So, what does being a Head of Programmes involve?
I oversee almost everything we do on both the talent and learning sides of things. That can include a whole host of responsibilities – from designing and scoping out the long-term direction of a programme, to hosting events or supporting on day-to-day delivery. I work closely with everyone in our team, along with managing a lot of client relationships.
Every day looks different, but the highlight for me is designing and delivering engaging sessions that bring to life the opportunities we create with employers for socially diverse school leavers.
"I’m driven to help people recognise that potential in themselves and achieve what they’re capable of."
What made you want to work for Visionpath?
I love the idea that in everything we do we’re helping young people build a successful future. I’ve had different roles in my career, but everything I’ve done has centred around helping people reach their potential. I love that we help people, but what I love even more is that we’re creating opportunities those people wouldn’t otherwise have.
When I work with a group of students and I see their potential, I’m so glad the work we do gives them a chance to channel it into something special. I’m driven to help people recognise that potential in themselves and achieve what they’re capable of. Working towards that every day reminds me that we do a really good thing for so many people, and that’s hugely rewarding for me.
"The socially diverse talent I meet when I go into schools or at engagement events are bright, enthusiastic, passionate, and have so much potential for greatness. Who wouldn’t want somebody like that in their team!?"
What’s the best part of your job?
For me, easily the most satisfying part of the job is working with a young person over the course of a programme and witnessing their success at the end. When you meet a student for the first time you can get a sense they might just have something special – even if they don’t realise or believe it themselves yet. Then, over the course of a programme, you see them grow in confidence and self-belief until they achieve success at the end, which makes the journey so rewarding. There are students I remember meeting for the first time in school who are now, years later, doing fantastic work for employers we introduced them to.
Why do you think businesses are mad to miss out on socially diverse talent?
I’ve met so many brilliant people from such diverse backgrounds who I know would be an asset to any business. The socially diverse talent I meet when I go into schools or at engagement events are bright, enthusiastic, passionate, and have so much potential for greatness. Who wouldn’t want somebody like that in their team!?
Socially diverse talent can bring a fresh perspective, a different way of looking at things, and so much untapped potential that can really develop an organisation. Any businesses out there considering exploring opportunities to bring in a more diverse workforce… You’ll quickly see what I get to see every day when you do.
"It only takes a chance conversation to make a good impression on someone – and you never know where that could take you – so make the most of the opportunities that present themselves."
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
The worst that can happen is “no”. As an 18-year-old I would overthink things – if I was considering asking an ‘adult’ for work experience or insight, I would end up talking myself out of it by thinking of all the reasons they wouldn’t be able to help. Now, I know it only takes one “yes”. So I’d encourage myself to explore opportunities, meet more people, and engage people in the positions I wanted to be in. The worst they can do is not reply, but you only need one “yes” to unlock opportunities and your potential.
I’d say the same to any 18-year-old now: it only takes a chance conversation to make a good impression on someone – and you never know where that could take you – so make the most of the opportunities that present themselves.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I have a close-knit family, so I would definitely say spending time with them. Alongside that, football is probably my biggest passion. I play semi-pro football, which is a big commitment on top of my work, but even though it takes up a large part of my free time, I wouldn’t change the feeling playing still gives me. I’m just as passionate for the game now as I was when I first played as a child!
Here at Visionpath, we do what we do because we want all young people – no matter their background – to start their career on an equal footing. And because we know that, right now, businesses are missing out on a wealth of untapped talent.
Want to find out what Visionpath can do for you? Get in touch.
