RSBC's Futures x Blind in Business Workshop

A bit of background

RSBC’s Futures service offers one-to-one support to blind and partially sighted young people aged 13-25, helping them explore, decide, plan and implement their personal future pathways. From choosing the right GCSE options to investigating further and higher education, navigating different ways into work, or being more involved and active in their communities, we support them to build the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to fulfil their aspirations. 

Blind in Business (BIB) is a UK charity supporting young people with vision impairments to achieve their career ambitions. It works with students, schools, and employers to build confidence, develop employability skills, and create inclusive pathways into work. Through tailored workshops, mentoring, and real-world experiences, BIB helps young people recognise their strengths, raise their aspirations and gain the tools they need to succeed. BIB opens doors to opportunity, independence, and lasting change.

 A long-term relationship

 BIB and RSBC have a long-standing partnership, including working together on careers events at RSBC’s independent specialist further education facility, Dorton College, and work experience opportunities. 

The partnership’s also seen RSBC and its Tech Support team support BIB students for many years, helping them build confidence and digital literacy. 

2025 marked another milestone - the first virtual workshop joint-delivered by BIB’s Pathways service and RSBC’s Futures service in October. The session developed from our shared commitment to ensuring young people understand the support we can provide as they move into college, university or the workplace. 

The idea of the workshop stemmed from our joint ambition to work together more closely so that young people using RSBC and BIB services had access to the full range of information and support we provide. 

Our workshop goals

Together, we knew we could host a session that showcased the wide range of opportunities young people have as they transition into adulthood.

Our aim was to help young people with vision impairments aged 13-25 gain the advice, guidance and inspiration they needed to choose a transition pathway that matched their ambitions. 

The workshop encouraged young people explore their options, discover available opportunities, and make positive, informed choices that support their long-term goals. That could be higher education, employment, or other meaningful next steps. 

It was a fantastic opportunity to meet young people we hadn’t connected with before and promote BIB’s workshop series, which launches in Wales in 2026. 

Participants at the session were encouraged to reflect on their individual journeys through interactive discussion. It was important that they recognised that there’s no single, or linear, route to success. Every experience, whether positive or challenging, contributes to personal growth and the ability to achieve their ambitions. 

Key takeaways

Unexpectedly, we reconnected with a former service user at the workshop. who spoke passionately about their positive experience with the BIB Pathways Service – an inspiring reminder of the impact tailored support can have on confidence and independence.

 Success looks different for everyone. By staying open to opportunities and believing in their own potential, young people can build fulfilling futures that reflect their unique strengths. 

Mark Wright, RSBC’s Futures Coordinator, commented, “It was fantastic to meet so many people new to Futures – and new to RSBC! There’s a real hunger from young people and families to find a way forward that works for them. We aim to satisfy that hunger.”

Jonathon Sheils, BIB’s Pathways Service Manager, said, “Thank you for letting me join your RSBC Futures event! It was fantastic to learn more about the amazing work you’re doing to support young people, connect with a wider group of students, and explore how we can collaborate further to help our service users benefit from both RSBC’s and Blind in Business opportunities.”

What our attendees had to say

“I’m sure I’ll have a lot more questions about university in the future! This was very informative. Thank you so much!”

“Very helpful. We live in a rural area, so it’s good to know there’s support available for our son as he starts looking for jobs.”

“It’s important to recognise that it’s not one size fits all. Not all young people follow a straight line into jobs or university and it’s good to have support for those that don’t.”