Employer Excellence in Careers Education Seminar 2

Friday 9th May 2025 | 10:30am - 12:00pm

Our second Employer Excellence in Careers Education Seminar saw leading employers and sector representatives discuss: 

Outreach to intake: how can businesses maximise education outreach ROI by preparing young people for application processes?

In this second of our national seminar series, leading employers discussed how they have worked with educators to support young people to successfully articulate their skills and experiences during application processes.  

Our Chair and panel of experts shared insights and practice informed by our latest research and quality frameworks. They explored how employers can recruit talent and maximise the return on investment of their careers education activities.  

By attending the seminar, delegates:    

• Gained insight into the innovative ways employers can have most impact in supporting young people to enter talent pipelines  

• Developed a greater understanding of the role employers play in preparing young people for the transition from education to employment  

• Understood the vital role employers play in helping young people navigate the ever-changing world of talent application processes

In case you missed it, below is a summary of the seminar:

Over 300 people joined the second Employer Excellence Seminar where the panellists discussed how employers can better support young people—particularly those facing barriers—in navigating application processes and entering the workforce.

With the recruitment landscape evolving rapidly due to technological advances and the rise of AI, the panel explored the increasingly important role employers (both small and larger businesses) must play in helping young people articulate their skills, understand recruitment processes, and confidently present themselves. While many employers are expanding their careers education outreach, there remains a need to ensure these efforts are strategically aligned with talent acquisition goals and truly prepare young people for success. In addition to this, it was evident that support from local Careers Hubs was key to employers receiving the support they need to effectively engage with schools and colleges.  

The panel featured leaders from finance, creative industries, digital, manufacturing, and education, who shared practical approaches—from targeted support for young people with SEND or socio-economic disadvantages, to masterclasses and mentoring programs. They highlighted how collaboration between businesses and schools (and within business supply chains) can boost confidence, readiness, and ultimately, employment outcomes for young people.

Importantly, youth voices were central to the event, with three inspiring young speakers sharing how effective employer engagement had supported their journey into apprenticeships and graduate roles, offering real-world proof of impact.

As highlighted throughout the event, a coordinated, inclusive, and purposeful approach can unlock opportunities for young people while strengthening talent pipelines for business.