A new education programme designed to tackle the skills gap and empower young people to be confident about joining the workforce has officially launched in Teesside.
Careers Navigator – which was launched at a special event held in Middlesbrough on Wednesday 25th March – is a fun gamified learning scheme which has been designed to encourage lifelong learning, with a range of levels adapted for different ages from eight to retirement and relevant to learners whether they are at school, home-schooled, unemployed or employed.
The programme was created by Dr Kat Carruthers, an HCPC registered occupational therapist, and a team with lived experience of autism, ADHD, and physical disabilities, to tackle several key issues affecting both children and young people, and employers in the region, namely preparing young people for jobs of the future, and plugging skills gaps
The programme was born from an in-depth evaluation* of the Junior Journalism pilot project delivered by NetWORK NotWORK CIC – the organisation behind Careers Navigator – to 207 children across six schools and one community youth group in the Tees Valley.
The courses have been divided into three sections: Ignite XP! for children and young people aged eight to 16; Ascend XP! for ages 16-24 and adults not in employment, education or training (NEET); and Orbit XP! for individuals aged 18+ in employment. Each course has been adapted to entry level 1 to level 3 (and beyond).
There are 12 themed modules covering all sectors (Business and Economy, Social Value, Equality and Civic Understanding, Wellness, Marketing, Cyber, Leadership and Management, Sustainability, Communication, Growth and Innovation, Quality and Evidence, and Building Relationships).
Gamification is built into the concept with badges, collection of XP! points (XP! stands for work experience), trading cards and leaderboards. The system includes game-based content to increase motivation and engagement.
Learners can earn badges to show what they can do, and there is also the opportunity to continue onto accredited NCFE courses. Learners leave the course with a portfolio of evidence and preparation for job interviews or further education and an idea of their next steps.
It is an inclusive programme which includes specially adapted versions of the courses suitable for people with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) with audio descriptions, dyslexia-friendly coloured versions, and transcripts.
“We’re proud that we are able to provide advice and support for families with children who are neurodivergent, have sensory processing differences, or other SEND,” says Kat.
“Our Ignition Crew (mentors) take the time to understand the unique needs of each child in their group, and create a calm, kind and inclusive space where children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and different learning needs can feel confident, supported, and truly thrive.
“Skills can only begin to develop in a space that feels safe, supportive, and built on a foundation of asking questions and acceptance of making mistakes.”
