Maximise the benefits of the Inspiring the Future platform with top tips for teachers, careers leads and activity organisers.
Plan ahead
Invite volunteers at least 4 weeks ahead (many are in full-time work and need to juggle diaries).
Create a title that stands out
Volunteers see hundreds of ‘Year 10 careers talk’ make your activity shine!
Write a helpful activity description
Be super clear in what you’re asking – how long should they speak, should they use slides, do you want career journeys or a day in the life? Be informative and enthusiastic. (All the things you would like from your volunteer!) Would you accept this invitation?
| What is the aim of the day? | To inspire students and show them the variety of routes into work e.g. university, apprenticeships, work |
| What will happen on the day? | Students will come into the hall and volunteers will take 10 minutes each to talk with them. Please create a few slides with visuals about your route into work, career path and current job, aiming to speak for around 5 minutes. Don’t be shy about making this personal to you and including photos of your journey, this is what students find most relatable. Our students are excited to ask you questions after your talk so be ready for a Q&A for 5 minutes after you present. We’d love to see props from your line of work, if relevant, as students find these particularly engaging and they often prompt conversation about the most exciting or interesting parts of volunteers’ roles. |
| About the audience | Year 9, approximately 120 students |
| Where and when? | Monday 20th April to Friday 3rd July (not including exams week beginning 11th May) Mornings preferred between 9:00-11:45 Ideally in person but open to virtual if you are too far away Rainbow Academy 36 Rainbow St, Ducktown, London DT1V 3DT We are a 7 minute walk from Ducktown tube station and have many nearby bus stops on several routes. Please phone reception in advance if you require parking and we’ll ensure a space is saved for you. |
Number of invitations
Always invite at least 4x the number of volunteers needed.
Respond to volunteers who accept
You will see their email when you scroll down your activity dashboard – if they don’t hear from you, they may wonder if it’s still on!
Look out for expressions of interest
These come from volunteers who see your activity advertised and would like to offer their time. These are super-warm leads.
We are a small, friendly team and are here to help.
- Call us on 0207 566 4880
- Email us enquiries@inspiringthefuture.org