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The Future Ready Fund

Shaping Careers in Cheshire & Warrington

Give Young People the Skills for Success

The Future Ready Fund is a trailblazing three-year work experience programme designed to connect students with local employers and SMEs. By combining mentorship, workshops, and workplace visits, it equips young people with the skills, confidence, and insights needed for a successful career in Cheshire and Warrington.

Who Can Participate

  • Open to 400+ students from at least 25 schools across the region.
  • Students receive guidance from Year 8 through Year 10.
  • Focus on those who may struggle to access work experience, including students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Partner Employers

Students will engage with a mix of major local employers and innovative SMEs, including:

  • Bentley Motors
  • AstraZeneca
  • Bank of America
  • United Utilities
  • Altimex
  • Driveworks
  • Vinci Developments UK

These partnerships give students hands-on exposure to a wide range of industries, from engineering and finance to design and regeneration.

What Students Will Experience

  • Inspirational workshops and career talks
  • Guided workplace visits
  • Real-world skill-building opportunities
  • Launch events at Alderley Park, Birchwood, and Chester Zoo to explore careers and meet industry professionals

Funding & Support

  • Locally funded with £230,000 from JPMorgan Chase
  • Part of a £3.3 million national initiative from The Careers and Enterprise Company
  • Supported by all three local authorities: Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council
  • Delivered with the help of Cheshire and Warrington Careers Hub and Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington

Strategic Impact

The Future Ready Fund aligns with:

  • The Government’s Work Experience Guarantee, providing meaningful work experience to secondary students
  • The Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Strategy (SIES), which aims to boost economic growth, sustainability, and inclusivity in Cheshire and Warrington
  • Efforts to prevent young people becoming NEET and build a workforce ready for the future

Hear From Our Partners

“The Future Ready programme is a great way for students to learn about diverse roles at Bentley and practise key skills we value in Early Careers trainees.” – Bentley Motors

“We are delighted to join Future Ready and inspire local young people about career opportunities in regeneration and urban development.” – Vinci Developments UK

“Trailblazing programmes like this ensure no young person gets left behind while securing our region’s prosperity for the next generation.” – Councillor Karen Shore, Cheshire West and Chester Council

Discover how the Future Ready Fund can help your students gain hands-on experience and build a pathway to a successful career: Contact the Careers Hub