EdTech careers guidance software

EdTech innovation drives smarter careers guidance for young people

The requirement

Keen to better harness the power of technology to drive this deep-rooted company mission –and with an ambitious growth mindset, U-Explore began talking to IDS. In an ever-changing education and employability landscape, EdTech innovator U-Explore is passionate about ensuring every young person has access to the best information, advice and opportunities that will shape their future regardless of who or where they are.

The brief was to strengthen the agility, robustness and market potential of its careers guidance software, to better support nationwide schools, colleges, and students, with the professional insights needed to plan a career.

The project at-a-glance

Enterprise-strength careers guidance software
Vibrant UX to drive maximum engagement and employability outcomes
Architected to support the exponential growth of user data
Ongoing relationship including management, maintenance and monitoring of U-Explore’s EdTech portfolio

The solution

IDS worked closely with U-Explore to assess their platform’s performance through a technical audit and secure a grant for a technical refresh. The project involved designing and launching START, a free youth-targeted website to encourage career planning. With a focus on user-centric design and flexibility, START provides personalised pathways, action plans, and support for schools and students through a vibrant, responsive and accessible interface to drive maximum engagement.

Functionality included helping students devise action plans and capture a digital record of achievement in their locker, while supporting schools with structured modules and activities for their young people.

The results

U-Explore secured a second grant with IDS’s help, to develop work experience software to bolster their EdTech portfolio. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the platform adapted to support users with virtual work experience opportunities and a regional place-based solution. This localised approach, rolled out to various regions, ensures content and opportunities better reflect local challenges and opportunities within the local economy and jobs landscape.

4,000+

UK schools and colleges onboarded.

200,000+

students aged 11-18 supported

6,000+

teachers and advisers empowered

“

Software projects always encounter technical challenges, particularly when companies are hungry to innovate and grow. But we know we are in safe hands. In fact, since this long-standing relationship began, we’ve felt like we’re at the centre of IDS Group’s world. We work together closely, so much so we view them as an extension of our team – I believe this is a true definition of a technical partner.

–

Matt Peters

Managing Director, U-Explore