Hull City Council’s IPaSS Vision Support Team hosted an inspiring careers event at Craven Park on Thursday 6th November, bringing together 15 young people with sight loss from across the city.
The day-long session focused on building confidence, strengthening self-advocacy skills, and offering clear, practical guidance on taking the next steps towards employment or apprenticeships.
The event was delivered in partnership with Blind in Business, a national charity that supports vision impaired young people as they prepare for the world of work. Led by Jonathan Sheils – who has lived experience of vision impairment – the workshops gave students valuable tools for navigating career pathways and approaching future employers with confidence.
Throughout the day, Jonathan led interactive sessions exploring topics such as recognising personal strengths, speaking openly to employers about vision needs, and requesting reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Young people also received tailored advice on applying for jobs and apprenticeships, helping them feel more informed and prepared for the opportunities ahead.
Feedback from participants was extremely positive, with many describing the event as motivating, reassuring, and a chance to meet others with shared experiences. The Vision Support Team plans to build on this success by offering further activities aimed at nurturing friendships while equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in education, training, and employment.
Councillor Linda Tock, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “It’s vital that every young person in Hull feels empowered to pursue their ambitions, and events like this show just how transformative the right support can be.
“I’m incredibly proud of the Vision Support Team and grateful to Blind in Business for helping inspire the next generation. Together, we are ensuring our young people with sight loss can step into their futures with confidence and purpose.”