9/04/2026
The IEP Learning Awards returned to Basecamp 2025 last October to celebrate the practitioners, coaches, and mentors who are raising standards and shaping futures across the Employability sector.
Last year, Karen Taylor AIEP, Employer Engagement Officer at Enfield Council, was awarded IEP Learner of the Year for the IEP Award in AI for Employability. Karen’s commitment to lifelong learning — and her willingness to step into unfamiliar territory with openness and determination — has been an inspiration to colleagues and peers alike.
Working in employer engagement, Karen has found practical, real-world applications for AI that are already transforming the quality and efficiency of support she provides to her clients. Her journey is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to embrace new skills — and that doing so can be genuinely transformative.
Read on for our full interview with Karen.
Karen, what does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?
As someone over the age of 50, I am no stranger to learning, although it has been some time since I engaged in formal education. I also manage a mental health condition, which can occasionally affect my confidence and lead me to question my abilities. Receiving this award, especially from my peers, has been incredibly affirming. It has provided a much-needed boost to both my self-esteem and professional confidence.
What motivated you to enrol in this IEP Learning programme?
I had received positive feedback about the course from colleagues, and as someone who values lifelong learning, I was keen to explore it further. Although my knowledge of AI was limited, I recognised its growing importance and understood that embracing it is essential to avoid being left behind.
Can you share some examples of how the skills you’ve gained from the programme have been valuable in your work?
Gaining a deeper understanding of AI within my field has proven highly beneficial. I recently supported a client — a personal assistant — who was exploring a range of career opportunities. As her CV had not been updated for some time, we collaborated to create several tailored versions, each targeting different employment sectors.
I found that using ChatGPT significantly enhanced the quality of the outputs. While I possess the skills to complete this task manually, the platform enabled me to work more efficiently and save time. I also used AI to identify suitable training courses for the client. Again, although I could have conducted this research manually, AI proved to be a valuable time-saving tool. As a result, I was able to provide the client with multiple high-quality CVs in a fraction of the time it would normally take.
Has your journey on the programme helped you learn things about yourself? If so, how?
My learning journey has demonstrated that I am capable of successfully engaging with entirely new subject areas. I’ve discovered that I thrive in tutor-led environments and, when I set clear goals, I am fully capable of achieving the outcomes I aim for.
This experience has significantly increased my confidence in using AI, which I now incorporate more regularly into my daily work tasks. It also highlighted that I had not kept pace with technological developments as much as I should have. I’ve come to realise that AI should not be feared, but embraced. It is not AI itself that threatens jobs, but the reluctance to adapt and evolve alongside it.
What would you say to someone considering enrolling in this programme to encourage them to do so?
I would strongly encourage others to undertake this course, as it promotes working more efficiently rather than harder. While I possess the skills to create CVs, tailor language to suit varying literacy levels, and develop career pathways, the course has significantly enhanced my productivity. In an environment where we face increasing pressure to meet targets, the time-saving benefits have been invaluable. The certificate awarded by the Institute of Employability Professionals also adds credibility to the learning, reinforcing its relevance and value within our sector.
What does being part of the IEP community mean to you, and how has it supported your journey so far?
Being part of the IEP community has been both empowering and transformative for me. As an Employer Engagement Officer, I’ve always valued professional development, but the IEP has provided a unique platform to deepen my knowledge, connect with like-minded professionals, and gain recognition for my contributions.
The journey began with my enrolment in the IEP Award in AI for Employability, which not only enhanced my understanding of emerging technologies but also helped me apply them practically in my work — saving time and improving outcomes for clients.
Why do you think professional development is so important in our sector?
In a sector where targets and workloads are continually increasing, and funding models are evolving, professional development is not merely beneficial — it is essential. The labour market is changing rapidly, and staying up to date is crucial to remain effective and relevant. Investing in ongoing learning enhances our ability to deliver improved employability outcomes and ensures we can respond confidently and appropriately to the diverse needs of our clients.
What does being an Employability professional mean to you personally?
Working as an Employability professional is deeply rewarding. Supporting individuals who may initially lack confidence or feel stuck, and helping them progress towards their goals, is incredibly fulfilling. When engaging with employers, I believe my passion for the role is evident. There is immense satisfaction in seeing a client secure employment and knowing that I have contributed, even in a small way, to that success.
What would you say to someone considering a career in Employability — and what keeps you passionate about the work you do?
For those considering a career in Employability, I would emphasise the value of diverse life experiences. My own journey has included roles across various sectors, including redundancy recovery, which has equipped me with a strong sense of empathy for the individuals I have supported. These experiences have shaped my approach as both an Employment Advisor and now as an Employer Engagement Officer.
The role is incredibly rewarding, as it allows you to accompany clients on their journey towards employment. It’s important to recognise that each client may have different priorities and perspectives, and being open to learning from these differences is essential for effective support. Building rapport and maintaining regular contact is key to encouraging clients to share their progress. Additionally, as many roles in this sector are funded and often offered on a fixed-term basis, it’s vital to keep your own skills current to remain adaptable and competitive.
The next IEP Award in AI for Employability v4.0 takes place on 22 April. For more information or to book on visit https://www.myiep.uk/ai/