Inspiring the Future

Inspiring the Future is a simple and effective way for employers and their staff to be connected directly to schools using online match-making technology. We ask staff to give from an hour a year to inspire young people by going in to schools to talk to children about their jobs.

Inspiring the Future is the flagship programme from Education and Employers a UK charity, whose research shows that by six years old, children have already started to form opinions about what they can – or can’t – be in the future. They are influenced by what they see around them, and gender, ethnicity, and social background can play a big part in this. The research also shows that employers visiting schools is a powerful force for change – students who took part in 4 or more employer engagement activities were 25% less likely to become NEET (not in employment, education or training).

By going into local schools and chatting about the job you love and your route to achieving it, you can help to spark young people’s imaginations about what they can achieve in their futures.

Employers are supported with resources and materials to encourage staff to volunteer and we can provide analytical reporting to demonstrate the impact, showing the number of staff volunteering and young people engaged. The online service offers a flexible approach that can sit alongside other bespoke programmes and staff remain in control of their time.

Staff can decide what they want to do – chat informally to small groups of kids, answering questions about their career, or give feedback on CVs or tips on interview techniques or just explain how you the subjects they studied are relevant to the job they do. There is even potential to express interest in becoming a school governor.

Volunteers show young people the huge range of jobs available, so we are seeking volunteers at all levels – apprentice to CEO – and in all roles. This scheme operates nationally so wherever you live or work, there will be a school nearby keen to invite you in.

Simply go to https://www.inspiringthefuture.org/ to register!