Meet our school and colleges team

Chloe has more than 20 years’ experience of designing and delivering successful careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) activities for schools and colleges, including those classed as the most vulnerable. Chloe drives the development of our employer engagement, and leads our digital development, including Get Connected, our careers and personal development platform for years 7-13. She also helps secure funding for careers education, employability and enterprise projects. This has included working with Knowsley Council to develop and deliver the Raising Aspirations programme across primary and secondary schools.

First job: Research assistant

Career advice: Don’t expect perfection, use every opportunity to learn and grow. Also, recognise that sometimes things not working out how you think they will can work out in the long run.

Carmel oversees management of our Schools and Colleges Team.

Carmel recently celebrated more than 40 years in the careers sector. Carmel has deep expertise of the education and skills sectors. Her knowledge and understanding supports schools and colleges in choosing the most suitable careers solutions for their need. With a keen eye for detail, and a talent for relationship management, Carmel ensures that all contractual requirements are met, and that we always deliver best value for our schools and colleges.

Neil has more than 20 years’ experience in the careers sector. He is Level 6 IAG and Assessor qualified, playing a key role in mentoring and assessing as part of our Quality in Careers Standards Awards delivery.

Neil supports our advisers through regular supervision, observation of practice and professional development, ensuring excellence in practice. Neil is also a relationship manager for a number of schools. He is Trustee of a children’s charity.

First job: Green grocer

Career advice: Ask questions and be interested, be reliable and punctual, follow instructions but show initiative, be kind, have fun and recognise that each job will help you develop the skills to remain/excel in that job or to progress to your next job.

Paul has 15 years’ experience in careers. As a Level 6 Careers Adviser, Paul has worked in a variety of mainstream and specialist provider schools across the country. He now manages our digital careers platform Get Connected Plus and is passionate about developing innovative products and services that engage young people. Paul supports school and college staff to deliver progressive and meaningful careers programmes to support young people in reaching their potential.

First job: Cinema attendant

Career advice: Take every opportunity available. I still use examples from jobs that weren’t my ‘dream career’, but the experience I gained from them is invaluable in interviews and in my current role.

Maria oversees our employer activities. Maria collaborates with local and national employers, and training providers, to build and maintain strong partnerships that support and encourage employer engagement with young people in schools. This ranges from meet the employer events to sourcing placements and conducting health and safety checks. Maria is passionate about young people having opportunities that will inspire and raise their aspirations.

First job: F&B operative

Career advice: Be open to opportunities and don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do, try to figure out your strengths and think about what you enjoy doing.

As a qualified youth worker and teacher with over 15 years’ experience of working across Education and the Third Sector, Paul is extremely passionate about providing opportunities for all to develop and reach their full potential. Paul helps our Schools and Colleges team to connect and engage with a range of education settings. He also supports our Training and Development team to expand our offer and connect with new audiences.

First job: Swimming coach

Career advice: Always look for opportunities to learn and reflect on the work you have done. Don’t jump too far ahead and take every opportunity you can get.

Kath is a Quality in Careers Standard lead and a national and international trainer with over 25 years’ experience in the education and business development sector. Kath’s experience includes strategic, high-quality design and development of quality assurance and education programmes, stakeholder relationship management, research, and evaluation. With a proven track record of continuous professional improvement through leading others to success, always ensuring targets and project deadlines are met.

First job: Business Relationship Coordinator

Career advice: Make an approach to a company, even if they aren’t recruiting. It shows initiative and drive and helps you stand out from the crowd. Before you do this, make sure that you fully research the organisation as best you can and demonstrate that in your approach to them. Also, take advantage of any opportunity for personal development, training, and qualifications your employer offers.