Double Shortlisting for Career Connect in UK Career Development Awards

Delivered by the Career Development Institute (CDI), the UK Career Development Awards recognise and celebrate excellence across the career development sector both in the UK and internationally.

Career Connect has been shortlisted for the following awards:

• Careers Provider of the Year
• Careers Programme – Non-Education Settings Award (Manchester Pathways Programme)

The Careers Provider of the Year award recognises an organisation’s commitment to professionalism, continuous development of their team, and adherence to the Code of Ethics to offer clients high quality, impartial and expert careers support.  

Delivered in partnership with Manchester City Council, Career Connect’s Manchester Pathways programme has been shortlisted in the Careers Programme – Non-Education Settings category.  This category recognises outstanding careers programmes that are delivered outside formal education settings for clients of any age. 

Manchester Pathways was developed using feedback from local young people not in education, employment or training.  The programme creates hyperlocal solutions to increase access to local education, employment and training opportunities for local 16-18-year-olds.  Through paid work placements, the support of dedicated work coaches and support towards acquiring English and Maths qualifications around 80% of programme participants progress into local opportunities, including employment and apprenticeships. 

Speaking of the programme, one participant said:

“[Pathways]developed my routine. I feel motivated, resilient, feel better”.

Another said: 

“Career Connect helped me to get a work placement on Pathways and build up my skills. It made me believe in myself and think ‘I can do this!’”

Sheila Clark, Career Connect CEO said: 

“We are delighted to be shortlisted for two national Career Development Awards. As a charity, our mission is to help more people access and succeed in education, training and employment, enabling opportunities that can transform lives. We work closely with the communities we serve to develop sustainable, locally driven solutions that meet their needs and aspirations. We are also committed to strengthening the collective voice of the careers sector, championing positive change and helping to create brighter futures for individuals, communities and the wider economy.”

Sheila Clark, CEO, Career Connect

The Career Development Awards 2026 ceremony will take place in Birmingham on Wednesday 2 December 2026.