WOW: The World of Work - Climbing UP the Ladder

Build clarity, find direction and grow your confidence for your next step into work.

No awkward interviews. No standing around wondering who to speak to. No pressure to have your entire future figured out.

WOW: The World of Work is a free, relaxed and practical event where you can explore career options, meet supportive professionals and get help with what comes next.

You do not need years of experience, a perfect CV or a fully planned career. Bring your ideas, your curiosity and a willingness to get involved.

SPECIAL GUEST: JYOTI MEHTA

Hear from BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning producer-director Jyoti Mehta as she shares how she found her way into television and built a career without established industry connections.

Jyoti will talk about the realities of getting started, the importance of storytelling and why content creation is becoming valuable across almost every industry.

CHALLENGE: THE EMPLOYABILITY EXCHANGE

Join an honest conversation about entering and progressing in the world of work.

Facilitated by broadcaster and former UK Small Business Commissioner Liz Barclay, the discussion will explore what employers look for, why experience can be a barrier and which skills matter in a changing workplace.

You can listen, ask questions and hear perspectives from young people, employers and professionals.

CREATE: THE CREATIVE DIGITAL SPRINT

Join a small team of young people, employers and creative mentors to explore a live creative challenge.

Your team will have 30 minutes to develop an idea using creative and digital tools before briefly sharing it with the room.

There is no single right answer, and you do not need previous creative or digital experience. The focus is on contributing, trying something new and building confidence together.

CONNECT: CAREER CONVERSATIONS AND PRACTICAL SUPPORT

Take part in friendly, structured introductions, so you will not be left wondering who to speak to.

You can:

• Have relaxed career conversations with employers and professionals
• Ask how people got started and what helped them progress
• Get feedback on your CV, LinkedIn profile, portfolio or creative work
• Meet other young people and start building your network
• Get practical advice about your next move

Think mentoring, not interviewing.

No CV yet? Do not let that stop you. Come along and learn how to start building one.

WHAT COULD ONE AFTERNOON CHANGE?

You could leave WOW with:

• Greater clarity about your next step
• More confidence discussing your ideas and experience
• A stronger CV, LinkedIn profile or portfolio
• A better understanding of your strengths
• New contacts and career insight
• Practical experience for future applications

You do not need to know the right people before you arrive. The point is to meet them when you get here.

WHO CAN TAKE PART?

Young people

This event is for young people aged 19 to 25 who are exploring employment or career opportunities, as well as people aged up to 30 who are not currently in employment, education or training, or who face barriers to employment.

Priority for free places will be given to young people living in Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames or Sutton. If you live outside these boroughs, you may still register, but your place will be confirmed subject to availability.

Employers and professionals

We also welcome employers and professionals who want to meet young people, share their career experiences and take part in open, relaxed conversations about work, opportunities and what employers are looking for.

WHO WILL YOU MEET?

Alongside Jyoti Mehta and Liz Barclay, contributors include Sheetal Shah, Kem Desia, Warren Trunchion, Mikala Ayers and senior representatives from Croydon Health Services NHS Trust and Croydon Council.

READY TO TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP?

Join UP this September to explore your options, build your confidence and connect with people who can help you move forward.

You may arrive unsure about what comes next, but you will not leave empty-handed.

Places are limited. Register now to take part.

This event is part of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, funded by the UK Government and delivered by the Mayor of London in partnership with South London Partnership.