The challenge
Finding sustainable employment is not straightforward for everyone. Alongside a changing labour market, many adults face personal barriers that can make it difficult to access training, build confidence, or take the next step in their careers. Without access to trusted guidance and support, people can struggle to identify opportunities that match their skills, interests, and circumstances.
Our approach
We delivered the National Careers Service across the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire and the Humber, and as a key subcontractor in the South East of England. Our qualified Careers Advisers provided high-quality guidance through community-based delivery, telephone support, and digital channels.
Employing an evidence-informed, person-centred approach, we helped individuals recognise their strengths and skills, improve their employability, and explore and manage their available career opportunities. Strong partnerships with employers, training providers, and local organisations were also central to this work, helping people onto meaningful pathways to work.
Our impact
The National Careers Service supported more than 82,000 adults each year across the regions our work covered. Our customers were consistently positive about our work: in our last reporting period in 2025, 97% of customers in the North East, 96% in Yorkshire and the Humber, and 95% in the South East were satisfied with the service they received. 100% of stakeholders also reported that they believed us to be meeting beneficiary needs, and would recommend EDT to others.
Our work was accredited to both the Matrix and Merlin Standards and was graded Outstanding by Ofsted, with particular recognition given to our use of labour market information and digital tools.