By Sarah Dale
30 March 2026
Careers Navigator is a gamified learning space to prepare young people for work.
A new education programme designed to tackle the skills gap and empower young people to be confident about joining the workforce has officially launched in Teesside.
Careers Navigator – which was launched at a special event held in Middlesbrough recently [Wednesday 25th March] – is a fun gamified learning scheme which has been designed to encourage lifelong learning, with a range of levels adapted for different ages from eight to retirement and relevant to learners whether they are at school, home-schooled, unemployed or employed.
The programme was created by Dr Kat Carruthers, an HCPC registered occupational therapist, and a team with lived experience of autism, ADHD, and physical disabilities, to tackle several key issues affecting both children and young people, and employers in the region, namely preparing young people for jobs of the future, and plugging skills gaps.
The programme was born from an in-depth evaluation* of the Junior Journalism pilot project delivered by NetWORK NotWORK CIC – the organisation behind Careers Navigator – to 207 children across six schools and one community youth group in the Tees Valley.
The courses have been divided into three sections: Ignite XP! for children and young people aged eight to 16; Ascend XP! for ages 16-24 and adults not in employment, education or training (NEET); and Orbit XP! for individuals aged 18+ in employment. Each course has been adapted to entry level 1 to level 3 (and beyond).
There are 12 themed modules covering all sectors (Business and Economy, Social Value, Equality and Civic Understanding, Wellness, Marketing, Cyber, Leadership and Management, Sustainability, Communication, Growth and Innovation, Quality and Evidence, and Building Relationships).
Gamification is built into the concept with badges, collection of XP! points (XP! stands for work experience), trading cards and leaderboards. The system includes game-based content to increase motivation and engagement.
Learners can earn badges to show what they can do, and there is also the opportunity to continue onto accredited NCFE courses. Learners leave the course with a portfolio of evidence and preparation for job interviews or further education and an idea of their next steps.
It is an inclusive programme which includes specially adapted versions of the courses suitable for people with a range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) with audio descriptions, dyslexia-friendly coloured versions, and transcripts.
“We’re proud that we are able to provide advice and support for families with children who are neurodivergent, have sensory processing differences, or other SEND,” says Kat.
“Our Ignition Crew (mentors) take the time to understand the unique needs of each child in their group, and create a calm, kind and inclusive space where children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and different learning needs can feel confident, supported, and truly thrive.
“Skills can only begin to develop in a space that feels safe, supportive, and built on a foundation of asking questions and acceptance of making mistakes.”
Careers Navigator was officially launched at a special event held at AV Dawson The Staiths in Middlesbrough and attended by a range of education providers and local businesses keen to find out more about the courses.
Attendees included Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, who loved the concept and commented on how it aligned with a pilot project the council is undergoing.
“It was a privilege to attend the VIP launch event of the Careers Navigator programme,” he says.
“I am passionate about ensuring our children and young people are encouraged, supported and empowered to succeed despite any barriers they may face, so to learn more about the concept and the details of a programme that will support all our young people – whatever their background or ability – was fantastic.
“It very much aligns with the Council’s 10 by 10 pilot project which we are currently trialling in five schools across Middlesbrough. By secondary school, young people are already on a chosen path, however, their experience of the variety of potential careers may be limited. We want to ensure that we can support our young people to succeed – and ultimately local employers can plug skills gaps and retain talent in the region – and the Careers Navigator programme aligns with our vision for the future.”
Andrea Naylor, business solutions manager at the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), gave a keynote speech at the event. She says: “Access to high-quality careers advice is a fundamental part of ensuring everyone can realise their potential.
“At TVCA, we are committed to making sure people of all ages and backgrounds can access the very best guidance, insight, and opportunities.
“By working closely with employers, educators and partners across the region, we are helping to equip individuals with the skills, confidence and knowledge they need to prepare for work and to succeed.”
The launch event showcased a demo of the programme and included a panel discussion with Michael Allen, managing director of JMA Contract Services; Vaina Lumbiwa, executive member of Taste of Africa North East, CEO of Miss Black History North East and the Creative Youth Leadership Team; Winnie Howes, a comic creator, owner of FriendShared, and Youth Trailblazer at NetWORK NotWORK CIC; and Michael Carruthers, multi-business owner and co-founder of NetWORK NotWORK CIC and Careers Navigator.
The event also unveiled the first edition of The 
NetWORKer Junior magazine, co-edited by Sarah Dale, co-founder and director of SASS media; and 11-year-old Alice Carruthers, one of the pioneers of the Junior Journalism project. The magazine features a range of business interviews, a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into the work the Junior Journalists do, information about Careers Navigator, and tips on wellbeing, books and apps.
Careers Navigator has been co-created by young people and content has been provided by employers. Challenges are set by employers ensuring that the latest industry challenges are raised and skills gaps addressed. This has the added benefit of the learners becoming more familiar with local employers, their workspaces, and opportunities available. It also puts national curriculum learning in context.
“The market changes fast, and careers education needs to keep up,” adds Kat.
“Challenges and live events can be updated at any time without impact on the programme structure.”
Business supporter Alice C. I’Anson Widdows, CEO of Wynyard Therapy, has set a challenge, completed a walk-round video in the workplace, and provided a job advertisement for the Careers Navigator programme. She says: “We need to find opportunities for young people in the workplace to help them find purpose, passion and freedom in life.
“As a small business owner, I enjoy helping the next generation develop transferable skills for successful, longstanding and happy careers. Employment brings stability, resilience, confidence, community and belonging. A good job can positively affect wellbeing and societal contribution, and I am sure Navigator will have an extremely positive impact on our young community in Teesside.”
The Careers Navigator launch event was sponsored by Events at AV Dawson The Staiths.
Find out more about the Careers Navigator programme at www.careersnavigator.co.uk
*The full version of the Junior Journalism Impact Report can be found at www.careersnavigator.co.uk/news
The learning outcomes of the Careers Navigator courses are grounded in the Gatsby Benchmarks.
Photography by HUGO Bea.
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