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. 3d ago

    Human First, Digital Always: Future-Proofing Your Career for Tomorrow

    Are we heading toward a future where AI takes every job, or will human connection and soft skills become our most valuable professional assets? In this episode, Jordan is joined by Tara Moore, Interim Head of Workforce Intelligence at ManpowerGroup, and Lisa Protano, Employer Lead at Prospects.ac.uk. While celebrating Brook Street's 80th year in business, Jordan, Tara, and Lisa unpack the evolving landscape of early careers and predict what the jobs of 2030 might look like. From the shift from print to digital job searching to the rising importance of upskilling, they reflect on how young professionals can embrace technology without losing their authentic voice. They discuss:  The resilient sectors that technology cannot replace, such as social care, logistics, driving, and the trades.Why the market needs to leave rigid qualifications behind in favor of transferable skills and skills-based hiring The danger of fully AI-generated CVs and why the "art of the application" and personal authenticity still matter to employers How upskilling means stepping out of your comfort zone, being curious, and seeking mentors who challenge how you think Navigating lateral "squiggly" careers and why rigid ten-year plans are being replaced by dynamic, short-term career exploration Actionable advice for the NEET population, including virtual work experiences, insight days, and building a personal brand You can explore careers advice, discover the Job Match tool, and view over 500 job profiles at prospects.ac.uk, or reach Tara's team via email at talentintelligence@manpowergroup.com. As always, if you are in the market for a new role, why not check out Brook Street online. We've been doing this for 80 years, and we'll be doing it for 80 more!

  2. Oct 19

    AI vs Real World Work: Are Office Jobs Losing Their Shine?

    Are traditional office jobs losing their shine in the age of AI? Or are young people finally realising the massive potential and security of a hands-on career? In this episode, Jordan is joined by Anna Moynihan, co-founder of TaskHer, and Mat Woolford, Head of Region at Brook Street. Jordan, Anna and Mat unpack the reality of moving into the skilled trades. From the impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level desk roles to the changing demographics of blue-collar work, they reflect on career flexibility, the value of human empathy, and why working with your hands might just be the ultimate way to future-proof your career. They discuss: The shift away from traditional office roles and why parents are steering children toward AI-proof careers. The story behind TaskHer, giving customers a choice and addressing the massive gender disparity in the trades. Why skilled, hands-on careers often offer better pay, flexible hours and an ideal working environment for some neurodivergent individuals. How AI can actually enhance our jobs by automating mundane tasks, allowing us to focus on human connection and trust. The rise of career-switchers and university-educated professionals reskilling to become electricians, decorators and heating engineers. Actionable advice for anyone looking to ditch the desk, find in-demand work and step into a trade community. You can find out more about TaskHer at taskher.co.uk or follow them on Instagram @task.her. 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. 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!

  4. 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!

  5. 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!

  6. 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!

  7. 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!

  8. 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!

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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

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