Technology and Careers Education: Transforming Futures in UK Schools

Marcus Allen, Head of Higher Education, Careers and Professional Guidance, Benenden School

Marcus Allen, Head of Higher Education, Careers and Professional Guidance, Benenden School

In an era defined by rapid technological change, the world of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation are reshaping the job market, altering the skills required for employment and redefining career trajectories. In today’s fast-changing world of work marked by the gig economy, agile roles, and job instability, young people must actively shape and manage their own careers. As noted by the constructivist scholar Mark Savickas, “the new question is not what do you want to be, but rather how do you want to be?”

In this context, career education in schools has become more critical than ever. In the UK, integrating technology into career education is emerging as a necessity for career practitioners and also as an opportunity to better prepare young people for their digital futures. With remote working and digital communication platforms, technology is transforming not only how we work but also how we prepare for work.

Digital careers platforms such as Get Connected Plus, Bridge U, and Unifrog, amongst others, are now firmly embedded in most schools. However, AI is beginning to revolutionise career guidance and career education. Tools like Morrisby and Unifrog use algorithmic assessments to suggest suitable career paths, universities, apprenticeships, and vocational routes. These intelligent recommendation systems can now provide tailored advice to students based on their interests, academic strengths, and preferences. AI-driven chatbots will increasingly be used to provide career advice and automate routine counselling tasks. Furthermore, AI is also being used in mock interview tools that assess facial expressions, tone and response content to improve young people’s preparedness for all forms of interviews. These technologies supplement the work of career advisers, who may be stretched thin in many schools. While not a replacement for human interaction (yet!), AI has the potential to offer a scalable and personalised layer of support.

One of the key advantages of using technology in career education is the ability to access and analyse up-to-date labour market information. Platforms such as LMI for All, with their Careerometer widget, offer students insights into salary ranges, employment trends, and job demand by region. These tools help students make informed decisions about subject choices, post-16 options, and career planning. For Sixth Form students, access to web-based employment platforms such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed has revolutionised job searching and career planning. They offer real-time labour market data, job matching algorithms, company reviews and networking opportunities. Students can research career paths, identify skills gaps, and connect with professionals across the globe. The Careerpilot site uses a gamification approach to provide personalised career guidance, skill assessments, and planning tools. All these resources help democratise access to information, making career exploration more accessible and individualised.

“Integrating technology into careers education has the potential to ‘level the playing field’ by allowing all schools to access the same quality of careers guidance through online platforms”

Traditional work experience placements are increasingly difficult to organise, especially for schools in rural or economically disadvantaged areas. Technology offers an innovative solution through virtual work experiences. Platforms such as Springpod, Speakers for Schools, and Barclays LifeSkills provide structured, online work experience programmes with real employers. These allow students to explore different industries, complete tasks, and interact with professionals, all from the classroom or home. There are also specialised providers, such as Brighton and Sussex Medical School and Observe GP from the Royal College of General Practitioners, for students who want to gain a medical-focused experience. Virtual work experiences often embrace video conferencing tools to enable live employer interactions, Q&A sessions, and mentoring. These experiences broaden the scope of employer engagement beyond geographical constraints and improve the digital skills of learners.

Integrating technology into career education has the potential to ‘level the playing field’ by allowing all schools to access the same quality of career guidance through online platforms. Students can explore career options at their own pace and receive guidance that aligns with their unique aspirations, skills, and academic background, enabling a highly personalised learning experience. For the career professional, technology provides scalable solutions that can reach all students efficiently, freeing up human advisers to focus on those who need more intensive support. Students also become familiar with remote communication, online collaboration, and digital research - skills increasingly essential in modern careers. However, not all students have equal access to technology at home, so reliance on online platforms for career education could widen existing inequalities. The rapid proliferation of technology for career education has also made it difficult for professionals to choose effective, high-quality tools. Both teachers and career advisers will need ongoing professional development to make effective use of new technologies. Like all digital spaces in schools, student safety and data protection are also key considerations.