PeopleFirst: The Young Careers Podcast

Brook Street
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Entering the world of work can be scary; from facing imposter syndrome, to struggling with work life balance; it can feel like we’re the only ones who don’t have it all figured out. But the PeopleFirst podcast is here to tell you something different. Brought to you by Brook Street, we digest the common issues that young people are facing in the world of work. From balancing remote work with wellbeing, to asking for a pay rise, to navigating painful career gaps, to neurodivergence at work - this is a space for open and honest conversations helping you to make positive changes. In each episode, host Jordan Spry will chat to incredible guests to break down the issue at hand and make you feel less alone. www.brookstreet.co.uk

  1. Oct 5

    A Career in Social Care: The New Story

    Are social care careers misunderstood as just care homes and removing children from their families? Or is the sector an overlooked opportunity filled with diverse roles, true purpose, and career progression? In this episode, Jordan is joined by Nana Yabbey-Hagan, a social worker and host of 'The Social Worker and The Mentor Podcast', alongside Teresa Wilson, Social Care Director at Brook Street. Jordan, Nana, and Teresa unpack the reality of working in health and social care. From navigating the intense pressures of high caseloads to highlighting the unsung heroes acting as support workers, they reflect on values-based recruitment, breaking down barriers with families and why having empathy matters. They discuss: Defining social care from birth to end-of-life and dispelling the negative myths and stigma surrounding the sectorThe reality of modern social work, including high caseloads, burnout, and navigating a lack of resourcesBreaking down professional barriers with families, such as the simple but powerful act of taking off a lanyardThe vast variety of unexpected roles available, ranging from helping Grenfell survivors rebuild their lives to taking children to football groundsPractical routes into the industry, including university degrees and local authority apprenticeshipsWhy authenticity, human empathy, and relationship-based practice are the most essential skills for a candidate You can follow 'The Social Worker and The Mentor Podcast' on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As always, if you are looking for a new job, why not visit the Brook Street website − there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

  2. Sep 21

    The best apprenticeships you’ve never heard of

    Are apprenticeships facing an identity crisis? Or are young people missing out on the ultimate career launchpad? In this episode, Jordan is joined by Hugo Helms, carpenter by trade and founder of Toolkit Conduct. Jordan and Hugo unpack the reality of modern apprenticeships. From traditional trades to cutting-edge corporate schemes, they reflect on work ethic, handling workplace culture, and why finding happiness in hard work can matters. They discuss: ● The identity crisis and hidden diversity of modern apprenticeships ● University pressure vs practical career paths ● Navigating site banter, wWorkplace etiquette, and mid-apprenticeship crises ● What trade employers are actually looking for in a young hire ● Tackling the youth unemployment crisis and supporting NEETs ● Proactive steps young people can take to land an apprenticeship You can follow Toolkit Conduct on TikTok and Instagram @toolkitconduct or visit their website. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

  3. Sep 7

    Why your pension matters in your 20s

    Are pensions just confusing, distant concepts that we can ignore until retirement? Or should we be taking active control of our financial futures right now?  In this episode, Jordan is joined by Rotimi Merriman-Johnson to break down pensions in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you've never paid attention to your pension or just aren't sure where to start, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make smarter money decisions now, so your future self can thank you later.  Rotimi Merriman-Johnson, is a content creator and founder of the financial education platform, Mr MoneyJar.  The pair discuss:  What a pension actually is and where your money goes each month State pensions vs private and workplace pensions Auto-enrollment, Junior SIPPs, and the power of compound growth Taking control of your investments and choosing ethical or green pension plans How to find and consolidate lost pension pots using the Pension Tracing Service The hidden cost of opting out, self-employment challenges and the gender pension gap Maximising your pot with employer matching and generous workplace schemes Why young people should learn about wealth-building as early as consumption  You can follow Mr MoneyJar across all social media platforms @mrmoneyjar and listen to The Mr MoneyJar Show wherever you get your podcasts.  As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

  4. Aug 24

    Your guide to an exceptional job search in 2026

    How do you cut through the noise and stand out in the job market today? Are unedited AI applications and generic CVs holding you back from landing your dream role?  In this episode, Jordan and his guests discuss what it takes to execute an effective job search in 2026. From mastering how to tell your story to understanding what employers are really looking for behind the scenes, they discuss how to pitch yourself with confidence, specificity and evidence.Jordan is joined by Shay Loko, entrepreneur and founder of JobsWithShay, and Ruby Elvin, Recruitment Marketing Manager at ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions.  You’ll learn:  The challenge of telling your career story vs just being good at your job Practical ways to hype yourself up and get out of your own way Why providing concrete "evidence" and quantifying experience on your CV is crucial Proactive networking and reaching out directly to recruiters Navigating the shift to an employer-led market and the demand for niche skills Why quality beats quantity and the pitfalls of generic ChatGPT applications  You can follow Shay on X @JobsWithShay and connect with her on LinkedIn.  As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

  5. Aug 10

    Is the Junior Job Market Dead?

    Is the entry-level job market truly collapsing? Or are we just looking at the early career landscape all wrong? In this episode, Jordan and his guests examine the current state of the graduate and early career job market. From the surge of AI-generated applications to the power of stepping-stone roles, they reflect on what it takes for junior candidates to stand out today. Jordan is joined by Paul Porter from Bright Network, and Dionne Jackson, Intelligence Consultant at ManpowerGroup. They discuss: The reality of early career hiring vs media doom and gloomThe broken social contract between job seekers and employersWhy hospitality, retail, and temporary work build crucial soft skillsDisconnects between university curriculums and future workplace needsRe-engaging the UK's 1 million NEET populationNavigating potential barriers like proposed social media bans You can sign up for Bright Network − an early careers platform helping students and graduates launch their careers − for free online and follow Paul Porter on LinkedIn. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

  6. Jul 27

    Should a job match your personality?

    Should we choose a career based on our personality? Or do we risk putting ourselves into a box? In this episode, Jordan and his guests discuss the concept of matching personality types with careers. From the traits that naturally suit certain roles, to work personas, they reflect on the importance of knowing yourself deeply to help you thrive at work. Jordan is joined by Tom Keighley, CEO of the job-matching platform, Urfuture, and Toni-Marie Birtle, Talent Acquisition Executive at ManpowerGroup. They discuss: Do our jobs reflect our personality types?Introversion v.s. extroversion and the danger of labelsHaving a work personaThe importance of knowing yourselfSelf-selecting yourself out of opportunitiesPushing yourself out of your comfort zone You can follow Urfuture on TikTok and download the app on IOS and Android. And you can do the same personality test we did here. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

  7. Jul 13

    Thriving in Corporate When You’re Not A Corporate Person

    Ever worry you don’t quite fit into the corporate world? How can you thrive in corporate settings, whilst staying true to yourself?  In this episode, Jordan tackles the idea of being a corporate person, what it takes to succeed in these settings, and dispel some myths about working in large corporations.  He is joined by Shola West, Brand & Cultural Strategist, and Grace Foulkes, Team Manager in Associate Care Public Sector at Brook Street.   They discuss:  What does it mean to be a ‘corporate person’ The hidden rules in corporate culture Having a ‘work self’ Building a name for yourself when you don’t fit the typical mould How corporate culture has changed for the better Advice to their younger self   You can find Shola on TikTok, LinkedIn and Instagram.

  8. Season 3 Trailer

    Season 3 Coming Soon

    PeopleFirst is back in your ears this Summer.  Join Jordan Spry as he speaks to exceptional guests about the hottest topics from the modern workplace.  We’re covering it all this season; from graduate jobs and apprenticeships, to thriving in corporate settings, and looking at what skills you’ll need for the jobs of the future.  Make sure you’re subscribed to PeopleFirst: The Young Careers Podcast, wherever you get yours.

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About

Entering the world of work can be scary; from facing imposter syndrome, to struggling with work life balance; it can feel like we’re the only ones who don’t have it all figured out. But the PeopleFirst podcast is here to tell you something different. Brought to you by Brook Street, we digest the common issues that young people are facing in the world of work. From balancing remote work with wellbeing, to asking for a pay rise, to navigating painful career gaps, to neurodivergence at work - this is a space for open and honest conversations helping you to make positive changes. In each episode, host Jordan Spry will chat to incredible guests to break down the issue at hand and make you feel less alone. www.brookstreet.co.uk

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