Future Ready

Future Ready is an innovative careers education and guidance programme for young people in Jordan.

The programme applied our extensive expertise in careers-related education the UK alongside the latest international evidence of effective careers guidance in schools to a pilot of a new careers-education programme for school students.   

Working closely with the Ministry of Education and local partners in Jordan, we delivered the 12-week Future Ready pilot to over 500 grade nine students in eight secondary schools, with a particular focus on targeting marginalised learners. 

Engaging local employers  

The programme took a holistic approach to careers education, drawing on the support of the whole school, families and employers to find solutions for young people considering their futures. Engagement with employers, who provided work-based opportunities including work-shadowing, had a significant impact on students’ perceptions of work and careers.  

Challenging training and career expectations  

As a result of Future Ready, both girls and boys in the programme – and the adults who supported them – were able to challenge gender-stereotyped career expectations and develop a greater understanding of both vocational pathways and the skills needed in the workplace. Students’ experiences on the programme also increased their appreciation of the importance of mathematics, English and digital skills needed in the labour market, inspiring them to apply a greater focus to these skills in school.  

The pilot aimed to enable more girls to experience the world of work and give them the confidence to aspire to work in male-dominated sectors, while equipping all students with career management skills and attitudes of lifelong learning that will encourage them to grow and develop as the labour market continues to evolve.