4YP’s delivery of Bedford Giving’s Blue Lights: Taste of the Workplace programme has been named a National Finalist and Runner-Up in the prestigious Career Development Institute (CDI) Careers Education Awards, recognising 4YP’s contribution to careers education and employer engagement.
The award recognises the success of the pioneering programme and 4YP’s role as delivery partner in providing young people with hands-on insight into careers across the emergency services.
At Wixams Academy, the project grew from an initial pilot involving 30 pupils in 2025 to an entire year group of around 200 students in earlier this year. Delivered in partnership with Bedfordshire Police, the BLMK Health and Care Academy hosted by Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Magpas Air Ambulance, students took part in realistic scenarios, practical demonstrations and conversations with professionals, gaining first-hand insight into blue light careers.
The recognition highlights the impact of collaboration between education, employers and the voluntary sector in creating engaging career-related learning experiences that raise aspirations and broaden horizons.
Victoria Reed, Head of Grants and Commissioned Programmes at The Harpur Trust and Bedford Giving said:
We’re delighted to see the programme recognised nationally. This accolade reflects the strength of partnership working across Bedford Borough and the positive impact it is having on young people as they explore future careers.
Rose Birmingham, Director at 4YP, said: “We are incredibly proud to see Blue Lights: Taste of the Workplace recognised as a National Finalist in the CDI Careers Education Awards. This achievement demonstrates the impact of bringing employers and educators together to give young people meaningful experiences that inspire ambition and inform future career choices.”
Abigail Dinner, Clinical Educator at the BLMK Health and Care Academy, said: “It’s wonderful to see the programme recognised nationally. It helps young people build practical skills, confidence and a greater understanding of careers across health and emergency services.”
Police Sergeant Dominic Tembey, of the Education and Diversion Team at Bedfordshire Police, said: “It’s fantastic to see Taste of the Workplace receive national recognition. Experiences like this help young people gain a better understanding of policing while showcasing the wide range of careers available within the service.”
Stacey Moore, Community Safety Officer at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We’re proud to have supported the programme and help students gain a better understanding of the role emergency services play in keeping communities safe. It’s fantastic to see this work recognised nationally.”
Paddy Downes, Assistant Headteacher at Wixams Academy, added: “The programme has given our students a unique opportunity to engage directly with emergency service professionals, helping them broaden their horizons and gain valuable insight into future careers. We’re grateful to Bedford Giving, 4YP and our local emergency services for making this experience possible.”
As Bedford Giving and 4YP continue to expand opportunities for young people, this national recognition highlights the value of strong partnerships in creating meaningful career-related learning experiences.