By Isle of Wight Observer
Professionals from across the Island are being encouraged to inspire the next generation by volunteering through an IW Council-backed careers platform.
Inspiring the Future connects working people with schools and colleges, enabling talks, activities and workplace experiences so young people can hear directly about different jobs and industries. Volunteers often share their own career journeys, helping pupils understand the range of pathways open to them.
Organisers say face-to-face interactions with local professionals can have a greater impact than on-line information or careers videos, giving young people a clearer picture of working life.
The council and the Solent Careers Hub are encouraging more professionals and education providers to sign up to the free platform, which supports all age groups from early years to post-16.
Paul Brading, chairman of the children’s services, education and skills committee, said the influence of a working professional on a young person “cannot be understated”, adding that even simple support such as careers talks or CV advice could shape future aspirations.
Only school and college staff can create events on the platform, and volunteers must follow each setting’s safeguarding policies as well as the platform’s code of conduct. There is no direct contact with children through the system itself.
Island businesses are also being directed to a free on-line self-assessment tool from The Careers & Enterprise Company. The Employer Standards Framework takes around 25 minutes to complete and offers recommendations to help firms improve engagement with young people and education providers. Businesses can access it via iw.observer/employer-portal.
Research linked to the framework suggests businesses that engage in careers education can benefit from stronger talent pipelines, reduced recruitment costs and improved early careers diversity.
