Inclusive digital space will provide SEND students in the region with 24/7 access to advice and guidance on issues centred around preparing for adulthood
NORTHUMBERLAND (Oct. 15, 2025) — A specialised virtual careers room for Northumberland County Council’s school district has launched today to support Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools in the area. Developed by AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, the virtual careers room is a digital space in which users can interact with information in a variety of different formats and is accessible on mobile phones, tablets, computers and other devices. The project is part of the social value activities AECOM is investing in to uplift local communities alongside its work on the Northumberland Line.
AECOM’s virtual rooms were originally designed to support the public consultation process, as the in-person nature of these events can restrict access for many stakeholders who would otherwise wish to participate. Here, the virtual careers room similarly prioritises ease-of-access and inclusivity, as SEND students can face additional accessibility challenges.
Consisting of five sections – ‘Preparing for Adulthood’, ‘Careers to Explore’, ‘Stories’, ‘The Inclusive Workplace’ and ‘Post-16 Options’ – the virtual careers room was designed to provide advice to SEND students as they enter adulthood, including information and guidance on entering the workforce. The ‘Stories’ section will be updated to include testimonials and advice from former students in the region who have successfully embarked on their careers. The room incorporates familiar landmarks from the Northumberland region, with windows looking out on Bamburgh Castle, Hadrian’s Wall and Holy Island/Lindisfarne, connecting users with their local history.
Before the launch, the room was tested with The Dales School in Blyth. “The early stages of career development are crucial for primary school children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND),” said James Groundwater, Higher Level Teaching Assistant, The Dales School. “It is commendable that AECOM is making exceptional efforts to assist these children in cultivating their career aspirations. It is vital that children with SEND are afforded the same opportunities as their peers regarding career guidance and future objectives. We look forward to the opportunities the virtual room is developing for children.”
Ella Dickinson, Northumberland Line Social Value Lead for AECOM, said: “AECOM’s virtual platforms have seen tremendous success through their initial use for public consultations, making these events more inclusive and accessible than ever for the communities involved. By adapting this technology for the Northumberland County Council’s school district, we’re helping to create new opportunities and provide wider support across the region.”
Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “We are incredibly proud to be launching this specialised virtual careers room in partnership with AECOM. Raising the aspirations of all young people in Northumberland is a top priority for the County Council, and this is especially critical for our students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It is vital that all young people, regardless of their background or ability, have equal access to comprehensive careers advice and guidance as they plan for adulthood.
“This new digital space directly addresses the additional accessibility challenges that SEND students can face, giving them 24/7 access to key materials, advice, and inspiring stories from former students. The virtual careers room will be a powerful tool in helping our young people better understand their options, explore post-16 pathways, and actively further their career goals as they approach adulthood.”
AECOM has been designing virtual consultation rooms since 2019, providing an easy-to-use and accessible format to effectively replicate and enhance an in-person event, enabling users to engage, comment and leave feedback. Popularised during the Covid-19 pandemic, this technology provided a platform for public consultations while in-person events could not take place, allowing key projects to continue. To date, AECOM has delivered over 1,000 virtual consultation rooms for a wide range of purposes and clients, the majority of which have been regional authorities, alongside Transport for London, Network Rail and National Highways.
AECOM was appointed by Northumberland County Council to the Northumberland Line project through its Perfect Circle joint venture, supporting the project from its inception. The Northumberland Line is one of the largest third-party funded rail upgrades in the UK developed by a local authority, having reopened passenger services in 2024.
About AECOM
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.
