Career platform to connect students with professionals

Monday 01 August 2022

A free online platform which enables schools to search for volunteers who are passionate about their professions and invite them to speak to students has launched in Jersey.

‘Inspiring the Future’ has been set up in partnership with UK charity Education and Employers, Every Child Our Future, and Skills Jersey. Official launch partner, Ports of Jersey, supported an initial pilot scheme which took place in Janvrin and Samarès schools over the summer term.

"The Inspiring the Future session was a great way to enable children to think about different jobs and the skills that they require by linking it to their current learning,"
Samarès teacher Kate Burton said of the experience.

"Children were involved in discussions and could interact with volunteers to have their questions answered. Volunteers brought props, videos and equipment which meant children were engaged and keen to learn more.

"As a teacher, the website made the process of organising the session very easy, and I'm looking forward to Samarès School holding more Inspiring the Futures session this year."

Among those to have given a talk so far is Eddie Afonso from the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.

"I decided to volunteer onto Inspiring the Future as it was a good opportunity to showcase my role to children and hopefully inspire some to follow my footsteps," he said.

"The children came up with good questions and I found it an enjoyable experience. I would definitely recommend it to others who are considering volunteering onto it."

Islanders happy to speak to students about their line of work, can find out more information and sign up to the programme online or by emailing inspiringthefuture@gov.je.