Working at Careers and Enterprise Company

The Careers & Enterprise Company is a social enterprise, set up with a grant from the government to help young people in England find their best possible future. Our mission is to help inspire and prepare young people for the fast-changing world of work.
The Company acts as national umbrella organisation connecting schools, businesses and third sector/charitable organisations.
The Company is a dynamic, innovative organisation that blends expertise from the private sector, third sector, education, business, academia and government. We are also an equal opportunity employer and value the diversity of our team.

We address challenges in school-to-work transition in the following ways:

1. Build Local Networks: We have built an Enterprise Advisor Network that connects schools and businesses to support young people. We are working with over a third of all secondary schools and colleges in England, with over 100 full time Enterprise Coordinators and 2000 business volunteers.

2. Back Proven Ideas: The Company has launched several investment funds that make grants to support projects with proven methods for helping young people prepare for work. We have invested over £10 million to date, helping over 250,000 young people in need.

3. Find Out What Works: We are an evidence led company that undertakes research to understand what works to help young people and to find out where support is needed the most.

4. Support young people with technology: Digital systems are important, helping young people find ways to improve their skills. We are creating national standards and underpinning technology that will support young people.

Christine Hodgson, chairperson of Capgemini, was named as chairperson and it was established as a Community Interest Company, independent of government. Other board members include Lord Young, former Enterprise Adviser to the Prime Minister, Steve Holliday, former Chief Executive of National Grid plc, Brian Lightman, former General Secretary of ASCL and Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO, CBE, Vice President of Business in the Community and Special Adviser to The Prince’s Charities. The company is led by Claudia Harris, CEO and former partner at McKinsey.