What does it take to help a young person believe that their future, whether that's university, a creative career or a skilled trade, is genuinely within reach? For many students across south-east London and Kent, particularly those from low-income households or who would be the first in their family to go to university, the answer starts with a conversation.
Make it Make Sense (MiMS) is a programme we deliver with Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) that brings those conversations into the classroom. Through careers talks, interactive workshops and hands-on sessions with employers, students in Years 9 and 10 explore who they are, what they're good at and where they might go next — often discovering pathways they didn't know existed.
Alcatel Submarine Network
Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) provides students with valuable insight into a global organisation based locally in Greenwich. During careers talks, ASN representatives share their personal journeys and showcase the wide range of roles within the company, from business support to engineering. Many students are unaware of ASN despite its proximity, making this exposure particularly impactful. The session helps students connect their learning to real-world careers while building awareness of local opportunities. As a result, students leave with increased confidence, a broader understanding of career pathways, and a clearer sense of how education links to future employment.
The Make it Make Sense programme has grown significantly year on year, enabling CACT to reach an increasing number of schools and students across South East London and Kent, particularly within priority areas of low socio‑economic background. As a core element of the University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP), the programme supports early engagement and aspiration‑raising, helping students make informed decisions about their future pathways. It has also enabled more young people to view university as a realistic and attainable option.
The programme supports young people through engaging, pastorally focused sessions that build independence while developing confidence, communication, and collaboration skills. Using current and relatable topics such as financial awareness and self‑discovery, students are encouraged to actively participate, reflect on their strengths, and consider future goals. It consistently sees high levels of enthusiasm, with many students stepping outside of their comfort zones. Evaluation feedback highlights clear impact, with students in Years 9 and 10 increasingly considering higher education, particularly those who would be the first in their family to attend university.
Everyone's a Singer
As a creative industry partner, Everyone’s a Singer (EAS) brings a unique and engaging perspective to the MiMS programme. Through interactive sessions, students learn about careers within the performing arts and creative sectors while exploring the importance of confidence, resilience, and self-expression. Delivered by industry professionals, the sessions provide first-hand insight into non-traditional career pathways, helping students understand how creative skills can translate into employment. The outcome is a noticeable boost in student confidence and engagement, with many feeling more empowered to explore their interests and recognise the value of transferable skills in shaping their future careers.
"Ultimately, Make it Make Sense strongly resonates with young people, building confidence and skills to navigate life beyond the classroom"
Aarti Chibber, Outreach Manager
University of Greenwich
British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists
Through its partnership with the University of Greenwich and CACT, BIKBBI, led by CEO Damian Walters, introduces students to careers within the interiors and installation sector. The session focuses on vocational pathways, highlighting the skills, professionalism, and entrepreneurial opportunities available within the industry. By sharing his personal journey, Damian provides a relatable and aspirational example of success through alternative routes. This challenges misconceptions around trade careers and broadens students’ understanding of the options available to them. As a result, students gain greater awareness of vocational opportunities and leave with increased confidence in considering a wider range of future pathways.
By connecting students with relatable role models from global organisations to creative and emerging industries, MiMS brings career pathways to life. Research shows that meaningful employer encounters can significantly reduce the likelihood of young people becoming NEET, reinforcing the importance of this work.
We look forward to continuing to grow this impactful programme and reaching even more students in the next academic year.
"MiMS brings the University of Greenwich and CACT together to support young people, providing them with the knowledge and tools for their next steps."
Jemma Bolton, Pre-16 Engagement Manager
Charlton Athletic Community Trust