Catching up with Caroline, our Head of Commercial Services and Development

Caroline is the Head of Commercial Services and Development here at C+K, and has worked within the careers, employment, and skills sector for over 15 years.

Caroline is an advocate of lifelong learning and is passionate about building career resilience and inspiring people to achieve their potential. With over a decade working at C+K, she has seen the business and the wider careers landscape evolve.

We caught up with Caroline to hear about her role at C+K and what it’s like working within the careers employment, and skills industry.

Hi Caroline. Please briefly explain your role at C+K.

My role is Head of Commercial Services and Development and covers several different areas of the business. As a part of the leadership team, I’m responsible for the following functions:

• Adult guidance contracts
• Nexus In-School
• Information services including marketing and communications
• Employer engagement
• New business

I work closely with our partner organisations and local businesses, building relationships to ensure we can fulfill employment and training opportunities.

I enjoy a challenge, and one of my most important roles is helping the business adapt to an ever-changing financial landscape. I get to grips with the complex world of funding, navigating the differing streams to ensure the best outcomes for C+K.

How long have you been with the business and where did you start?

10 years – I started in October 2012.

What previous jobs had you done before joining C+K?

I worked in private and public sector organisations, working as Placement Officer and Employment Advisor.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

Receiving feedback is always rewarding, whether that’s from stakeholders, partners or individuals who use our service. Hearing how we’ve made a positive impact is fantastic.

Being part of the C+K team is what makes the job enjoyable and worthwhile each day. I am extremely proud of the talented individuals who work at C+K, for their passion, their inclusivity, and the way in which they motivate and inspire people.

In what ways do you think access to quality careers advice makes the difference to communities?

I think good quality Careers Advice helps put into context an individual’s current situation and how they can take action to get to where they want to be. Careers guidance helps people find practical ways to achieve their work and life goals.

Careers education inspires people to think about and explore what skills they have and what they may want to do in the future. It is rare to have a set plan and it’s important that we educate and inspire future generations with the options available to them.

What do you see as C+K’s most important challenges in the coming years?

One of the most significant challenges is inspiring future generations to consider working within the world of careers itself. There is a shortage of Careers Advisers within the UK. According to research carried out by Careers England, with 33% of employers unable to recruit Careers Advisers.

There is a bit of misconception around what Careers Advisers can help with. Careers advice is often sought out when individuals are in crisis. They may be facing redundancy, searching for a new job or apprenticeship, or making important decisions about higher education. But Careers Advisers are there for much more this!

Our advisers work with individuals to explore motivations, values and identify barriers. They understand and use local and national labour market information to advise and guide individuals on growth areas and occupational sectors where decline will be.
Working as a Careers Adviser is enlightening, motivational and most of all rewarding!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I had no idea. I knew what I liked and disliked and I was comfortable with not having a set in stone plan. I knew my attitude towards work was strong and that I wanted to find a fulfilling role, but I kept my options open as much as I could.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy walking, getting out there and visiting new places. Spending quality time with my family and friends is also massively important to me; they are my biggest critics and supporters rolled into one!

Keep up with Caroline and connect with her on LinkedIn.

If you are considering a career change or starting within the world of careers advice, get in touch with us on 01484 242000 or email chat@ckcareers.co.uk.