Supporting you to make choices about your future
If you’re aged 16-18 years old (up to 25 years old for SEND and care experienced young people) we are here to help you and provide impartial advice to support you into employment, education or training.
How we can help
Are you an employer in Reading?
You can take active steps to help young people to reach their potential and create a better future for themselves, especially those who are not in employment, education or training (NEET). Click the button below to jump down to useful information on how you can support your local community.
Elevate summer careers fair, 10 July
Join our Elevate team for their annual summer careers fair, an opportunity for young people in Reading to meet local employers and explore career paths that interest them.
10 July from 11am-2pm
New Meaning, Portman Rd, RG30 1EA
To book a place, please call 0118 937 3766 or email the team at elevate@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.
Career information and advice sessions
The Elevate team is based at Reed recruitment agency’s office at 66-68, St Mary’s Butts, Reading, RG1 2LG. Appointments are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments are also held in Reading College and at the Civic Offices. Get advice on:
- exploring career ideas and making choices
- choosing options at age 16 and 18
- finding a learning or training course
- search and apply for jobs or apprenticeships
- support with transition to further education
- developing CV and improving interview skills
You will need to make an appointment so drop them a line on 0118 937 3766 or email them at elevate@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.
The latest apprenticeship and job vacancies for young people
Check our jobs board for the latest opportunities in Reading, including apprenticeships. If you want to find out more about current roles or other local opportunities email elevate@brighterfuturesforchildren.org or phone 0118 937 3766.
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Post-16 SEND opportunities
We can support you in your next steps.
We offer information, advice and guidance on post 16 education, employment and supported internships options.
If you want to find out more, email: elevate@brighterfuturesforchildren.org or phone 0118 937 3766.
Find out more about our providers of supported internships Ways Into Work, Shaw Trust and other SEND options on the Reading SEND Local employment page.
Reading Children's Business Fair
The Children’s Business Fair is a one-day marketplace where young entrepreneurs (aged 7-17 years) have the opportunity to launch a business, sell in an authentic setting and make their own money.
You can follow the Children’s Business Fair on Instagram, where there’s a video of the December fair held in Guildford:
The promotional video below gives further insight into the event:
Elevate partnership with Thames Water
Elevate has teamed up with Thames Water to offer six sessions to young people in Reading who do not have a place on an apprenticeship or at college. These sessions are designed to build confidence and prepare for the workplace.
The next programme starts in March 2025.
For more information about this initiative contact the Elevate team elevate@brighterfuturesforchildren.org.
Exam results support
The team at Elevate careers service provides information, advice and guidance online, in person or by phone
Young people who are concerned about their exam results have a variety of ways to chat with the careers team about their possible next steps. They can:
- Book a face-to-face appointment in the Youth Hub based at: Reed Recruitment Agency, 66-68 St Mary’s Butts, RG1 2LG.
- Call: 0118 937 3766 or text: 07966 367499
- Email: elevate@brighterfuturesforchildren.org
The following websites offer advice for young people and parents/carers about coping with stress and anxiety around the exam results period:
Reading employers, we need you!
- Offer work experience and internships: Help young people to gain practical experience in your industry
- Develop apprenticeships: Offer structured training programmes that combine on-the-job experience with formal learning
- Career fairs: Come to the Elevate annual careers fair where young people can meet and talk with you directly
- Promote career guidance: Share information about your job opportunities and career paths so we can help promote opportunities to young people
- Collaborate with other local employers and training providers: Develop and deliver relevant training and support programmes
- Create mentorship programmes: Pair young people with experienced employees who can provide guidance and support.?
- Access to a wider talent pool: Engaging with young people can help you access a diverse pool of talent, including those who may have progressive skills and fresh perspectives
- Improved skills and abilities: By identifying a diverse range of skills and abilities within your own business, you can improve employee engagement and development
- Positive community engagement: Supporting young people in your local area enhances the reputation of your businesses and supports positive relationships with local stakeholders
- Corporate social responsibility: Integrating social and environmental considerations into your business operations and strategies can directly benefit the local community
- Reduced NEET rates: By providing opportunities for young people, you actively reduce the numbers of those who are not in in education, employment or training which in turn benefits the entire community.?
- Gain practical skills: Access to valuable hands-on experience to help them gain skills sought after by employers
- Build confidence and self-esteem: Engaging in work can boost confidence and self-esteem, crucial for navigating the job market and succeeding in future employment
- Explore career paths: Young people need opportunities to be able to explore different industries and roles, helping them make informed career decisions
- Improve employability: Provide valuable feedback and guidance, helping young people identify their strengths and areas for improvement
- Access to the labour market: Playing a crucial role in helping young people transition into the workplace and gain access to the wider labour market.?
For further information about how employers can play such a crucial part in young people’s futures and early careers, visit Youth Employment UK.
Our team
We are all professionally qualified career coaches, who are fully knowledgeable with local, regional and national careers information.
Romana Taylor
Team Manager
Claire Thomas
Careers Coach (Reading College NEET prevention lead)
Diane Teagle
Careers Coach (SEND Lead)
Saj Chowdhury
Careers Coach (Leaving Care and Youth Justice Service lead)
Nicky Ross
Data Performance Analyst
Contact us
Call: 07966 367499 or 0118 937 3766