Future First

📢 "I became much more confident asking questions and speaking with professionals about their careers."

Over three days, Luana gained a behind-the-scenes look at careers in public affairs, communications, media, politics and law, all thanks to our wonderful partners at DRD Partnership.

From watching a live debate in the House of Commons to observing a defamation case at the Royal Courts of Justice, meeting professionals across a range of industries, and tackling a real-life crisis communications scenario, Luana says that the DRD Summer School programme has helped her build her confidence, develop new skills and open up exciting career possibilities.

You can read more about her experience on our website: https://www.futurefirst.org.uk/news/my-drd-summer-school-experience

We're excited to welcome Deborah Denis as the new CEO of Future First.

Deborah joins us with extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to creating opportunities for young people. Her own life experiences have shaped a passion for ensuring every young person has access to the support, networks and role models they need to succeed.

As we look to the future, we'll continue to help young people build the confidence, employability skills and real-world experiences that prepare them for successful futures.

Join us in welcoming Deborah! 💙

Read more: https://www.futurefirst.org.uk/news/future-first-appoints-deborah-denis-as-chief-executive-officer

If you do just one good deed today, would you considering nominating Future First for this Community Special Draw from the Benefact Group?
£5,000 could change the lives of 2,000 young people by giving them access to relatable role models, the networks and tools they need to succeed.
Thank you!
Nominate us here: https://movementforgood.com/draws/special/community?cn=1135638&ct=community&i=1782984996-94347.jpg&utm_source=holiday+card&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=M4G2025card&utm_id=M4G2025card

Alumni matter. More than we sometimes realise.

For young people, success can often feel distant if they've never met someone who has taken a path they can relate to.

That is why alumni are so powerful.

They are living proof that a different future is possible. They help students see opportunities they may never have considered, share honest insights about education and careers, and make ambitions feel achievable rather than abstract.

Alumni can also open doors. Through conversations, mentoring, work experience, introductions and networks, they can help bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity.

Most importantly, alumni bring credibility. Young people often listen differently when advice comes from someone who once sat in the same classrooms, faced similar challenges, and has since built their own journey.

This Schools Alumni Week, it's worth recognising the enormous contribution that former students make to the next generation. Every story shared, every connection made, and every hour volunteered has the potential to change a young person's trajectory.

Because sometimes the most powerful role model is simply someone who shows, "I was where you are now."

At Future First, we know that . Young people can't be what they can't see but hearing someone's education and career story can inspire them to see what's possible.
This , some of our team members reflect on the moments, people and opportunities that shaped their journey.
From unexpected discoveries to career-changing experiences, these stories are a reminder that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't.
Stories like these - like ours, like yours - expose barriers, challenge assumptions and open young minds to a world of possibilities.
Have a scroll through our team's stories. Feel inspired to share yours? find out more about volunteering with Future First: www.futurefirst.org.uk/volunteers

We’re looking for Freelance Workshop Facilitators!⁠
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Want to inspire young people and help them explore their future? Join us this autumn to deliver engaging workshops in schools and colleges across the UK.⁠
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✨ £200/day + travel expenses⁠
📍 Nationwide (especially London, Midlands, South West & East Anglia)⁠
🕗 School-day hours (8am–3pm approx.)⁠
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You’ll:⁠
🎤 Lead interactive sessions for students aged 11–18⁠
🤝 Work with alumni & volunteers⁠
📚 Help young people build confidence and career awareness⁠
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We’re looking for people with experience working with young people, great energy, and a passion for making a difference.⁠
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Interested? Go to www.futurefirst.org.uk/jobs to find out more

“We wanted to give students a realistic view of what working in finance actually looks like. For many, it can feel like an intimidating or unfamiliar space, so the aim was to make it more accessible and show there are lots of different paths into the industry.” Todimu S.⁠
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Last autumn, Lumon hosted an insight day for the students of St Clement Danes School. The event gave students first-hand insight into a wide range of careers in finance, while helping them build practical employability skills and challenge common misconceptions about the industry.⁠
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👉 Read our blog to find out how the day unfolded: https://www.futurefirst.org.uk/news/real-world-careers-real-world-skills-lumon-insight-day⁠
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This International Women’s Day we asked the women on our team:⁠
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What do you wish you’d known when you were younger? You can scroll through their answers below.⁠
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Their reflections remind us how powerful advice, encouragement and visibility can be. Because when young women see what’s possible, everything changes. ♀️✊ ⁠
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To read their reflections and advice in full, go to https://www.futurefirst.org.uk/news/international-womens-day-2026-what-we-wish-wed-known-as-young-women ⁠
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Have you ever thought of a career in communications? ⁠
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For National Careers Week, Aceil Haddad, Founder and PR Consultant at MATT PR shines a light on careers in communications. ⁠
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Communications careers come in all shapes and sizes: from press campaigns to crisis strategy and storytelling that makes a difference. Read Aceil's insights on what the job involves and how to begin your journey:⁠
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👉 https://www.futurefirst.org.uk/news/a-career-in-communications⁠
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As we wrap up , we asked some of our employer partners for their top tips for those young people thinking about applying for an apprenticeship.

Markerstudy Group, Leonard Curtis and Shawbrook answered the call and shared their advice on how to stand out from the crowd.

👉 Read more on our blog: https://www.futurefirst.org.uk/news/national-apprenticeship-week-top-tips-from-employers-on-how-to-stand-out