What's My Job? Inspiring North Manchester's Future Workforce

Over the past 12 months, the North Manchester Business Network (NMBN) has continued to make a meaningful difference to young people across the region through its successful What's My Job? programme.

Designed to introduce primary school children to the wide variety of careers available in their local area, the programme helps broaden horizons, challenge stereotypes and inspire young people to start thinking about their futures from an early age.

Throughout the 2025/26 academic year, NMBN volunteers visited eight schools across North Manchester, engaging with an impressive 576 pupils and providing valuable insight into the world of work.

The sessions brought together professionals from a diverse range of sectors, giving children the opportunity to learn about different roles, ask questions and hear first-hand experiences from people working in their communities. By meeting real employers and employees, pupils gained a better understanding of the many career paths available to them and the skills required to succeed.

The programme plays an important role in raising aspirations and increasing awareness of the opportunities that exist across North Manchester. Whether learning about careers in healthcare, construction, digital industries, education, business, public services or manufacturing, pupils were encouraged to think about how their interests and talents could connect to future employment.

Feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly positive, with teachers highlighting the enthusiasm and engagement shown by pupils during the sessions. Many children reported discovering jobs they had never heard of before and gaining a greater understanding of what people do in their day-to-day roles.

By reaching 576 young people this year alone, the What's My Job? programme continues to strengthen the connection between schools and local employers, helping to develop informed, ambitious and inspired future generations.

As NMBN looks ahead to the new academic year, the network remains committed to supporting local schools and ensuring even more young people have access to meaningful careers education. Through ongoing collaboration with businesses across North Manchester, the programme will continue to help children explore the exciting opportunities available right on their doorstep.

A huge thank you to all the schools, volunteers and businesses who have supported the programme over the last 12 months and helped make such a positive impact on the lives of young people across North Manchester.