Career Runway
Empowering the UK Workforce
A holistic employability project by CulturaLinks providing professional styling, interview coaching, and cultural navigation for all.
Removing Barriers, Building Futures
Inclusive Empowerment
Structured Career Planning.
Career Runway serves all ages, genders, and backgrounds - including care leavers, career changers, local residents, migrants, and refugees. The programme is delivered via two structured one-hour sessions, available either in person or online:
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Session 1: Strategic Career Mapping. We identify the participant’s education, skills, and professional goals. We align these with modern labour market expectations to build a realistic and sustainable career path.
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Session 2: Bespoke Application Development. We focus on technical execution, creating a bespoke CVs and Cover Letters specifically optimised for the participant's desired job roles.
This ensures every participant leaves with a tailored professional development plan and the high-quality documents required to pass modern recruitment filters.
Evidence-Based Interview
Participants receive two structured one-hour coaching sessions, delivered either in person or online by CIPD-qualified experts who specialise in the cultural and behavioural expectations of UK workplaces.
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Session 1: Interview Strategy & Preparation. We introduce participants to modern labour market interview techniques and create a tailored action plan for their specific interview. We identify weak areas, explain the STAR method and when to apply it, and prepare strategic questions for the potential employer. We also demonstrate how AI tools can support interview preparation. Participants are given structured practice tasks to complete before the second session.
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Session 2: Mock Interview & Feedback. We conduct a realistic mock interview with professional feedback on answers, body language, and presentation. Participants receive alternative answer options and, if needed, repeat sections of the mock interview to build confidence and competence. We also cover post-interview protocols, including strategic follow-up timing and communication.
This structured approach improves both job offer rates and long-term retention by ensuring participants understand not only how to secure the role, but how to navigate workplace expectations once employed.
Zero-Barrier Access
We remove financial barriers by refunding travel costs for one-to-one appointments and interview travel. Participants who cannot attend in person receive a Success Kit via tracked post at no cost to them.
The Success Kit is prepared during a one-hour styling session with a qualified expert, conducted either in person or online via video call. During this session, we work with the participant to select the most suitable interview outfit - appropriate for both the individual and the specific role or industry. Once agreed, the outfit is packed and either handed to the participant or posted via tracked delivery, ensuring it arrives at least one day before the scheduled interview.
The Success Kit includes:
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A complete professional interview outfit (tailored to role and industry).
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Essential stationery (notebook and pen for the interview).
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A copy of the "Cracking the British Office Code" guide guide (digital or physical, depending on delivery method).
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Instructions for accessing the AI Workplace Navigator for 24/7 support.
Virtual coaching and tracked delivery ensure that geographical location and financial circumstances do not prevent access to the full service.
Tech-Enabled & In Work Support
We provide participants with continuous support to ensure long-term job retention and career progression. This is delivered through a combination of digital tools and structured human intervention:
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24/7 AI Workplace Navigator: Every participant receives free, round-the-clock access to our AI Workplace Navigator. This tool provides instant information on employment rights, benefits, and UK workplace norms, offering a digital safety net beyond scheduled coaching hours.
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Probation Period Support: We provide dedicated in-work support until the participant successfully passes their probation period. This includes a structured check-in schedule:
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Month 1: Weekly phone calls to monitor progress, address immediate challenges, and arrange additional coaching sessions if required.
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Subsequent Months: Fortnightly check-ins (or on dates tailored to the participant's needs) to ensure continued integration and performance.
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Final Review: A concluding phone or video call once the probation period is officially completed.
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The Alumni Circle: Upon successful completion of their probation, participants gain access to our Alumni Circle. This peer-support network facilitates ongoing mentorship, networking, and long-term career development.
Eligibility & Referrals
How to Refer
Step 1 — Initial Contact
Complete our short referral form via Google Forms or book a referral call with our team using this link:[Insert link to your referral form / booking system]
Step 2 — Triage Call (within 48 hours)
Our team contacts the individual within 48 hours to confirm eligibility and assess what support they need (Styling, Coaching, or both).
Step 3 — Onboarding
The participant is assigned to a relevant coach and their first session is scheduled. We keep referrers updated if contact cannot be established.