Careers guidance

Careers programme

Our vision is to inspire, inform and raise aspirations of all learners. We will endeavour to guide and prepare every learner, to ensure that they are workplace ready and successfully progressing into employment, further and higher education.

At InspireU, we are committed to preparing learners for successful futures through a comprehensive Careers and Work-Related Learning programme. Our offer is designed to be inclusive, aspirational, and aligned with individual learner goals, ensuring every learner is equipped with the skills, experiences, and guidance needed to thrive in the world of work.

The Careers Leader at InspireU is Sarah Bell:

Meaningful work experience and supported internships

Learners benefit from regular, high-quality work experience and supported internships across a diverse range of local businesses and organisations. These placements are carefully curated to be purposeful and challenging, enabling learners to build confidence, develop transferable skills, and work towards their career and transition aspirations.

Where appropriate, learners may also access:

  • internal work placements
  • work shadowing opportunities
  • virtual work experience

Employer visits

These additional experiences provide valuable insights into the world of work and help learners make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Enterprise Opportunities

InspireU encourages entrepreneurial thinking through a variety of enterprise activities tailored to learners’ interests and abilities. This year, we are proud to be working in partnership with the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance on their innovative enterprise initiative, Heliraiser, offering learners a unique opportunity to contribute to a real-world social enterprise.

Independent Careers Advice and Guidance

Learners have access to a Level 6 qualified Careers Adviser, who provides regular one-to-one guidance sessions.

These meetings support learners in exploring career options, setting goals, and planning their next steps in education, training, or employment.

Career Events and Employer Engagement

We offer a rich calendar of career-focused events to enhance learner engagement and exposure to the world of work:

  • Career Fairs: InspireU hosts four career fairs annually, alongside opportunities to attend local events
  • Careers Week: A flagship event bringing a wide range of employers and professionals into college to share insights into career pathways, employment opportunities, and further education
  • Employer Engagement: Ongoing partnerships with local and national employers provide learners with meaningful interactions and networking opportunities

Employability Skills Development

InspireU works in collaboration with Skills Builder to help learners identify, develop, and reflect on the essential skills needed for employment. Learners track their progress both in lessons and during work experience, gaining a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas for growth.

Alumni Engagement

Our alumni play a vital role in inspiring current learners. Former InspireU learners regularly return to share their career journeys, offer mentorship, and participate in events. These interactions provide relatable role models and demonstrate the diverse pathways available beyond college.

We are proud of our alumni and actively celebrate their achievements, showcasing the impact of InspireU’s Careers and Work-Related Learning Offer in shaping successful futures.