Inspiring Futures: Over 170 Attend Lancashire Careers Conference Focused on Young People’s Success

Held at the University of Central Lancashire, the event brought together schools, special schools, alternative providers, businesses and policymakers who are all working to ensure careers education keeps pace with the changing world of work.

The conference opened with an energising address from Mo Isap, Chair of the Lancashire Business Board, who spoke about the game-changing role of employers.

Other speakers were John Yarham from the Careers and Enterprise Company, Rob Creemona from the Gatsby Foundation and Michelle Bondesio, founder of Creating Cadence.

Throughout the day, workshops focused on sharing solutions from supporting care-experienced learners and service children to embedding careers in alternative and special settings. Delegates left with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose.

Future U closed the day with a powerful student voice panel. Young people shared their personal journeys with a reminder that a single opportunity, a word of encouragement, or a belief in their potential can change everything.

Across the county, hundreds of businesses are already helping to raise aspirations by opening their doors to the next generation, and the message was clear - careers education must be a shared mission.

The 2025 conference acted as a rallying call to keep building a future where every young person in Lancashire has the support, the skills and the belief they need to succeed.

Dr Michele Lawty-Jones, director of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, said: “The annual conference is a fantastic opportunity to bring together our committed and passionate community of schools, colleges, employers and stakeholders, who are all working towards enabling young people, from every community, to make informed decisions about their futures.

"Investments across Lancashire are growing the number and widening the breadth of future job opportunities. Working in partnership with employers we are boosting aspiration and opening the eyes of young people and educators to the plethora of opportunities on their doorstep.”

Mark Bowman, CEO of Inspira, said: “At Inspira, we’re proud to be the delivery partner for the Lancashire Careers Hub and to play a leading role in bringing together schools, employers, and local leaders to shape the future of careers education. This year’s conference showcased our shared commitment to ensuring every young person, regardless of background has access to high-quality guidance, real-world experiences, and the inspiration to take confident steps toward a successful future. The collaboration and conversations throughout the day reflected the strength and commitment of our career’s community.”

The Lancashire Careers Hub is overseen by the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub and delivered by Inspira, with funding from the Careers and Enterprise Company and local partners, including the Lancashire Combined County Authority, Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Notes to Editors

During the event, John Yarham from the Careers and Enterprise Company gave a forward-looking keynote, highlighting a national shift towards ‘modern work experience’ with meaningful employer encounters starting in Year 7.

A panel of school careers leaders followed, showcasing powerful local practice and how it’s changing outcomes for young people.

Rob Creemona from the Gatsby Foundation delivered one of the day’s standout sessions, sharing insights from the ‘Gatsby Next 10’ report. He reinforced the continued importance of the Gatsby Benchmarks in building strong, consistent, and impactful careers programmes.

The afternoon keynote from Michelle Bondesio, founder of Creating Cadence, challenged delegates to think differently about the future. Her session ‘AI, Tech & Tomorrow’s Talent’ explored how we equip young people with the skills they’ll need in a digital world, without sacrificing their wellbeing.