Career Connect is a Business in the Community and Include Youth initiative funded by the Bright Path Fund, that aims to prevent homelessness for care experienced young people.
Between February 2026 and March 2027, we will support more than 40 young people across Northern Ireland to:
- Develop their skills and work-readiness through a series of workshops
- Build confidence at networking events
- Engage with meaningful work experience opportunities
Why get involved in Career Connect
The number of children and young people in care in Northern Ireland is at its highest in 30 years, with inequality of entry into care widening. Children from the most deprived areas are nine times more likely to enter care here. Children who’ve been in care experience much higher levels of unemployment and are more likely to receive benefits in the eight years after leaving school.
Practical interventions support the transition into the world of work for care-experienced children to improve their long-term outcomes. Young people express interest in, and benefit from, the opportunity to make connections with role models. This project provides a tangible way for your business to demonstrate social value in action.
Your business can get involved in any or all of the five parts of the programme. As a funded initiative, Career Connect is open to both members and non‑members of Business in the Community. There is no cost to participate.
Resources
Workshops
Volunteers can support for one hour in Belfast, North West or Fermanagh
Each young person will attend four practical workshops that will focus on:
- Building a CV
- Preparing for interview
- Navigating the workplace
- Managing a budget
Speed Networking Events
Businesses can send representatives. Two hour events in Belfast, North West or Fermanagh
Each young person will also have the option to attend a Speed Networking event in their area. These events will be attended by our business partners and are a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn more about the different pathways to employment directly from the individuals who have taken them.
Work Experience Opportunities
The Career Connect programme aims to offer each young person involved a workplace visit or experience to allow them to see behind the scenes of a local business. These experiences are another excellent way for young people to learn more about different pathways to employment. Open your doors to a group for a morning or support a young person on placement for up to three days.
Online Hub
Share valuable work tips and advice with the young people involved via our online hub. Make your early career pathways visible for young people and help answer their questions, giving them the confidence to enter the world of work.
Benefit from training
We offer all Corporate Partners care experienced training. This valuable element to the programme ensures your workplace is supported in the best way possible to help people who may have a different lived experience from you and your team.
Book your Career Connect places here
For more information, contact mhairi.sim@bitcni.org.uk
Beyond Career Connect, additional support is available for employers through a mentoring project being delivered by Extern.