EMCCA Careers Hub

Who we are

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Careers Hub is committed to enhancing careers education and ensuring young people aged 11 to 18, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, transition successfully to their best next steps. We work with secondary schools, colleges, SEND schools, pupil referral units (PRUs), and alternative provision institutions across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The Hub acts as a vital bridge between education and employment, driving the delivery of high-quality, inclusive careers guidance. By aligning career education with regional economic priorities, we empower young people to explore opportunities, develop skills, and access meaningful experiences that prepare them for the future.

Our mission with The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC)

In partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC), a national leader in careers education, we implement a shared vision of excellence in career guidance. The EMCCA Careers Hub supports institutions in achieving the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance, equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their education and career pathways effectively.

By fostering collaboration with schools, employers, and local authorities, we contribute to the region’s skills network, addressing local strengths and challenges while inspiring students to reach their full potential. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our communities.

What we do

Our impact

The EMCCA Careers Hub’s Careers and Young People (CYP) Report tracks progress on local and national skills priorities, identifies gaps, and ensures tailored career support for young people. It evaluates activities, achievements, and strategies of initiatives focused on career planning and personal development, covering progress, outcomes, and future plans.

Key components include an overview of achievements, partnership updates, impact analysis, and strategic developments. The report targets stakeholders, partners, funders, and the broader community to demonstrate accountability and regional impact.

 

Read our report for October 2024 here

Latest Careers Hub news

Meet the team

At the heart of the Careers Hub is a passionate and dynamic team.

Liam Jackson
Strategic Careers Hub Lead

Liam Jackson

I am deeply committed to transforming communities through education and skills and career development. I have the privilege of leading a dynamic team dedicated to empowering young people and connecting them to meaningful opportunities. I am passionate about driving initiatives that inspire, equip, and uplift individuals, ensuring our work delivers long-lasting, meaningful change for the region and its communities. Together with schools, employers, and stakeholders, I believe we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for people in our region. Fun question: What was your childhood dream job? A footballer! I’d have loved to have become an all-time top goal scorer for Hull city, taking them to their first ever champions league final and scoring a winning hat-trick
Laura Wilkins
Operational Hub Lead

Laura Wilkins

I manage the day-to-day operations of the Careers Hub and coordinate projects to support local schools and colleges. I work closely with local authorities, employers, and other stakeholders to ensure young people have the best opportunities and information for their next steps. I am passionate about supporting SEND students, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities and the support needed for a confident transition. Fun question: If you were a superhero, what superpower would you choose and why? To fly, so I never get stuck in traffic again!
Helen Guyatt
Enterprise Co-ordinator

Helen Guyatt

I help schools create effective careers programmes and connect employers with students. I enjoy linking schools to local businesses, as it is hugely beneficial in preparing young people to become the future talent pipeline. I see true value in early work exposure motivates students and helps them make informed decisions about their next steps. Fun question: If you could have an office pet, what would it be and why? A dog, preferably one a smaller one that can offer good cuddles. (If anyone chooses a tarantula, I would not be attending the office!)
Rachel Blake
Enterprise Co-ordinator

Rachel Blake

I’m an Enterprise Coordinator supporting 25 schools, including one college and four alternative provisions in South of Nottinghamshire. With 20 years in a Nottingham City secondary school, the last six working as a Career’s Leader. I therefore understand the challenges career leaders face and offer effective solutions. I enjoy being part of a supportive team and helping young people explore opportunities, finding each day rewarding and varied. Fun question: If you could have an office pet, what would it be and why? – It would have to be a dog, loyal, kind and always pleased to see you!
Kieron
Enterprise Co-ordinator

Keiron Turner

I joined as an Enterprise Coordinator in 2022, with over 10 years’ experience as a Careers Leader and Deputy Head of Sixth Form. I link education and business to support Careers Leaders. Outside of work, I’m a Primary and Secondary School Governor, and coach a girls' football team. As a proud parent, I also enjoy spending time with my family, with a part time job as ‘Dad’s Taxi’ and I am passionate about music. Fun question: What was your childhood dream job? As a child, I dreamt of becoming Spiderman, despite my aversion to spiders.
Lauren Oldfield
Enterprise Co-ordinator

Lauren Oldfield

As an Enterprise Coordinator, I support careers provision in North Derbyshire schools and colleges. With a background in recruitment and stakeholder management, I most recently led the South Yorkshire Careers Hub. I enjoy building relationships, the daily variety, and inspiring the next generation in their career journeys. Fun question: If you could have an office pet, what would it be and why? If I could have an office pet, it would be my own dogs, Norman the English Bulldog and Nellie the French Bulldog. If I’m ever on a Teams call, you’ll almost always hear their snoring… it’s something that has become the soundtrack of my life.
Julia Matthews
Enterprise Co-ordinator

Julia Matthews

I am an Enterprise Coordinator in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, specialising in supporting SEND schools. My background in project management, and independent businesses has enabled me to effectively design, manage, and evaluate career development programmes to make a positive impact on the lives of young people, particularly in deprived areas or SEND schools. Fun question: If you were a superhero, what superpower would you choose and why?  Wonder Woman – not many female superheroes out there! She was strong and independent, and she looked great in hotpants!
Emma Arberry
Enterprise Co-ordinator

Emma Arberry

As an Enterprise Coordinator, I support Careers Leaders and Enterprise Advisors to help improve careers provision and achieve the Gatsby Benchmarks and link school learning to real-world opportunities. I enjoy working strategically, to build these relationships to create a positive impact on young people. I have over 17 years’ experience in education, as well as creating my own careers magazine, Decisionz. Fun question: If you were a superhero, what superpower would you choose and why? I would want the magical power to show other people their strengths. To open their eyes to how amazing they are when they can’t see it themselves, so they feel more confident and realise their potential.
Charlotte Bushell
Enterprise Co-ordinator

Charlotte Bushell

I find the most rewarding part of my job is seeing young people with SEND transition to positive, fulfilling destinations after school or college, supported by the employers and providers we work with. Previously, I led the Our Future project, connecting Primary Schools with the world of work and local employers. Additionally, I have also worked in mainstream and special schools supporting students on a 1-2-1 basis. Fun question: What was your childhood dream job? A performer on Broadway (think big!)
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