Form the Future

Form the Future Form the Future equip young people with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to move from education into a rewarding and successful career.

We deliver the skills service for the Greater Cambridge Partnership, linking schools and businesses to build students’ careers awareness and employability skills, and to promote apprenticeships as a potential further education pathway. We also provide a mentoring programme, an impartial careers advice service, support work experience placements, and manage STEM outreach programmes, such as Cambridge LaunchPad. Get in touch if you would like to find out more.

"Coming into the internship, I wasn't really sure what to expect."Starting in a new workplace for the first time can fee...
21/08/2026

"Coming into the internship, I wasn't really sure what to expect."

Starting in a new workplace for the first time can feel daunting, but for the group of students joining Bango, those nerves quickly turned into confidence thanks to the warm welcome and support they received.

Over two weeks, they worked on real projects, learnt from experienced professionals, explored different career paths and built lasting connections with both their mentors and each other. More than just an insight into the world of work, the internship helped them develop the confidence and skills to take their next steps.

A huge thank you to everyone at Bango for creating an environment where these young people could learn, grow and thrive. The experience, friendships and confidence they've gained will stay with them long after the internship has ended.

Want to help more young people discover what's possible? We'd love to hear from you, visit our website to find out how your organisation can support the next generation. https://formthefuture.org.uk/about/partners-funders/

🎓 Is someone you know thinking about an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular route into ...
20/08/2026

🎓 Is someone you know thinking about an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular route into the world of work and often the best advice comes from someone going through the process.

After securing a Trainee Accountant Apprenticeship with PEM, former Hills Road Sixth Form College student Yash is sharing what she learnt from navigating the apprenticeship application process first-hand.

From researching opportunities and building relevant skills to preparing applications and dealing with rejection, Yash shares practical advice for young people considering an apprenticeship.

Whether someone you know is actively applying or simply exploring what an apprenticeship could offer, hear directly from someone who’s recently been in their position.

👉 Read Yash’s advice and her experience of the application process: https://formthefuture.org.uk/how-to-prepare-for-an-accounting-apprenticeship/

🎉 Results Day is here.Whether today brings celebration, surprises or uncertainty, the support you give your young person...
20/08/2026

🎉 Results Day is here.

Whether today brings celebration, surprises or uncertainty, the support you give your young person can make all the difference.

We've put together some practical advice to help you navigate today's conversations and support them with whatever comes next.

📖 Read our Results Day guide for parents and carers: https://formthefuture.org.uk/results-day-2026/

Many of the careers today's young people will go into didn't exist a generation ago. 🌐Our latest Young Professional Spot...
20/08/2026

Many of the careers today's young people will go into didn't exist a generation ago. 🌐

Our latest Young Professional Spotlight introduces Jess, a 26-year-old Business Operations Executive at iSanctuary, a company specialising in digital investigations and cryptocurrency recovery.

Jess shares how she found her role, what it's like working in a rapidly evolving industry and the advice she'd give to anyone still figuring out their next steps.

If you have a young person in your life who is thinking about their future, we'd love for you to share this series with them. Follow us on Instagram to hear directly from young professionals about their careers, the choices they've made and the advice they wish they'd known sooner. 👇

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https://www.instagram.com/formthefuturecic

18/08/2026

🏆 Meet Marley, winner of our Young Person of the Year award.

For Marley, a career in healthcare has been a lifelong ambition. Growing up watching 24 Hours in A&E, he dreamt of becoming a nurse.

But things haven't always been easy for Marley. After dropping out of college and relocating to supported accommodation, he struggled to find opportunities locally and felt unsure on how to progress.

When a youth worker told him about our Activate Your Future programme, he knew he had to apply.
Through the programme, Marley secured a two-week work placement with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, giving him the opportunity to experience working in a hospital environment and take that first step towards his future.

We sat down with Marley at the wonderful Market House Cambridge to hear his story and reflect on the experiences that have led him to where he is today.

Read Marley's full story here: https://formthefuture.org.uk/marleys-story-finding-a-future-in-healthcare/

Funded by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority , the programme formed part of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, a government-funded initiative designed to remove barriers for young people who are currently NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

🎥 Production & Editing: Elena Morris-Gray

14/08/2026

Our final Ambassador Spotlight of our August celebration is a special one.

Who knew that one in-school careers encounter would have such a profound impact on a young person’s future?

When Neil Hamilton-Meikle from Cooper Barnes Automotive brought a car paint spray gun into a Careers Carousel, it gave students a tangible introduction to the specialist skills used in automotive repair.

His message was simple. University and desk-based work are not the only routes to a successful future. For young people who enjoy practical work, learning a trade can lead to a skilled and rewarding career.

One of the students listening was George. Inspired by the encounter, he approached Cooper Barnes Automotive about work experience. After completing his placement, George was invited to return as an apprentice and has continued developing his skills with Neil’s support.

It is a powerful example of what can begin with a single careers conversation. This is where it starts.

Read George and Neil’s full story: https://formthefuture.org.uk/from-classroom-to-career-georges-apprenticeship-journey/

Want to join our growing Ambassador community? Find out more and register here: https://formthefuture.org.uk/volunteer/volunteer-with-us/


13/08/2026

“There’s always laughter. There are always interesting insights, but there’s also the sense that something is being learned.”

As an Ambassador, independent transport adviser Tim Gent has shared his experience through What’s My Line?, Careers Carousels and Mock Interviews.

Explaining his work to young people has encouraged Tim to break down the different elements of his role and present them in engaging, accessible ways. In turn, this has helped him recognise his own skills and communicate more confidently about the value he offers as an independent consultant.

Tim’s experience is a brilliant reminder that volunteering is a two-way exchange. Young people gain valuable insights into the world of work, while Ambassadors can develop their own confidence, communication skills and understanding of their profession.

Want to join our growing Ambassador community? Find out more and register here: https://formthefuture.org.uk/volunteer/volunteer-with-us/


For Oli, former The Leys School, Cambridge pupil, returning to speak with  Dr Clare Ives,  the school's first female Hea...
13/08/2026

For Oli, former The Leys School, Cambridge pupil, returning to speak with Dr Clare Ives, the school's first female Head and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community was a meaningful one.

The conversation delved into the importance of representation, belonging and helping young people feel seen.

It was a reminder that careers guidance isn't just about career choices, it's also about helping them feel confident in who they are.

At Form the Future, we work with schools to help young people explore career pathways, connect with employers and build the confidence to take their next steps. Find out more here: https://formthefuture.org.uk/schools/

13/08/2026

What connects a lateral flow test, a fizzy drink and a meteorite? You'll have to listen to Diane to find out.

Diane Turner of Anthias Consulting Ltd is passionate about showing young people how science connects to the world around them. Through activities including What’s My Line? and Careers Carousels, she introduces students to a profession many of them have never encountered before.

Her conversations can lead in all sorts of directions. Students might explore the science behind everyday products, discover how meteorites are identified or learn what it means to build a business and work with clients around the world.

As a woman in science and a business owner, Diane also shows young people that there is no single type of person who can build a successful career in science.

Want to join our growing Ambassador community? Find out more and register here: https://formthefuture.org.uk/volunteer/volunteer-with-us/


12/08/2026

“It doesn’t have to be just a university route.”

Working in pharmacy education and training at Addenbrooke’s, Lottie Harries understands that people learn in different ways and that no single career pathway will suit everyone.

Through volunteering as an Ambassador, Lottie helps young people explore alternatives including apprenticeships and vocational qualifications. Even when students are not interested in pharmacy, meeting someone from the workplace can introduce them to options they may not have previously considered.

In this Ambassador Celebration Spotlight, Lottie also explains how straightforward and sociable volunteering can be, with clear communication and support throughout each activity.

Want to join our growing Ambassador community? Find out more and register here: https://lnkd.in/d9NmRJy


Address

Future Business Centre, Kings Hedges Road
Cambridge
CB42HY

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Monday 9am - 5pm
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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
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