since 2002, we have all worked together to empower young people aged 15-25 and give their talents a platform from which to flourish.
We boost social mobility by delivering a structured programme of mentoring, paid internships, masterclasses, and workplace visits for young people from under-represented backgrounds.
In 2023 we supported 2,000 young people in 242 schools and colleges, providing them with the skills, self-esteem, and social capital to kickstart their futures.
Our work is enabled by our network of employer partners and volunteers who see lasting benefits to their business and the communities in which they work.
As a volunteer you can make a transformational difference to a young person’s future. Using your experience, skills, and knowledge, you can give them the support they need to achieve their true potential.
Volunteering is also a fantastic way to develop your own professional skillset, enjoy a rewarding experience, and enhance your CV.
Our programme
A transformational programme for career success
For over 20 years we’ve worked in areas of need across the UK to change lives and boost social mobility by connecting young people aged 15-18 to workplace opportunities and support. We deliver a structured programme of mentoring, a paid internship, masterclasses and workplace visits.
When students graduate from the Career Ready programme, they join a growing UK-wide network of over 2,000 fellow alumni, employers, and volunteers to help them in taking their talent to the next level.
Our programme structure:
Ryan Thorne, Career Ready Alumnus
A transformational programme for career success
For over 20 years we’ve worked in areas of need across the UK to change lives and boost social mobility by connecting young people aged 15-18 to workplace opportunities and support. We deliver a structured programme of mentoring, a paid internship, masterclasses and workplace visits.
When students graduate from the Career Ready programme, they join a growing UK-wide network of over 1,000 fellow alumni, employers, and volunteers to help them in taking their talent to the next level.
Our programme structure:
For over 20 years we’ve worked in areas of need across the UK to change lives and boost social mobility by connecting young people aged 15-18 to workplace opportunities and support. We deliver a structured programme of mentoring, a paid internship, masterclasses and workplace visits.
When students graduate from the Career Ready programme, they join a growing UK-wide network of over 1,000 fellow alumni, employers, and volunteers to help them in taking their talent to the next level.
Ryan Thorne, Career Ready Alumnus
Paid Internships
Masterclasses
Students launch event while in Y12 or S5 (or FE College equivalent) and meet their mentor.
A 4 week paid summer internship between June – August.
6 masterclasses delivered by volunteers at key points in the programme.
Sustained support for our young people through our alumni network.
Our programme
The Career Ready programme empowers young people by connecting them with the world of work, providing workplace experiences, career insights, and a network of support.
Our programme relies on a network of employers, volunteers and schools/colleges to help young people.
Find out more about the programme and how you can get involved.
Who we support
For those who will benefit the most
As a social mobility charity we work with young people, schools, and colleges who, research shows, face the barriers in education and employment which cause their talents to often go undiscovered and unfulfilled.
By prioritising where we work, the schools and colleges we partner with, and the young people who need our support the most, we’re able to make a difference where it truly matters . We empower young people who, research shows, face barriers in education and employment.
For those who will benefit the most
For those who will benefit the most
As a social mobility charity we work with young people, schools, and colleges who, research shows, face the barriers in education and employment which cause their talents to often go undiscovered and unfulfilled.
By prioritising where we work, the schools and colleges we partner with, and the young people who need our support the most, we’re able to make a difference where it truly matters . We empower young people who, research shows, face barriers in education and employment.
As a volunteer you can make a transformational difference to a young person’s future. Using your experience, skills, and knowledge, you can give them the support they need to achieve their true potential.
Volunteering is also a fantastic way to develop your own professional skillset, enjoy a rewarding experience, and enhance your CV.
Where we work
We work across the UK in areas which research shows need our support the most.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in your local area or to get involved, then contact our team of Regional Managers.
To ensure that we support the young people, schools & colleges, and areas which need our support the most, we’re guided by Government data on Indices of Multiple Deprivation and social mobility cold spots.
- 54% of Scotland’s Local Authorities with the highest levels of deprivation, as identified by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation
- 57% of the schools and colleges we work with in England are in the most deprived postcodes, according to the English Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)
- 57% of the students we support in England and Scotland live in the most deprived postcodes, according to the Indicies of Multiple Deprivation
To ensure that we work in schools and colleges most in need of our support, we work with schools and colleges who meet the following framework:
- Non-fee-paying, UK state schools and colleges
- In an existing Career Ready area
- Priority is also given to non-academically selective schools and colleges
We work in 70 local authorities across the UK, from Barking to Belfast, prioritising areas which research shows need our support the most such as social mobility cold spots.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in your local area or to get involved, then contact our team of Regional Managers.
As a volunteer you can make a transformational difference to a young person’s future. Using your experience, skills, and knowledge, you can give them the support they need to achieve their true potential.
Volunteering is also a fantastic way to develop your own professional skillset, enjoy a rewarding experience, and enhance your CV.
As a volunteer you can make a transformational difference to a young person’s future. Using your experience, skills, and knowledge, you can give them the support they need to achieve their true potential.
Volunteering is also a fantastic way to develop your own professional skillset, enjoy a rewarding experience, and enhance your CV.
To ensure that we support the young people, schools & colleges, and areas which need our support the most, we’re guided by Government data on Indices of Multiple Deprivation and the Careers & Enterprise Company’s Education Investment Areas.
- 6/9 Scottish Attainment Challenge Local Authorities.
- 54% of Scotland’s Local Authorities with the highest levels of deprivation, as identified by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation
- 57% of the schools and colleges we work with in England are in the most deprived postcodes, according to the English Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)
- 55% of the local authorities we work with in England are in the 100 most deprived areas, according to IMD
To ensure that we work in schools and colleges most in need of our support, we work with schools and colleges who meet the following framework:
- Non-fee-paying, UK state schools and colleges
- In an existing Career Ready area
- Priority is also given to non-academically selective schools and colleges
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