SHIFT isn’t your typical awards night. It’s a new kind of event, where students take the lead and the spotlight shines on the people actually making a difference in your career journey.

This was the very first SHIFT Awards, held in November 2025. It brought together awesome employers, inspiring teachers, and young changemakers who are out there doing big things to help students like you succeed.

From launching new career programmes to supporting student voices, these winners are proof that you don’t have to wait for the future – you can help shape it right now.

Watch the highlights:
Want a quick look at what went down at the very first SHIFT Awards? Here’s the vibe, the winners, and the celebration, all in under a minute.

Future Makers is all about recognising young people (maybe even like you) who are already making a difference.

Whether you’re starting a business, speaking up for something that matters, building cool stuff, or helping in your community - that’s what a Future Maker does.

This started as a “20 Under 20” list, but we couldn’t stop there. It’s now a UK-wide celebration of young people building the future, not just waiting for it.

Let’s give a round of applause to the organisations and individuals making moves this year:

Young People’s Champion – Higher Education: The University of Law
For making legal careers more accessible through outreach and mentoring.

Future-Ready Employer: Institute of Coding
For helping students build the digital skills employers actually want.

Game-Changer in Careers Content: UK Civil Aviation Authority
For creating cool, engaging content that opens up the world of aviation careers.

Careers Pro of the Year – College: Chelsea Branson, New College Pontefract
For being the kind of careers advisor every student deserves.

Trailblazer in Early Careers: MYPATH
For building early career pathways that connect young people with real opportunities.

Outstanding Student Changemaker: Krish Daryanani
For showing that student voice isn’t just loud, it’s powerful.

Careers Pro of the Year – College: Adriano Fachini, Leyton Sixth Form College
For championing student success and guidance every step of the way.

Impact Champion: Amazon
For investing in young people and offering career-building experiences.

Student Choice: Best Springpod Programme: Barclays
You voted. They won. For creating student-first, real-world experiences.

Partner of the Year – Employer: Aldi
For backing early careers and opening doors.

Partner of the Year – Higher Education: Salford University
For supporting student futures through hands-on career guidance.

This isn’t just about trophies. It’s about showing you what’s possible - whether you’re in Year 9 and just starting to think about careers, or in Year 13 preparing for what’s next.

These winners are helping students like you – right now. They’re creating paths into exciting industries, sharing useful advice, and proving that you belong in the conversation about the future of work.

You don’t need to wait to “grow up” to get started. Some of the people recognised here are already doing big things in their teens.

4 Things You Can Take Away from SHIFT 2025

Look for Role Models
From award-winning advisors to student changemakers, find people who inspire you and learn from them.

Build Skills, Not Just a CV
Focus on gaining real skills (like digital, creative, or leadership) that will help wherever you go next.

Find Employers Who Get It
Workplaces like Amazon, Aldi and Barclays are doing it right, creating space for young talent.

Start Making Your Mark
You don’t have to wait. The Future Makers didn’t. You can start small and still do something amazing.

Feeling inspired? If you’re ready to explore what careers could look like for you, Springpod has loads of virtual experiences and programmes to help you grow your skills, meet employers, and discover new paths.

Stay tuned – and maybe next year, we’ll be writing about you.

Meet the first-ever SHIFT Award winners! We’re celebrating the people and organisations making a real difference in careers for young people like you.

SHIFT Awards 2025: Meet the First-Ever Winners Changing Careers for Young People