Maureen Arhagba

About Me

I am an experienced Careers Leader and Careers Development Professional with over 25 years’ experience across secondary and higher education. I specialise in developing and leading inclusive whole-school careers education programmes that support young people in making informed decisions about education, training, and employment pathways. I hold a Postgraduate Award in Careers Leadership from the University of Warwick (2020) and the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development from the The Open University (2024). I am also a qualified teacher in Design and Technology, with extensive experience teaching and leading within both secondary and higher education settings. My professional practice combines careers leadership, careers guidance, employability, employer engagement, and curriculum development, underpinned by a strong understanding of the Gatsby Benchmarks, Provider Access Legislation, and current careers education guidance. Since 2000, I have developed careers policies and strategically led whole-school careers curriculum delivery for KS3, KS4 and KS5 students. My work includes coordinating employer encounters, careers events, work-related learning, and sourcing meaningful work experience opportunities for KS4 and KS5 students. I am committed to ensuring that careers education is inclusive, aspirational, and accessible to all learners. I have a longstanding interest in STEAM education and widening participation in STEAM pathways. I strongly support initiatives that encourage underrepresented students to engage with STEAM careers and have a particular interest in the work of Stemettes and similar organisations that promote diversity and inclusion within the sector. I also have extensive experience working with students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as students from diverse backgrounds and those requiring additional support and guidance. I believe in providing impartial, personalised, and student-centred careers guidance that empowers young people to recognise their strengths, develop confidence, and broaden their aspirations. Through information, advice, guidance, coaching, and mentoring, I support clients in developing realistic and achievable action plans tailored to their individual goals and circumstances. I am committed to continual professional development, maintaining current labour market knowledge, and building strong professional networks to ensure that the support I provide remains relevant, informed, and unbiased. In 2024, I was honoured to receive the Young Enterprise Teacher of the Year Award, recognising my commitment to the organisation’s values of ‘One Team’, ‘Unlocking Potential’, ‘Enterprising and Resilient’, and ‘Creating Great Impact’. In 2023, I was recognised as a Stemettes Hero for my commitment to supporting young women and non-binary students in accessing and engaging with STEAM pathways, helping to foster confidence, curiosity, mentorship, and greater representation within the sector.