Donate

Help young people see a full range of possibilities

Many children grow up with a limited view of work, shaped by gender stereotypes and the jobs they see around them. Too early, they decide what they “can” or “can’t” do – beliefs that restrict aspirations and contribute to nearly 1 million young people in the UK becoming NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).

Your donation helps change this by enabling children to meet volunteers from every kind of workplace. These encounters open their eyes. Evidence shows (both research and first-hand) that these interactions break down stereotypes and help young people imagine futures for themselves that they didn’t think possible.

Why your support matters

Children form ideas about who belongs in which job from a very young age. Many think certain careers are “not for people like me.”

Meeting real volunteers challenges that instantly. A female aircraft engineer who was told engineering was “for boys”, or a therapist who left school without qualifications but later earned a Doctorate, shows children that there are no set rules about who can do what job or how to get there.

Your support creates these powerful moments when a child’s confidence grows and their sense of what’s possible is thrown wide open.

(Watch our short film “Redraw the Balance” to see how early stereotypes take hold.)

What your donation makes possible

With your help, every child can:

Discover a wide variety of jobs
Explore different sectors and uncover new interests
Meet role models who challenge limiting stereotypes
Understand multiple routes into work
Make informed decisions about their future

We never charge schools. Your donation ensures all children, regardless of background, can access inspiring career role models.

Real-world impact in action
Watch this ITV News report to see how children are being introduced to diverse careers through volunteer encounters – the kind of work your donation supports.

The difference your donation makes

When children meet volunteers from the world of work, it transforms how they see themselves and their future. Our research* shows these moments are:

Raising children’s aspirations and broadening their awareness of different careers
Improving motivation and attitudes to learning
Increasing GCSE attainment
Challenging gender, ethnic and social stereotypes
Boosting future earnings
Reducing the likelihood of becoming NEET

And often the impact is immediate – you can see it on their faces when something clicks and they realise new possibilities are open to them. Meeting volunteers from so many different jobs and backgrounds shows them what’s possible for people like them, and it’s something they carry with them.

*Research sources: Drawing the Future, Education and Employers (2018); Motivated to Achieve, Education and Employers (2020)

Real impact, at scale

Beyond individual stories, your support helps create change across the country. Here’s the scale of impact so far:

Over 4.85 million moments inspiring children about the world of work
Now working with 80% of secondary schools and 30% of primary schools nationwide
Students’ GCSE revision effort increases by 9%^ after just one meaningful experience
Four or more experiences with volunteers from the world of work reduce NEET risk by 85%^^
100% of schools would recommend the programme

^ Motivated to Achieve study, How encounters with the world of work can change attitudes and improve academic attainment – Education and Employers 2019.
^^ ‘It’s who you meet: why employer contacts at school make a difference to the employment prospects of young adults’, Education and Employers (2012).

Teacher voice:
“Our students met volunteers from industries they never knew existed. It changed how they think about learning – and what’s possible.”

Student voice:
“I didn’t know someone like me could do that job until today.”

“This was a really amazing experience and I hope it will continue… and give other young people the same inspiration that I was given.”
Kayley-Anne

Where your donation goes

Every pound supports:

Programme delivery in schools (virtual and in-person)
1:1 support for teachers
Lesson plans, resources and training
A diverse mix of volunteer role models
Technology that connects schools and volunteers
Research to measure impact

text

We keep overheads low and focus on reaching children with the least access to varied and relatable workplace role models.

Trusts, Foundations and Corporate Supporters

For partnership opportunities and to explore ways we can achieve your goals, contact Nick Chambers, CEO nick.chambers@educationandemployers.org

Some of our partners and supporters:

Other ways to get involved

Become a volunteer – can you give just one hour per year? It really makes a difference.

Encourage your employer to support or volunteer

Tell your local school about our programme

Host a fundraising event (we’re working on ways to support this currently, so watch this space!)