On 18 November, The Steel Yard in London hosted something different: Impact Amplified: The Shift, an awards night designed entirely around young people rather than simply just featuring them. No black tie. No overly polished speeches. Just an honest, high-energy evening where students led the programme and shaped the atmosphere.
The Shift, sponsored by AMS, brought together employers, educators, careers leaders and partners who are driving change in early careers, social mobility and social impact. Most importantly, it gave the stage to the young people whose futures all of us are working to support.
A Night Run by Young People
From the opening moments, it was clear who was in charge. Our hosts, Syriah and Isaac, took complete ownership of the evening - welcoming guests, setting the tone and guiding the awards with confidence, energy and ease.
Students from Capital City College delivered standout performances in dance and music, adding real energy between awards. Plus, award winning spoken word artist Blessing delivered a powerful piece reflecting on the role of careers leaders and the experiences of young people navigating their futures.
Young people (the amazing Future Makers) also presented awards, shared their stories and introduced winners - not as a token gesture, but because they deserved to be central to the night.
A Community in the Same Room
Jo, our School Outreach Lead and former careers leader, captured the feeling in the room:
“I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been in a room quite like it. Packed with employers, young people, proud parents and carers, careers professionals – and for the first time, employers, organisations, charities and educators recognised on our Impact List for everything they do to support young people as they navigate their future careers. A truly inspiring community all in one place.”
The event wasn’t formal or staged. It felt collaborative, open and full of conversations that needed to happen.
The Shift Awards 2025: The Winners
Throughout the evening, we recognised the organisations and individuals creating real impact for young people across the UK. There were so many amazing nominations it was hard to pick a winner, but our fabulous judging panel; Tracie from Movement to Work, Alexandra from GIST Impact, Hannah from Edge VC, alongside the unbelievable Future Makers, did managed to pick and the following groundbreaking organisations were chosen.
Young People’s Champion – Higher Education
The University of Law
Future-Ready Employer
Institute of Coding
Game-Changer in Careers Content
UK Civil Aviation Authority
Careers Professional of the Year
Helen Lonsdale, New College Pontefract
Trailblazer in Early Careers
MYPATH
Outstanding Student Changemaker (Sponsored by AMS)
Krish Daryanani
Careers Professional of the Year – College
Adriano Fachini, Leyton Sixth Form College
Impact Champion: Most Social Value Delivered
Amazon
Student Choice: Best Springpod Programme
Barclays
Springpod Partner of the Year – Employer
Aldi
Springpod Partner of the Year – Higher Education
Salford University
Each winner demonstrated a clear commitment to widening access, supporting young people and innovating in a sector that needs constant evolution.
The Future Makers of 2025
Alongside the awards, we announced the Future Makers of 2025 - a national list recognising young people who are already shaping the future of work. Originally planned as a 20 Under 20 list, it quickly expanded as more standouts emerged from across the UK.
These students are creators, campaigners, technologists, founders and leaders. They’re not waiting to be invited into the conversation. They’re already influencing it.
The Impact List 2025
We also revealed the Impact List, showcasing organisations that are actively widening access to opportunities for young people aged 11 to 25. The list includes employers, charities, educators and community organisations that are breaking down barriers and delivering meaningful change.
It’s a snapshot of the groups setting the standard for what impact should look like in 2025.
A Different Kind of Awards Night
Thank you to everyone that attended the The Shift and congratulations to the winners, Future Makers and the organisations on the Impact List . The evening wasn’t built to imitate traditional awards ceremonies. It was designed to strip away formality and focus on connection, clarity and genuine celebration. Young people weren’t guests or side notes - they were central to every part of the evening.
The conversations that continued long after the final award showed exactly why this format matters. It created space for students to be heard and recognised, and for the sector to listen.
And judging by the reaction in the room, this is only the start.
