Building the Future of Work,

Through Employability Programmes, Innovation and Equality

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The transition from education into employment has never been more complex, or more critical.

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Today’s young people are navigating a fast-changing world of work, a hidden job market and emerging career formats  - in a system that too often values connections over potential.

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At The Cotswold Career Concierge, we partner with universities, schools and youth organisations to design and deliver cutting-edge employability and early career programmes that break down barriers to entry, embed career clarity, build strong professional identities and essential employability skills.

We’re passionate about helping students develop confident personal brands, strategic career direction and employer roadmaps that build self-belief to secure exciting, future-ready opportunities in a constantly evolving world of work.

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With over 25 years of expertise in career design, consultancy and employability innovation, we deliver a proven, evidence-led approach that bridges the gap between education and employment.  Our methodologies empower institutions to enhance student outcomes that align with passions, strengthen engagement and deliver measurable impact - built on frameworks that have already transformed the careers of thousands.

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From employability strategy and curriculum integration to dynamic workshops and keynote sessions, we equip our partners with the insight, tools and best practice needed to prepare students for meaningful, exciting and impact driven work for sustainable success.

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Our Mission:

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To bridge the gap between education and employment by:

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• Embedding career equality and accessibility into every programme we design.

• Equipping young people with the tools to think critically, act confidently and build authentic, fulfilling career identities that align with their aspirations and academic specialisms.

• Supporting educators and organisations to modernise outdated employability models, strengthen outcomes and develop future-ready skills that position students for meaningful success.

 

Because the future workforce deserves more than advice - they deserve innovation.

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Our Work:

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We collaborate with forward-thinking institutions, designing and delivering bespoke programmes, consultancy or workshops that have helped thousands of young people move from uncertainty to opportunity.

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Our proven frameworks deliver measurable impact through:

• Career identity & clarity workshops

• Employability strategy design

• Future-of-work and AI-readiness sessions

• Building personal brands and digital professionalism

• Portfolio careers and entrepreneurial pathways

• Barriers to employment & confidence coaching

• Transition programmes: education to employment

 

For Institutions:

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We work with:

• Schools and colleges seeking to strengthen career readiness and employability impact.

• Universities modernising their career development offering.

• Youth charities empowering young people to overcome barriers and access opportunity.

 

Our consultancy helps you design, deliver and evaluate impactful employability initiatives that drive measurable outcomes in confidence, placement rates and long-term career satisfaction.

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For Young People:

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If you’re a student or graduate feeling uncertain about your next step, we’ll meet you exactly where you are - helping you build confidence, uncover your strengths and explore meaningful, future-ready career paths.

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Through our proven methodologies, you’ll gain clarity on who you are, what motivates you and the type of work that will give you the platform to reach your full potential.  You’ll uncover exciting roles of interest, sectors and industries that align with your values - while developing the employability skills, professional confidence and the roadmap to a job that will empower you to stand out in a competitive marketplace.

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Why It Matters:

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• 96% of students admit to facing barriers when entering the job market (Prospects, 2024).

• 54% of employers struggle to recruit graduates with the right skills (IOSE, 2023).

• University enrolments are declining while graduate opportunities remain limited - signalling an urgent need for stronger career identity, employability skills and access to the hidden job market.

• The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that a significant proportion of graduates are employed in non-graduate roles, highlighting a growing misalignment between education and employment.

• The gap between potential and opportunity has never been wider.

 

We’re quickly closing that gap - by creating employability ecosystems that work for everyone.

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Let’s Redefine Early Careers:

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From employability reform to real-world career empowerment, The Cotswold Career Concierge is driving transformation that ensures every young person - regardless of background  - can access the same innovative career methodologies that have already reshaped thousands of professional lives.

 

Let’s build the bridge together - between education, opportunity and impact.

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Partner with us. Empower the next generation.

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© The Cotswold Career Concierge. Exclusive frameworks, methodologies and content. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For Young People

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a career strategy?

A career strategy is a structured plan that helps you navigate the job market and secure the right role - one that aligns with your skills, passions and goals. It enables you to identify the right opportunities, the innovate methods to stand out and take proactive steps rather than waiting for opportunities to come to you.  A strong strategy not only helps you to build a personal brand, but it also increases your confidence, motivation and resilience. It equips you to overcome barriers, obtain valuable feedback, refine your approach - ensuring that you’re measuring success and turning applications into interviews and interviews into job offers. By taking control of your career strategy, you’re maximising your brand, networks and the chance to secure authentic and exciting work, rather than just any work.

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Should I pick the subjects I am best at when selecting higher education?

It’s not just about picking subjects you excel in, it’s about understanding how these choices develop opportunities for the future - not just the jobs they can feed into - but the valuable transferable skills that can open doors across multiple industries.  In an evolving job market, linear and traditional job profiles are becoming redundant, making way for new and exciting multi-skilled roles.  Many professionals are favouring portfolio careers over your standard 9-5, Monday to Friday, as these build a varied and exciting career on their terms that prioritises acceleration, flexibility, multiple interest areas and wellbeing.  Building a skillset and qualifications that transcend specific roles and sectors, will give you the flexibility to adapt, explore and pursue a real variety of exciting opportunities that will align with your passions and strengths. 

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How important is work experience?

I cannot say this enough...work experience is a must!  This is not because it looks good on your CV (although that's a great bonus and employers love it) - it's because it's a chance for you to understand more about yourself, your likes and dislikes in the workplace - to inform your decision making and plan the right strategy ahead.  Get a feel for the work environments, the industries you think you might like, the types of personalities that work there and an overview of the different jobs available.  You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive, so why commit to a subject or career without trying it first?

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How can I manage a-levels, UCAS applications, mocks revision and/or career research?

Juggling A-levels, UCAS applications, mock exams and career research can feel like a lot - but with the right approach, you can stay in control, keep your energy high and tackle everything with confidence!  I am here to help guide you.  I can support you with research, visit your school or give you tips on specific roles and sectors, but knowing where to start is fundamental and being smart with your research will ensure you are efficient whilst gaining the clarity you need to feel excited about your decisions.​​

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What will make me stand out from my peers and the bigger competition?

The days of rigid, traditional career paths are fading fast.  Employers in particular, but also professionals, are seeking multi-skills in line with the evolving world of work.  Multi-skills allows individuals to diversify and accelerate in their work and professional growth, ensuring they can productively adapt, innovate and pivot into new opportunities and projects.  Developing versatile skill sets and transferable skills will allow you to transition into exciting and innovative areas of interest and continue to align your work to your values, passions and industry trends as they evolve.  Employers are also seeking better soft-skills, so ensuring you can demonstrate these in person as well as in your showcasing documentation (like your CV) is more important than ever.

 

How can I learn more about what might interest me after education?

You need to gain clarity, so that you can make informed decision you feel proud of so you don't look back.  To build a career that is both fulfilling and sustainable, so that you don't burn out longer term, you must think about not only the type of work you will do, but also the daily tasks and the environment you will be working in.  Make sure you consider the industries of interest (research sectors that align with your skills, personality and work preferences), understand job families (look at how these types of jobs evolve, the type of work you will get exposed too and whether these opportunities sound of interest to you), and look beyond job titles (consider the day-to-day tasks, responsibilities and work environment to ensure these sound exciting and wont be boring on a daily basis).

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How can I learn more about myself and what motivates me?

Did you know that everyone has a workplace personality?  That you have a unique set of strengths, preferences and motivations that shape how you work best?  Understanding yours better is the step toward choosing a career that truly excites and fulfils you - it's not just about finding a job that interests you, but identifying the environment that you will thrive in and the tasks that you wont find boring.  Sounds simple right?  It actually is, and this simple process will really empower you to set up the right foundations so you can flourish and shine.  Reach out to me, and I will be happy to talk you through how you can identify yours.

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Do all entry-level positions start at the bottom?

In my experience the best ones do!  This is your opportunity to go the extra mile, to excel in the simple things and to learn everything you can about the people you work with and the organisation values and mission.  Having the time to embed these values in the easy tasks will allow you to really stand out and showcase yourself at a high-level.  Everyone has to start at entry-level when stepping into their professional career, but the key difference is this: if the work genuinely interests you and connects to an area you’re passionate about, even the foundational tasks will feel like meaningful progress rather than a chore.  Making smart, aligned choices now ensures that your first career steps become a launchpad for long-term growth, fulfilment and success.

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What are the biggest work motivators in the under 30's?

Well-being and growth are among the biggest career motivators for under-30s today. That’s why it’s more important than ever to ensure that the choices you make during the latter part of your education align with who you are authentically and what truly matters to you.  Building an authentic and impactful career isn’t just about securing a job - it’s about creating a path that excites, challenges and fulfils you. Studies have shown that when your work is meaningful, engaging and connected to a purpose that resonates with you - you’re more likely to accelerate, sustain long-term career success and avoid burnout.

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What are the biggest barriers I could face in securing my first skilled role?

The biggest barriers to securing your first skilled role often include lack of experience, intense job market competition, graduate oversaturation and uncertainty about which roles suit your strengths and interests.  Many entry-level jobs still require experience, making internships, volunteering or freelancing key ways to stand out.  Additionally, oversaturated industries mean that building in-demand skills, networking and tailoring applications are essential to avoid getting lost in a crowded job pool. Good opportunities don't just land at our feet, you need to build a plan to follow to ensure you are doing the right things to stand out from the crowd and get ahead of your peers.

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Tell me more about the main challenge for young people?

​Some fields are highly competitive, making it harder for graduates to secure work due to the high volume of competition. Many young people are finding it challenging to get through to the interview stages and a high proportion are having to accept lower-skilled roles, often outside their interests and specialisms - to secure work.  This is often when frustration creeps in, limited growth and progression and poor mental health.  Doing your research beforehand or creating an exciting strategy to secure work that showcasing you to stand out and motivates you to think outside the box needs to be an essential part of your job hunt.

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Whether it's a-level choices, apprenticeships, university, placements, navigating the recruitment journey or discovering yourself and building confidence - know that you are not alone.  The first step is asking for help and making a change.  

 

The choices you make today will shape your future - so take control, think ahead and create opportunities that set you apart from the crowd.  Now is the time to get excited about your future and aim for a career that will allow you to reach your full potential whilst being authentic to your needs, aspirations and talents. 

 

Your future is in your hands.  Be bold, be proactive and get excited for all the wonderful possibilities!​ 

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