Discover Meaningful Careers: How a Local Leader Inspires Youth to Explore Rewarding Paths

In an inspiring initiative, Yvonne Probert, Chief Executive of Tell Us North, is empowering young people to discover meaningful careers. As an Enterprise Advisor within the Careers & Enterprise Network, she helps students broaden their understanding of career opportunities, focusing on the voluntary and not-for-profit sector, as well as health and social care.

Yvonne Probert emphasizes the importance of early exposure to diverse career options. She states, "There is no single ‘right’ career pathway—most people discover their talents as they work, so hearing other people’s journeys can be both insightful and inspiring."

At a Speed Career Networking event for Year 8 students (aged 12-13), professionals from various industries—including author Robert Little, Highlights PR, the Police, Civil Service, and the North East Combined Authority—engaged in short, focused conversations with students. They shared personal career journeys, offered advice, and answered questions about the world of work.

Teacher Mandy Marsh highlighted the value of employer engagement: "It’s really important that employers engage with schools... It helped build their resilience, confidence, and communication skills, and without that employer involvement, it would be much harder to prepare them for the world of work."

Mark Fox from the North East Combined Authority added, "You can never start careers activities too early. It’s not just about helping young people understand what job they want to do, it’s about helping them understand the world of work so they feel confident and positive about entering it when they finish school."

This event is a testament to the power of community collaboration in shaping the future workforce. By exposing students to a variety of career paths, especially in sectors that make a tangible difference, we can inspire the next generation to pursue fulfilling and impactful careers.