WINNER - EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY - UCAS

Launching in two phases, this collaboration enables those with an account on the UCAS Hub to explore, interact with and sample university subjects, courses and work experience online for the first time before they apply. Personalised and contextualised as part of UCAS’ Discover Your Choices Information, Advice and Guidance service and student journey, Subject Tasters (https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-wherestudy/subject-tasters) has been live since March 2024 and integrated Virtual Work Experience is coming soon to the site. The collaboration bolsters UCAS and Springpod’s joint missions to support students in exploring their future options and, as a free service, improve social mobility by broadening horizons, removing barriers and widening access to higher education and the world of work, irrespective of background or location. UCAS’ research ‘Where next? What influences the choices school leavers make?’ (https://www.ucas.com/data-andanalysis/undergraduate-statistics-and-reports/ucasundergraduate-end-cycle-data-resources-2020/2020-entryucas-undergraduate-report-where-next) highlighted the importance of making students aware of their choices from Page 2 of 8 as early as primary school through personalised information, advice and guidance, to embed accessible careers education earlier in the process of student decision-making. By logging into their UCAS Hub, students will have virtual access to: Subject Spotlights: Interactive university course tasters which feature real-life lectures, seminars and academics, giving prospective students the opportunity to experience a variety of degree subjects that they may be considering studying. Work Experiences: Immersive and informative virtual work experiences with leading employers such as the NHS, Network Rail and Airbus. These incorporate real workplace activities – from attending a live surgery to designing a lunar landing module – and the chance to speak with, and hear from, industry professionals on how they got to where they are today. Over 300,000 young people have enrolled in a Springpod programme in the past 24 months. This collaboration increases the reach of their programmes to every school and college across the UK, to ensure even more people have access to meaningful course and career experiences when considering their options and making critical decisions about their future. Overall, 80% of students who have taken part in a Subject Spotlight, say it gave them a better perception of that degree and has led to them considering applying - with 62% more interested in attending an open day. As well as giving an insight into university, the practical, task-based learning programmes help to boost employability skills and better prepare students for work - 99% of those completing Springpod’s programmes rate the awareness of careers in their chosen industry as good or excellent. Students receive certificates of completion from universities and employers which they can reference on their personal statements. Equally it will enable both organisations to provide deeper, richer insight to universities, colleges and industry employers wanting to reach and best engage with young people as they consider their next steps.