Liverpool charity Career Connect named Careers Provider of the Year at national awards

Liverpool City Region-based charity Career Connect has been crowned Careers Provider of the Year at this year’s UK Career Development Awards, recognising its work helping thousands of people take the next step towards brighter futures.

Career Connect has spent over two decades supporting people of all ages to overcome barriers and access independent careers advice, guidance and opportunities. Over the past two years alone, the charity has reached more than 180,000 people across schools, colleges, local communities, the criminal justice system and workplaces, delivering a yearly social value worth £8 million.

Judges from the Career Development Institute described Career Connect as an “outstanding organisation” that makes a real, long-lasting impact on people’s lives. They praised its dedication to tackling inequality, putting frontline needs first and embracing new technology to keep its services up to date. The panel also highlighted how Career Connect’s work helps reduce pressure on public services by preventing people from becoming NEET — not in education, employment or training.

Based in Exchange Flags, Career Connect’s team works across Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Halton, Knowsley and St Helens, delivering specialist careers support for young people aged 16 to 18 on behalf of local councils. Its schools and colleges team runs engaging careers programmes and builds links with employers across the region and beyond.

The charity’s justice team works in prisons and probation services across the North West, helping offenders and ex-offenders to find new opportunities and rebuild their lives. Career Connect also trains the next generation of advisers through accredited courses and professional development for schools, businesses and organisations.

This latest award win adds to a growing list of good news for Career Connect. The charity recently launched its new 2025–28 strategy, unveiled a refreshed brand and user-friendly website, and was named one of the first employers to reach Accredited Level on the Fair Employment Charter for the Liverpool City Region.

Career Connect also earned a place on the Best Companies Top 100 UK Employers list, ranking 66th in the North West. On top of that, Sefton-based adviser Katie Enstone picked up Careers Adviser of the Year at the national ERSA awards.

Sheila Clark, CEO of Career Connect, said: “We couldn’t do any of this without our people, so I want to say thank you to every single member of our team for helping us win this award. We’re so lucky to have some of the most dedicated and passionate people in the careers sector working with us.

“In the last two years, we’ve worked hard to expand our reach and impact, develop our research and bring the voices of the people we support to the heart of what we do. We’re also proud to have strong partnerships with employers and organisations right here in the Liverpool City Region, where we were founded and where our head office remains.

“During what is a challenging time for charities and the public sector, we’re proud to have helped more people than ever before move forward with confidence, no matter where they are on their career journey. We’re committed to continuing this work and playing our part in building a positive future for the Liverpool City Region by connecting more people with opportunities, skills and support.”

Get all the latest news around Liverpool here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.