Careers education receives prime time coverage

Careers education technology features on prime time BBC television series

Kudos, a market-leading software program created by careers technology experts CASCAID, features in the BBC prime time series Back in Time for School. CASCAID pioneered the invention of new tools to facilitate careers education by harnessing the latest technology available.

The series follows 15 students as they head back in time and experience over 100 years of school life. In this week’s penultimate episode, the students explore 90s education against a cultural backdrop of Britpop and amid the rise of computer technology in the classroom.

Careers education is a prominent feature of this episode. The students are seen using a CD-ROM version of Kudos that would have been popular with the majority of schools across the country.

Using Kudos to answer questions about their interests, the students are matched to a range of careers for inspiration and possible exploration. Kudos enables students to learn about themselves and exposes them to careers they may not necessarily have encountered through their family, friends or school.

A stand-out moment in the episode occurred when the girls in the group discovered career opportunities that had not been accessible to women in earlier decades. Overcoming this historical gender bias is a challenge that the UK still faces today despite efforts to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers to girls.

Ella Bujok, deputy chief executive at CASCAID, said,

“We were thrilled that the Back in Time producers reached out to us hoping to feature a 90s version of Kudos. It was a challenge, but we managed to dig out a 90s CD-ROM version from the archive.”

“This year is particularly important to CASCAID as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Just as we challenged the boundaries of careers technology in the 90s, we are innovating our services today by utilising recent technological advances to support students to navigate the complex educational choices they face and, most importantly, to prepare for their futures beyond the classroom.”

A modern, web-based version of Kudos is still used in many schools and colleges today. It is available in 12 countries and in four different languages.

About CASCAID: Offering highly-respected technology solutions that help people achieve the best possible future for themselves through self-knowledge, exploration, and planning. Their products are used in guidance and educational organisations throughout the UK and internationally. CASCAID are part of Xello, the leading future readiness platform in North America.