Looking to inspire students with real career journeys in the sports industry? Jason Thomas at UCFB is showing exactly how it’s done.

Jason Thomas, Regional Recruitment Manager at UCFB, shares his story to help young people explore careers in sport, education, and beyond. Through The Changing Education Group’s industry insight series, Jason offers a real-world look at what it takes to turn passion into a profession.

Who is Jason Thomas and how is he inspiring students?

Jason Thomas is a Regional Recruitment Manager at UCFB (University Campus of Football Business) and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment through education and sport.

As part of The Changing Education Group’s mission to inspire future leaders, Jason has supported virtual work experience weeks, contributed to career content, and shared his journey to motivate students. His work helps bridge the gap between education and employment, especially in sports-related careers.

• Works from Wembley Stadium and the Etihad Campus, Manchester
• Co-founder of a new business alongside his UCFB role
• Also a qualified swimming teacher,  showing the value of transferable skills
• Promotes the idea that passion leads to purpose in any career journey

What is UCFB, and how does it support student career pathways?

UCFB is a pioneering higher education institution offering university degrees in the football, sport, and events industries.

It plays a vital role in helping students build careers in a competitive, fast-growing sector, from media and coaching to business and law.

• World-first provider of sport-specific degree programmes
• Strong employer engagement and real-world learning
• Partners with The Changing Education Group to support career placements and virtual experiences
• Encourages students to explore niche roles within sports and events

UCFB’s collaboration with The Changing Education Group makes it easier for schools to offer students engaging, Gatsby Benchmark-compliant insights into modern careers.

What advice does Jason Thomas offer to young people?

Jason’s message is simple but powerful:

“You can always make something of yourself if you find and follow your passions.”

His career journey shows that it’s not about following a straight path, it’s about staying open, working hard, and recognising your interests as strengths.

Key lessons from Jason:

• Explore more than one skill: Jason balances recruitment, teaching, and entrepreneurship.
• Stay open to opportunity: From grassroots sport to business innovation.
• Let passion guide you: Interests can become income if you’re willing to learn.

Why are stories like Jason’s important for students?

Real stories make future careers feel more reachable. For many students, work experience can feel abstract. But seeing someone like Jason, who has built a career from genuine interest, helps them imagine their own path.

Benefits of using real career stories in school:

• Enhances student engagement in career education
• Builds understanding of non-traditional career routes
• Helps meet Gatsby Benchmark 4: Linking curriculum learning to careers
• Promotes inclusivity by featuring diverse professionals

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

Jason Thomas’s story is more than a biography; it’s a blueprint for showing students what’s possible. Through The Changing Education Group’s partnerships with professionals like Jason and organisations like UCFB, schools can offer powerful, purposeful career education.

Want to inspire your students with real industry insights?
Book a demo to discover how our Work Experience Suite helps schools deliver compliant, engaging, and impactful work experience.

FAQs

What is UCFB?
UCFB is a university offering specialised degrees in football, sport, and events industries, with campuses at Wembley and Etihad stadiums.

Why is Jason Thomas featured by The Changing Education Group?
Jason shares his real-life experience to inspire students, supporting The Changing Education Group’s mission to make career education meaningful and accessible.

How can students benefit from hearing real career journeys?
It helps them understand different paths, feel motivated, and see how personal passions can become professional opportunities.

What role does work experience play in careers education?
It gives students hands-on insight, improves employability skills, and supports Gatsby and Ofsted guidance.

How can my school access similar resources or speakers?
The Changing Education Group offers virtual work experience, industry insights, and employer engagement through its Work Experience Suite.