Our Impact
Behind every statistic is a young person whose trajectory has shifted. Explore the proven outcomes from our programmes and the positive change they represent.
Tackling inequality in career outcomes requires more than a single intervention. It requires a framework that addresses the root causes together. Our 3A Approach is built around the three interconnected barriers that consistently prevent young people from underrepresented backgrounds from reaching the top: Awareness, Ability and Access.
Awareness
Stereotypes about gender, ethnicity, careers and class form from age 7. Young people leave school unaware of the wide range of careers available to them.
Ability
By the end of this decade, 83% of new UK jobs will require managerial or professional skills. Yet 55% of employers say young people are not equipped for the 21st century workplace.
Access
Career aspirations are most influenced by who you know. Less than 1% of children have heard about jobs through people from the world of work.
Impact in Numbers
Every number below represents a young person whose career trajectory was changed. Here is what that looks like across the three pillars.
Awareness
Of young people reported an increase in confidence and awareness of alternative career pathways and careers that challenge professional stereotypes after completing a DLN programme.
Young people said DLN helped them see careers they had never previously considered, directly challenging gender, ethnicity and class stereotypes formed from as young as age 7.
Of past participants come from ethnically diverse backgrounds, ensuring representation at the heart of every programme and demonstrating that professional careers are for everyone.
Ability
Of participants reported significant growth in leadership and employability skills, equipping them with the competencies that 55% of employers say young people currently lack.
Of participants assumed leadership roles inside or outside of school after completing DLN programmes, demonstrating the direct transfer of skills from programme to practice.
Young people have benefited from DLN's all age leadership and employability curriculum, spanning Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 5 and building skills progressively across four levels.
Access
Young people attribute their success in securing post-16 employment or an apprenticeship to a DLN programme, turning access to networks into tangible career outcomes.
Employer satisfaction rate for young people completing work placements and work related experiences through DLN, reflecting the quality and readiness of our participants.
Of past participants come from low socioeconomic backgrounds, including those on free school meals, ensuring our access programmes reach those who need them most.
The People Behind the Numbers
Behind every statistic is a young person, a teacher, a mentor or an employer whose life has been changed by DLN. These are some of their stories.
“DLN gave me the confidence to apply for roles I never thought were for someone like me.”
Young people reached since DLN was founded
Employer satisfaction rate for DLN work placements
“The curriculum gave our students a language for leadership they did not have before.”
Of participants are from low socioeconomic backgrounds
“Leadership Education should be part of the curriculum. It is as important as Science, Maths, and English.”
Graduates attribute their post-16 success to a DLN programme
Of participants took on leadership roles in school or the community
“I have never taken part in something like this before and this experience will stay with me for a long time. This mentoring programme has made me feel more courageous and sure about my future.”
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Be Part of the Change
Whether you are a school, a corporate partner or a professional who wants to give back, there is a place for you in the DLN community.