Discussing work experience with young people and decision-makers? Yes thank you Springpod

Work experience is one of the topics I could talk passionately about, off the cuff. No preparation. Nada. Zilch.

It is literally something I can talk about purely based on passion and vibes.

Why is that? And where has that passion come from?

In the 15 years I have worked in schools, I have become acutely aware of how essential and life altering work experience can be for young people.

“Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not”

As we so often hear these days… “Talent is everywhere, Opportunity is not”.

This is one of the many reasons why I am a huge and incessantly enthusiastic advocate of Springpod, the “work-based learning platform.” It is designed to help employers, universities, and communities design and deliver career-connected experiences at scale. Their offer ranges from subject spotlights and work placements to micro-internships, employability skills, and interview coaching.

The aspect of Springpod’s work that I am most familiar with if the online work experience / job simulation aspect. As such, I was delighted to accept an invitation from Jo Bishop, Springpod’s School and College Outreach Lead, to participate on a panel, alongside employers – at their “Unlocking Opportunity: Building the UK’s Future Workforce” event.

Springpod’s event at the House of Lords in April 2026

Springpod’s “Unlocking Opportunity: Building the UK’s Future Workforce” event took place at the UK House of Lords on Wednesday 8 April and welcomed individuals and organisations who appear to have similar goals. Goals expressed in the name of the event. The occasion was a great reminder that the intersection of young people, policy makers and employers can be a powerful thing.

I enjoyed contributing to the event and would like to thank:

• All involved in hosting and organising including Baroness Fairhead, Sam Hyams and the impressive Springpod team
• Jo Bishop, for inviting me and including me on a panel, chaired by Andy Dillow and also featuring Morgan Kate Gore and Louise Quinney
• Springpod’s Future Makers – A potential-filled, intelligent and diverse group of young people, who contribute to the strategy of the organisation.
• ‘Future Makers’ leader Isaac Kamidiora who masterfully chaired their session. Vibes, intelligence, humour, clarity, community and more shone through him.
• Other Future Makers I had the pleasure of speaking to including Joshua Owusu, Niamh Sammon, Luca and more
• Fellow careers professionals and employers – some of whom I have known and admired for a long time including Ladi Mohammed-Chapman🤝
• New contacts – all of whom are committed to continuing to do powerful work which enhances the lives and prospects of early talent and beyond – including Raksha Mehta, Janice Johnson FRSA, Giovanna Aiello and more.

Let’s make things easier for the future generation

There was a visible and audible response when, in my contribution to the panel I noted that “courage comes before confidence”. It’s an idea that relates to us all in some way. For the educators, employers and policy-makers, I hope that we all continue courageous moves to support the next generation. This MUST include commitment to adjusting and improving systems to open up opportunities. Yes, “Imposter Syndrome” of candidates is widespread but it is exacerbated by a system which includes too many closed doors.

Thanks again for the opportunity to attend and to positively contribute, Springpod!

To find out more about Springpod and how it can support you / the teens in your life – visit the website here.

For more content designed to support young people on their early careers journey, visit the Dive Into Your Career podcast page on this website, here.