New year, new faces: The Progress Careers team is expanding
As we step into the new year, we are thrilled to have been joined by three new recruits – Amy, Shannon, and Sally. Each of them brings a unique blend of passion, expertise, and enthusiasm, with experience across various sectors, including Education and Health and Social Care.
Meet Amy
Let’s start by introducing the lovely Amy; her bubbly character perfectly encapsulates the positive energy we value. With a background as a Level 3 qualified Teaching Assistant and experience in special educational needs, Amy brings a depth of understanding and compassion to the team.
When asked why she joined Progress Careers, Amy said, “I was drawn to Progress Careers because I have a passion for driving change. I wanted the opportunity to engage in positive conversations with young people about their futures.” At Progress Careers we are passionate about empowering individuals to explore and realise their potential. Amy’s enthusiasm aligns perfectly with this.
Outside of work, Amy is a true creative. She crafts unique macramé pieces, each a testament to her artistic flair. She also enjoys socialising with friends, reflecting her outgoing, friendly personality.
Meet Sally
Next up is Sally, another fantastic addition to our team. Sally’s career journey is a testament to her versatility and commitment to education. After studying Health and Social Care in sixth form, she explored various roles, from working with disabled adults to working in finance.
Her journey in careers guidance began with Connexions in Bradford, where she progressed through various roles before joining the youth team in 2012.
Talking of her initial impressions of the Progress Careers team, Sally said, “From the first email I received from Mel up until today, just one week in, the energy from the staff, from the top that filters down, is so different from what I’m used to. It’s exciting, and the staff are excited to work here!”
At home, Sally is a loving mother to Beau and Betty, her two daughters, and manages a lively household with two cats, a tortoise, and a puppy. Her interests include swimming, spinning, and creative pursuits like upcycling and crafting family trees, a hobby that has blossomed into a small online business. Sally’s communicative nature is not just a personal trait but a professional strength in her role as a Careers Adviser.
Meet Shannon
Last but certainly not least, we are excited to welcome Shannon. Shannon’s educational background in English Language and Linguistics from York St John University and her Master’s in ‘Teaching English as a Second Language’ have been instrumental in shaping her career path. As a former teacher in Leeds and Barnsley College, she has a lot of experience working alongside Careers Advisers and now gets to be the one in the careers driving seat.
When asked about her motivation for joining the team, Shannon said, “I was motivated by my own experiences of limited guidance post-school. I also want to ensure that every young person has access to the support and advice they need for their future.”
Residing in Barnsley with her partner and two beloved English bulldogs, Shannon’s life outside work is filled with her passions. An avid reader, she is also dedicated to studying Korean, with hopes to one day visit South Korea. Shannon’s diverse experiences and commitment to student support make her an invaluable addition to our Progress Careers family.
Paula Thompson, Managing Director of Progress Careers said:
I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Sally, Amy, and Shannon to the business. As the business grows, it is really important that we build a team that not only shares our vision but also adopts and embodies our core values. It was clear to see with each of them that they do that in bucketloads! I am excited to see them grow individually and professionally and will be there to support them every step of the way. Exciting times!
