Career Ready has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting the life-changing difference it makes for young people, employers and communities.

As a social mobility charity, Career Ready empowers young people who, because of their background, face barriers in education and employment.

Working with employers, schools, and colleges, it connects young people with the world of work through mentoring, paid internships, and opportunities to build essential skills and networks.

Impact for young people

As the new report shows, in 2015 3,319 young people took part in the programme. The impact for them was significant:

• 98% of programme alumni are in higher education, apprenticeships, or employment a year after completing Career Ready
• 96% of young people feel better equipped to make the right career decisions for them
• 89% of young people feel they have a good network of people who can help them find a job

Alumnus Shamagne Gurure shared the difference it made for her: “Career Ready helped me build a whole network I wouldn’t have had otherwise, from my mentor Sam to people I met during the internship.

“Making those connections was so important to me – it’s people who helped open doors and can even recommend me for opportunities.

“My internship gave me the confidence to apply for an apprenticeship. I knew what to expect from a work environment, and I’d also developed the soft skills I need in my role.

“Without Career Ready, I don’t think I’d be where I am now.”

Impact for employers

Career Ready also delivers clear benefits for employers – offering meaningful volunteering opportunities, and insights into the next generation of the workforce.

• 93% of Career Ready mentors reported improved coaching and mentoring skills
• 94% said they now better understand what young people are looking for in the world of work
• 87% of employers would hire their Career Ready intern, given the opportunity

How your organisation can get involved

Career Ready is looking for employers of all sizes and sectors to join their mission and transform young lives. Find out how your organisation can get involved at careerready.org.uk/employers.