Over 170 people gathered at Nottingham Castle this week to find out more about the recently launched Nottinghamshire South Careers Hub – a joint venture between D2N2 LEP, Futures and the Careers and Enterprise Company.

The event was attended by young people from several local schools and academies along with representatives from The Hub’s Cornerstone Employers including Coca-Cola, Ideagen, The Nottingham and J Tomlinson.

The new Hub brings together school staff, particularly those who lead on careers education, and provides them with additional support, resources and training for their schools to deliver “modern, 21st century careers education for every child, no matter their background or circumstance”.

The D2N2 Careers Hub ensures each member school has a fit-for-purpose strategic careers plan, while delivering a range of experience event and programmes for young people to access, made possible by the backing of our supporting employers.

By linking the schools with employers, Further Education colleges and apprenticeship and in-work training providers, the Careers Hub makes sure young people know about the options available to them after they leave education, and the different jobs and career paths they might choose to take.

Research carried out by The Careers & Enterprise Company shows that schools and colleges which are part of a Careers Hub deliver more support to students, have stronger links with local employers, offer more work experience opportunities and develop innovative ways of linking the curriculum with different jobs a student could go on to do.

D2N2 LEP has operated a Careers Hub in the south of Derby since 2019 and the success of this led to funding being agreed by the Careers and Enterprise company for the creation of a further three hubs from September last year. The scheme now covers all of the D2N2 region and supports over 92,000 young people from 150 secondary schools and colleges.

Bringing together the worlds of work and education

Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive said: “It was really exciting to join partners in showcasing the D2N2 Careers Hub.

“Bringing the worlds of work and education together is a vital part of our strategy to lead a green recovery from the impact of Covid-19. It has been a real collaborative effort to bring these Careers Hubs to our region and we look forward to working with all our partners as we look to transform the careers landscape across the D2N2 area.”

Chris Grocock, Head of Engagement and Partnerships at Futures said: “Our purpose at Futures is about empowering people, businesses and communities to achieve more. That’s why I’m delighted we’re able to work in partnership with CEC and D2N2 LEP, on the Nottinghamshire South Careers Hub – building those vital links between employers, schools and youth initiatives to really increase the quality of careers advice as well as the number and variety of opportunities for young people to interact with a variety of industries and sectors.”

John Yarham, Deputy CEO of the Careers & Enterprise Company said: “Helping every young person to find their best next step out of the classroom and into the world of work couldn’t be more important.

“Careers Hubs are powerful partnerships of schools, colleges, employers and providers in local communities, delivering modern 21^st century careers education, shaped by local priorities. The D2N2 Careers Hub is a dynamic example of that work in practice, supporting young people across the region, inspiring aspiration and ambition and helping them find that pathway from education into employment.”

Joe White, a Post-16 Student at South Notts Academy said: “This event has been interesting and insightful because I learned about different work sectors and heard personal experiences about how even if things don’t go to plan, you can still make steps forward. It gave me a better understanding of the working world and busted the some myths. Even though we have good careers guidance in school, you can’t beat hearing real life experiences”

Councillor Zafran Khan Assistant Portfolio Holder for Green Nottingham & Economic Development at Nottingham City Council said: “Careers Hubs play an incredibly important role when it comes to inspiring and preparing young people for the world of work. Hence, we are thrilled about the launch of the Nottinghamshire South Careers Hub and excited to be part of this collaborative effort to ensure all young people gain the support, knowledge and skills that will enable them to make informed decisions about their future career choices.”

Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling, chairman of the county council’s Economic Development and Asset Management Committee, added: “This new hub is a great partnership initiative which will hopefully help give young people the confidence and job skills they need to give them a head start towards a better future”.