Youth Advisory Board | Career Ready

About our Youth Advisory Board

Our Youth Advisory Board is made up of 12 young people, aged 25 or under, from across the UK, who have varied, lived experiences of social mobility.

Meeting four times a year, they will advise on current issues affecting young people, make suggestions for future programme improvements, and run campaigns and events for young people and other stakeholders.

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.

Ansab Ahsan

“As Chair of the Youth Advisory Board, I’m dedicated to amplifying young voices, driving positive change, and ensuring that Career Ready continues to empower young people.”

Marley Ahmed

“Career Ready represents something I’m passionate about and that’s access to opportunities. I’m looking forward to working to further develop the program and what it offers young people.”

Rose Agbaw

“As a former student on the programme, Career Ready has helped me so much. I look forward to being able to coordinate with the team and contribute to the growth of Career Ready.”

Melanie Bandarage

“I want to help students who were in a similar position to me have the best chance at a successful and happy career. I want to leave the YAB knowing I was able to positively contribute to helping the programme and to students.”

Fardeen Rahman Anan

“I am eager to take on this role to deepen my understanding of charity work and contribute to society. Career Ready has played a pivotal role in guiding me to where I am today, and I am passionate about giving back.”

Thomas Holmes

“I am keen to be part of the board as it’s a really good initiative to support the charity in bridging the gap between social inequality and educating young people on careers.”

Clare Hamilton

“I would love to make other students aware of the benefits Career Ready offers and encourage them to fully engage with the programme. I would like to make a positive difference to other students just beginning their journey.”

Lina Diine

“Safe to say I wouldn’t be where I am or have the contacts I have today without Career Ready, being part of the board will allow me to close the circle and give back to not only to Career Ready but to the community that stands behind them.”

Miles Pemberton

“Career Ready was a transformational experience for me. I took part in an internship and was paired with an incredible mentor at AstraZeneca. Career Ready has propelled my career to where it is today, and I look forward to helping to shape the future of the programme.”

Abi Abidoye

“I am keen to be a part of the board because I believe in the principles and values of Career Ready and I want to help facilitate that. I hope to gain a further understanding of social mobility and the impact it has on young people.”

Sakina Abbas

“As a member of the Board and someone who has recently graduated from the programme, I feel that I understand the struggles that students face when trying to prepare themselves for higher education or a career once college ends.”

Jasleen sidhu

“As an advocate for youth empowerment, I was inspired to join the Youth Advisory Board as I believe that all young people deserve to receive support, encouragement, and guidance to achieve their full potential.”

Meet our Youth Advisory Board

How to create a reliable network

How to create a reliable network

How Career Ready shaped my journey and inspired me

How Career Ready shaped my journey and inspired me

What mentoring has meant for me

What mentoring has meant for me

Embrace the opportunity: how to make the most of Career Ready

Embrace the opportunity: how to make the most of Career Ready

Networking: an essential skill in today’s competitive market

Networking: an essential skill in today’s competitive market

Making the most of networking

Making the most of networking

Seizing every opportunity: the key to thriving as a young professional

Seizing every opportunity: the key to thriving as a young professional

Is it nepotism, or networking?

Is it nepotism, or networking?

From Doubt to Confidence: Overcoming Barriers and Embracing Your Strengths

From Doubt to Confidence: Overcoming Barriers and Embracing Your Strengths

Introducing Ansab, the new Chair of our Youth Advisory Board

Introducing Ansab, the new Chair of our Youth Advisory Board

Victoria Ayodeji

“Having attended a state school in East London and not knowing anyone that had gone from East London to Oxbridge, talking to my Career Ready mentor was so motivating.”

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Brooklyn Brigham

“Young people are confronted with significant social, political, and environmental issues. Through the board, I hope to play a role in solving these issues and contribute to creating a much more positive environment for other young people.”

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Marley Ahmed

“I believe that we should each be empowered to experience and achieve everything we’re capable of. By joining the Career Ready Youth Board I hope to play a part in influencing this for the better.”

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Jess Oliver

“I believe that young people should be able to achieve their potential, whatever it is they choose to do in life. I can’t wait to work with my fellow board members to help shape Career Ready’s work and make this possible for more young people.”

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Employers & Volunteers

Young People

Schools & Colleges

The power of volunteering

As well as making a lasting difference to a young person’s life, volunteering is a fantastic way to develop your own professional skill set, pass on your experience, and enhance your CV – it can even count towards many organisations’ CPD schemes.

Shannon Todd

“Career Ready shows young people what they are capable of and removes the expectations of society from them.”

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Eloise Skinner

“A lot of young people have faced a lifetime of challenges which has left them feeling voiceless and powerless in the world. I was inspired to join the Youth Advisory Board because I believe that each young person should have the opportunity to author the future they want.”

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Cameron Spence

“An important lesson I’ve learnt so far in my career, and one which I hope to bring to the Youth Advisory Board, is that there is no such thing as the ‘perfect journey’ to success.”

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Beth Ward

“I was inspired to join the Youth Advisory Board so I could help ensure that young people like me receive the support we need to deal with the challenges we face.”

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Employers & Volunteers

Young People

Schools & Colleges