A new virtual platform is transforming how careers guidance is delivered in schools, allowing students to explore future jobs in green energy, aviation, healthcare and more without leaving the classroom and as part of efforts to bridge the UK’s growing skills gap.

CareersVerse, a new browser-based virtual world, is designed to transform how careers guidance is delivered in schools by making it more engaging, accessible and realistic, at a time when nearly half of Gen Z say they’ve had no formal careers advice at all

Early feedback from pupils has been striking, with many calling for the need for change saying the revolutionary platform is more inspiring and less intimidating than traditional careers talks.

George from Bedford School in Bedford, who, on trialling the new system, said: “It’s great! This new way of getting career advice and being so hands-on has really changed my thinking about what sort of jobs are out there for me.

“The system has opened my eyes to how many different careers I can be inspired by and it’s shown me new opportunities I didn’t know existed because of the minimal advice I’ve been given before.”

Summer from Lord Grey School in Milton Keynes, added: “CareersVerse is helping so many of us discover new opportunities, including apprenticeships and T Levels, in a much more accessible way.

“Some of my friends have anxiety about talking to career advisors, so having an online option makes it easier. It’s also really useful for my parents to have this information too, so they can help me, and other parents can help their children. Unlike school careers advice, where you only get a short time slot, you can log in and explore whenever you want.”

 A system under strain  The launch comes amid growing concern over the state of careers guidance in the UK.

The latest figures from ONS show there are around 948,000 young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).  Yet almost half of Gen Z (43%) say they’ve had no formal career advice, leaving many to navigate fragmented websites and generic guidance on their own.

Rt Hon Robert Halfon, former Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, said: “Good career guidance is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. And right now, we’re not doing enough. CareersVerse is one step toward ensuring that young people have the information, context and confidence to make informed choices about their futures.”

Born from lived experience  For Dr Majid Al-Kader, CEO of mXreality and Co-Founder of Metaverse Learning, the drive to rethink career advice is deeply personal.

“Everyone in my family was either a doctor or an engineer, and I became an engineer too. It wasn’t until later that I discovered my passion for digital transformation and immersive learning. By then, I’d already taken a long detour.

“My goal now is to make career exploration more inclusive, more engaging and more connected to the real world.”

Working with Jason Holt, CEO of Metaverse Learning, Dr Al-Kader has created a new model for interactive guidance, one that meets young people where they are: online.

The concept has already received positive feedback from the Parliamentary Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.

Inside CareersVerse  CareersVerse is a secure, browser-based 3D environment that requires no headsets or downloads. Students can explore themed zones including aviation, healthcare, green skills, manufacturing, engineering, nuclear, utilities and early years.

Each zone features interactive 3D experiences showing real job roles and career pathways. The platform also includes virtual booths from employers, colleges and training providers, as well as live Q&A sessions with industry professionals.

At its heart is an AI-powered careers advisor that chats with users, suggests industries based on their skills and interests, and provides personalised guidance.

The platform will remain free to access for schools, families and job seekers.

Jason Holt, CEO of Metaverse Learning, said: “We want this to remain open to everyone who needs it. Working with employers and educators, we can start making a real difference to how young people explore their future careers.

“Together, we can help close the gap between learning and real-world opportunities.” 

What’s next  Following the success of early trials and positive feedback from policymakers, CareersVerse is now inviting schools and colleges across the UK to join its next testing phase.

Employers and sector organisations are also being encouraged to showcase their industries within the platform.

Phase Two will expand the number of industry zones, creating more opportunities for job seekers to explore and connect with industry.

Schools and employers interested in taking part can find out more at www.careersverse.co.uk.

📽️Watch the video here