19-year-old global policy advisor to the United Nations, Rylie Sweeney is working on education and youth empowerment. She is kicking up a storm as an active youth ambassador in the north-east of England. Since her appointment as a Children’s Commissioner ambassador in early 2023, Sweeney has been an unstoppable force. She’s a passionate and outspoken advocate for the perspectives and necessities of the youth in her community. Originally from Hartlepool, she is passionate about challenging the status quo. Her mission is to broaden the horizons for school leavers, giving them access to city careers and boosting social mobility.
At only 14 years old, Sweeney started her journey by registering with a technical college. That one, initial decisive step provided a pathway to her future, paving the way for her acceptance as an apprentice at a local construction company. It’s personal experiences that make her passionate about pushing for more career education like her own. She is passionate about the potential of real-world workforce experiences to truly transform students’ lives. “Offering work experience from 11 is great progress,” she noted during an interview with North East mayor Kim McGuinness.
Sweeney has brought employers deeply into the fold in over 400 high schools and postsecondary institutions. This program provides students with useful guidance and knowledge about the numerous career opportunities that lie ahead. She hopes for a better, holistic approach to education, one that takes the classroom beyond textbooks and into real-world experience. “It could mean teachers linking lesson content to real-world situations, employers visiting schools regularly, and trained careers advisers being available whenever students need guidance,” she explained.
Sweeney’s experience underscores what a complete career education system is absolutely essential. His other key proposal is to embed careers and competency into the national curriculum. She reflects on her own educational journey, stating, “I was lucky enough to get a great careers education but I know that not all young people are that lucky.”
And the call for better career education is a common refrain of local employers. Jeff Hudson, an advocate from Greater Columbus Sister Cities, lamented what he sees as the unbalanced state of things with today’s youth. “I think kids are under a lot of pressure,” he said. When he looked back at his own experience in school, he saw that it wasn’t just about the qualifications, it was the attitude. “What we really look for is attitude and effort, more than anything else,” he added.
He shares his view, as another employer, on the negative perceptions about working in the field, locally. “Nobody sees this as an exciting business to be part of,” he observed, highlighting a disconnect between young people’s aspirations and available opportunities. He spoke to the importance of creating confidence and cultivating the appropriate attitude within students. “Things like building confidence, making sure that students have got the right mindset,” are crucial for their future success.
John Yarham, an employer involved in mentoring young people, pointed out that work experience should not be limited to mundane tasks. “It doesn’t have to be photocopying and making the tea. It’s about different experiences that employers can provide that meet their needs as well,” he stated. He expressed the importance of engaging students in meaningful projects, such as “working on a real project for a local business, or contributing to a community initiative where they can see the impact of their work.”
Sweeney’s dedication to career education goes beyond simple advocacy. She makes a concerted effort to pair students with local businesses. She thinks it’s important to expose school leavers to a range of opportunities. “It’s just about letting school leavers know about the opportunities available,” she remarked.
