The judges of the Kent Teacher of the Year Awards are looking forward to uncovering innovative approaches to preparing children for the world of work.

Medway Youth Trust is the judging organisation for the awards’ careers category. The charity provides employability and personal development programmes designed to prepare young people for their future.

MY Trust CEO Simone Miles said: “The careers education arena has changed so, so much over the past year, and careers leaders in schools have got a big job on their hands these days with ensuring that the curriculum fits within Ofsted.

“So what we are looking for as a judge is those innovative approaches so that young people are engaged, and schools and careers leaders are equipping them to make the best of their education for their future, for their work and employment.”

The awards are organised by the KM Charity Team, and have separate categories for primary, secondary and further education.

Awards coordinator Karen Brinkman said: “These awards are all about celebrating the work of people who dedicate their lives to preparing children for the challenges of adulthood and work, so it’s great that there is a specific category for staff working in the field of careers.

“Suitable candidates for the award could include individuals providing careers guidance in secondary schools and FE colleges, or teachers and volunteers helping to organise careers fairs in primaries.

“But with the March 1 deadline for nominations fast approaching, you need to act fast to submit names.

“The online process is quick and easy to complete, and absolutely anyone can make a nomination.”

The other judging organisations for the awards are Kent, Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church universities, Ashford International Hotel, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Kreston Reeves, Social Enterprise Kent, Loop CR, Kent Sport and Physical Education, Salus, Diggerland, Kent Further Education, Kape HR, KCS, Towergate Insurance, The Education People, EduKit, Kent and Medway councils and Hornby.

They will select winners from each of Kent and Medway’s 13 local authority areas, as well as for the whole county as a whole.

Submit nominations, find out more and download a best-practice brochure detailing last year’s winners at kentteacheroftheyear.co.uk.