Careers Options Sessions at JSH on Thursday July 22nd 2026

Empowering Young People to Make Informed Career Decisions at John Smith House

UKON Careers recently supported young people at John Smith House to develop greater confidence, awareness and understanding of their future education, training and career options through an interactive Post 13 and Post 16 Careers Options Choices workshop.

The session was designed to empower young people to take ownership of their future planning by exploring the opportunities available to them and understanding how their individual interests, strengths, skills and aspirations can connect to realistic career pathways.

Throughout the workshop, young people were supported to:

• Explore a range of education, training and employment pathways available after Post 13 and Post 16.
• Develop a greater understanding of different career options and the steps required to progress towards their goals.
• Identify their personal strengths, abilities and transferable skills, recognising how these can support them across different opportunities.
• Reflect on areas for personal development and consider the skills, experiences and knowledge they may need to build for their future ambitions.
• Create personalised Careers Action Plans outlining clear short term and long term goals, practical next steps and resources to support continued exploration.

Each participant received their own personalised Careers Action Plan, providing them with a practical resource to continue researching career opportunities, reviewing their goals and making informed decisions about their future.

The workshop encouraged young people to think positively about their potential, understand the importance of planning and recognise that successful career journeys are built through exploration, preparation and ongoing development.

Feedback from participants was extremely positive, with young people sharing that the session helped them to feel:

• More confident about their future options.
• Better informed about the pathways available to them.
• More aware of their own skills and strengths.
• Motivated to continue exploring opportunities linked to their career aspirations.

The session highlighted the importance of providing young people with access to high-quality careers guidance and support. By helping young people understand their options, recognise their potential and develop realistic plans, UKON Careers continues to support individuals to make confident and informed choices about their future.

UKON Careers is committed to working collaboratively with young people, education providers, community organisations and partners to deliver meaningful careers support that builds confidence, develops skills and creates positive pathways for future success.