Gi Group supports students with future of work careers advice

Gi Group is helping students at The Two Counties Trust prepare for the future of work.

The partnership gives students practical careers advice before they leave school. This includes CV support, mock interviews, careers fairs and speed networking.

It also helps students understand how AI, technology and changing skills needs may shape future jobs. As a result, young people get a clearer view of what employers look for today.

Helping students prepare for a changing labour market

The UK labour market remains challenging.

Recent Office for National Statistics data showed a fall in payrolled employment between March and April 2026. It also reported 707,000 vacancies from March to May 2026. This was the lowest level since February to April 2021.

Separate ONS figures focused on people aged 16 to 24. They showed 1,012,000 young people were not in education, employment or training between January and March 2026. This was 89,000 higher than the same period in 2025.

Because of this, practical careers advice matters earlier than ever.

Gi Group is working with schools across The Two Counties Trust to offer clear and useful support. The sessions take place at key points in the school curriculum. They help students understand their options and build confidence for their next steps.

Practical careers advice for the future of work

Hayley Pickering, Regional Manager at Gi Group, said:

“We’re proud to support The Two Counties Trust with career fairs, CV support, mock interviews and speed networking events.

“By working with other regional businesses, we can offer careers advice that is fit for the future. We can also share insight from the current and projected jobs market.

“During these sessions, we work with students aged 14 to 16. We talk to them about their goals, interests and career decisions.

“That insight also supports our work as a recruitment business.

“We have four members of our employability Corporate Social Responsibility team at Gi Group. However, the wider business also helps at these events.

“This gives young people exposure to a wide range of roles, people and career paths.

“In 2025, we dedicated 130 hours to our employability initiatives. So far in 2026, we have volunteered 45 hours.”

Building skills, confidence and career awareness

Younger generations are also changing the world of work.

Deloitte’s 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that many younger workers think differently about career success. Only 25% of Gen Zs and 21% of millennials prefer fast career progression through rapid promotions.

Instead, many people now value skills development, continuous learning and long-term career fit. They also want tools that help them adapt, including AI.

Gi Group believes these trends will continue to influence future generations. Therefore, early careers advice is becoming even more valuable.

This is especially important for students who are starting to think about life after school.

Clare Hodgson, Deputy Careers Manager at The Two Counties Trust, said:

“Working in partnership with businesses, including Gi Group, plays a vital role in our strategic vision.

“These partnerships create meaningful connections between education and industry.

“They also give students a rich variety of real-world experiences.

“These opportunities broaden their horizons. They also help students build practical skills, confidence and adaptability for the world of work.”

Supporting the local community

The Two Counties Trust runs secondary schools across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Gi Group has its headquarters in Chesterfield. Therefore, the partnership gives the business a natural way to support its local community.

Hayley added:

“The Trust operates schools in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. With our headquarters in Chesterfield, it felt like the perfect fit for our team.

“In the current climate, we know young people can find it hard to access work experience. Finding a full-time job can feel even harder.

“That is why we want to give students the very best start.

“There has been uncertainty across the labour market in recent years. However, practical advice and useful tools can make a real difference.

“We hope this support helps young people feel more confident about the future.”

Through its partnership with The Two Counties Trust, Gi Group continues to support employability, skills development and stronger links between education and industry.

By giving students access to careers advice, employer insight and real-world support, Gi Group hopes to help young people take their next steps with greater confidence.