In July, Barnsley organisations brought home seven awards from the South Yorkshire Careers Hub.  

At the first-ever ‘Leading the Way Awards’, the importance of careers education for young people in South Yorkshire was the top priority.  

The project is supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), in partnership with the Careers and Enterprise Company and councils across the region. The Careers Hub works to connect with schools, colleges, training providers, employers and other partners, so they can support young people in the next steps in their learning journey and longer-term work aspirations. 

Currently working with 110 educational providers across the region, the Careers Hub has already seen an 11% improvement in education providers achieving Gatsby Benchmarks, which are used to measure the success of careers education, this academic year, which has also seen the Careers Hub engage: 

• 92 Enterprise Advisors who work in schools across our region to improve the employability of young people 
• 11 Cornerstone Employers who work with the South Yorkshire Careers Hub at a strategic level to shape careers education 
• 113 Careers Leaders who work in education providers across the region to support and deliver successful Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG). 

Oli de Botton, CEO of the Careers and Enterprise Company, attended the event and was joined by South Yorkshire Careers Hubs Strategic Lead, Keir Birch, at the event where 32 awards were presented across seven categories. Our Barnsley award winners are here: 

• Nick, Helen and Gaynor picked up the Continuous Improvement in a School or College Award for Penistone Grammar School. 

• John picked up the Creativity and Innovation Award for Barnsley Council’s Supported Employment and Volunteering Service. 
• Catherine and Holly picked up the Meaningful Encounters Award for Astrea Academy Dearne, as well as Johnathan for Wortley Hall. 
• Megan picked up the Most Committed and Most Engaged Partner Award for Esh Group. 
• Gavin, Amber and Amy picked up the Partnership Working Award for Masonite. 
• David and Gill picked up the Most Innovative Provision Award for Greenacre School. 

• Nikki picked up the Most Visionary Careers Programme Award for Trinity Academy St. Edwards. 

Oli de Botton, CEO of the Careers and Enterprise Company, said: “Careers Hubs like South Yorkshire, together with local partners, are playing a pivotal part in delivering for young people in their communities. The evidence of impact narrated in this report is testament to their hard work. 

“The work of the South Yorkshire Careers Hub along with other Careers Hubs across the country is making a real difference. As highlighted in our recent Ready for the Future report, 74% of Year 13 students now say they are career ready, up from 45% in Year 7.”  

Keir Birch, SYMCA's Strategic Lead at South Yorkshire Careers Hub, added: “This year, I have been astonished by not only what opportunities are on offer in South Yorkshire, but also the passion, determination, and commitment from our Enterprise Coordinators, Careers Leaders, Enterprise advisors, Cornerstone, and other partners and volunteers in ensuring these chances reach the young people who need it the most. 

“These awards are an acknowledgment of this commitment, which celebrates and shines the spotlight on the excellent practise taking place and celebrates the successes of each of our award winners for the outstanding and remarkable differences they are making every day.” 

Councillor Robert Frost, Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “It's fantastic to hear that Barnsley schools, partners and businesses are celebrating the great work they do for the young people in our borough.  

“We want people to aim high and excel in their education, so that more students can go on to higher level studies and learn at the best institutions. It’s great to see so many Barnsley people being recognised for their work inspiring young people to aim high and achieve their full potential.”  

Visit the South Yorkshire Careers Hub for more information. 

About Careers Hubs 

Careers Hubs are a central part of the Government’s Careers Strategy and aim to support all secondary schools and Further Education providers to implement high-quality careers guidance to help young people make more informed decisions around their future choices. 

About South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority - Education, Skills and Employability 

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has set its sights on being a region that provides inclusive growth and opportunities for all, enabling individuals and employers to reach their potential, drive productivity and contribute to our economic success. 

We want to deliver a step change in our labour market that builds on the progress of recent years to create jobs and opportunities in every part of the region. This includes helping those who have been long term unemployed or who have low work aspirations to be able to easily access high quality training.  We will also focus on increasing levels of technical training and ensuring that we have the right type of businesses accessing higher-level skills that will drive improvements in overall prosperity and opportunity. 

Our role is to enable businesses to survive, adapt and thrive and be more innovative and resilient following the pandemic and resulting economic downturn. To raise quality of life, reducing inequality, and widening opportunity for residents. To equip people to contribute to and benefit from economic prosperity and to support people to improve their skills, get back to work, remain in or progress in work, or set up in business and thereby accelerate social mobility.