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

Exam result support

Helping you plan your next steps.

Exploring career ideas

Helping you make choices.

Choosing higher education

Your college, university and other higher education options.

Alternative training provisions

Find out what training is available.

Support for job hunting

Including interview skills and CV writing.

Apprenticeships and jobs

See our jobs board below.

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

Elevate Summer Careers Fair Thursday 18 July 2024

The Elevate team hosted a very successful careers fair at New Meaning Training on Thursday, 18 July welcoming over 105 young people aged 16 to 25 who were not in education, employment or training (NEET), or who have finished their courses at school or college.

Our thanks to all local employers and training providers who attended:

Army careers; Activate Learning college courses; Adult Social Care; AWE; BFfC Early years careers; Chiltern Training Childcare and business apprenticeships; DWP; John Lewis & Waitrose; New Meaning Achieve, Boast, Sport and Construction programmes; New Directions College; NHS; Reading Borough Council Apprenticeship team; Shaw Trust Supported internships; Starting Point Mentoring programmes; Thames Water Apprenticeships and employability advice; Ways into Work Supported internships.

Feedback from our 2024 event

I had all my questions answered with additional steps I can take.”

There were a lot more opportunities here compared to the fair at the Reading Museum.”

“It was good, found it interesting”

“Very good, lots of opportunities, lots of companies, very friendly.”

 “I thought the event was great, for myself, and for the student that came with me (who is part of our ASD resource). I found it very useful as a new careers lead to meet people and discover different pathways available to our students, and the student found it very informative and it helped her to discover what she doesn’t want to do, as well as what she does!” (teacher)

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.

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 October 2024.

For more information about this initiative contact the Elevate team 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.

Click the image to open PDF view

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.

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

Email: elevate@brighterfuturesforchildren.org

We look forward to speaking with you!

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