Preparing Careers Advisers for the AI Era – Practical, Ethical, Inclusive

As artificial intelligence reshapes the world of work, careers advisers must be prepared not just to respond but to lead. This webinar introduces careers professionals to the essentials of generative AI, with a focus on inclusive, ethical and practical application in careers education.

We begin with simple, interactive warm-ups using Padlet and its text-to-image generator to spark curiosity and ground the discussion in real, hands-on tools. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how Gen-AI and LLMs, e.g. ChatGPT work and how they differ from search tools, and how it can enhance both adviser workflows and student experience.

You'll then be introduced to two practical frameworks that support accessible and safe AI use in careers settings:

• PREP – Prompt, Role, Explicit instructions, Parameters

• ACCESS – Audience-first, Clarity of language, Contextual support, Explicitly inclusive, Structure and steps, Safeguard tone and dignity

Using real prompts and classroom-tested examples, we'll explore how to apply these models to support CEIA (Careers Education, Information and Advice) while respecting learner diversity and data protection.

Agenda

• Welcome and icebreaker: text-to-image AI demo

• Overview: What is generative AI and why does it matter in CEIAG?

• Ethical use and inclusive design: risks, bias and opportunity

• The PREP Framework: Designing better prompts

• The ACCESS Framework: Making AI support inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly

• Tools in practice: Padlet, Canva, Copilot, CiCi, Mindjoy and more

• Live examples: careers-focused prompts for students and advisers

• Q&A and resources to take away

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, you will:

• Understand the core functions of Gen-AI in an education and careers context

• Be confident using PREP and ACCESS to design safe, inclusive prompts

• Know how to trial AI tools ethically and practically with students

• Leave with adaptable resources and ideas ready to apply in your own setting

Presenter - David Curran

With 20+ years in education, David specialises in making AI and assistive technology accessible within careers education and SEND settings. As Head of Careers and Assistive Technology Lead at a specialist school for dyslexia, he leads on inclusive digital strategy, using AI to support neurodivergent learners and improve how students access careers education, information and advice (CEIA). From building student-facing chatbots to designing CPD on ethical and safe AI use, David translates innovation into practical tools that connect, engage and support. He delivers national and international training on assistive tech and AI in education and CEIA, working with schools, parents/carers, and professionals. David is also an independent Careers Advisor, CiCi CareersBot Ambassador, and active contributor to a thriving online community supporting careers education for Years 9–11. His collaborations include BATA's Teachers for AT, the AI in Education SEND Panel (Bourne Education Trust), STEM Learning's AI Focus Group, and AIEOU (University of Oxford).