From YouTubers to Builders: How “Future You Week” is Changing Children’s Career Aspirations

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

It’s a question every child is asked—but the answers are starting to change.

Connor and James from Unity World spent time with pupils at Thorntree Academy as part of “Future You Week” with Extol Academy Trust—and what they heard was inspiring.

Where once many would say YouTuber or footballer, today’s Year 6 pupils are increasingly answering with careers like builder, digital artist, nurse, and police officer. It’s a shift that reflects something powerful: when young people are exposed to real-world opportunities, their ambitions become more tangible, informed, and achievable.

Unity World Supporting the Next Generation

This year marked the third consecutive year that Unity World has supported Future You Week at Extol Academy Trust’s Thorntree Academy.

Connor and James from Unity World volunteered their time to work with pupils, sharing their experiences and offering insight into careers in technology, communications, and business.

This continued involvement is something we’re incredibly proud of.

By returning year after year, we’re not just delivering a one-off session—we’re building long-term relationships with schools, staff, and students. That consistency helps create trust and shows that our commitment to the community is genuine and ongoing.

Sessions are interactive, engaging, and designed to make careers feel accessible—not intimidating.

For Connor and James, it’s about more than just talking about their jobs. It’s about connecting with the students, helping them see possibilities, and encouraging them to think bigger about their future.

Building Futures Together

At Unity World, we believe that being part of a community means more than delivering services—it means giving back, sharing knowledge, and supporting the next generation.

Our continued involvement in Future You Week reflects our wider commitment to:

– Supporting education

– Inspiring young people

– Building meaningful partnerships with schools and organisations

As we continue to develop our relationship with Extol Academy Trust, we’re proud to be seen as a trusted partner—one that schools can rely on not just for expertise, but for genuine care and commitment.

Future You Week is an annual initiative designed to broaden children’s horizons by bringing external professionals and volunteers directly into schools.

Through real conversations, hands-on activities, and honest insights, students are introduced to a wide range of careers they may never have previously considered. It bridges the gap between education and the working world, helping young people understand not just what jobs exist, but how they can get there.

For many children, especially those with limited exposure to different industries, career aspirations can be shaped by what they see online or in the media.

Future You Week changes that.

It:

– Provides real-life role models

– Builds confidence and aspiration

– Helps students see practical pathways into careers

– Encourages them to think beyond stereotypes

Most importantly, it shows young people that their future is not something distant—it’s something they can start shaping now.

Looking Ahead

If this year has shown us anything, it’s that when children are given the right opportunities, their ambitions evolve in exciting and inspiring ways.

From YouTubers to builders.

From dreamers to future professionals.

And we’re proud to play a small part in that journey.

We’re always looking to build meaningful partnerships and support more initiatives like this. If you’d like to learn more about our community work, or explore working together, please get in touch.

Want to explore working together