Paul’s Career Journey proves that reaching your goals isn't always straight-forward

With a focus on showing young people the limitless possibilities the future could hold for them, National Careers Week is a great opportunity to show that jobs and career paths are very rarely straight-forward. Someone who knows that from first-hand experience is Paul Price-Hazlehurst, who has held many titles throughout his working life, and who is now CEO of The Futures Group. 

Here’s his story: 

Growing up, Paul had dreams of joining the police force and was accepted into the Police Academy. Unfortunately, a rugby injury meant that he would need to pursue an alternative career route. 

Aged 16, Paul began working for Vesuvius, in Worksop, as a Quality Technician in the steel industry. He remained with this company for 14 years, eventually working his way up to Technical Manager. However, he would soon change his career path. 

Whilst studying towards a qualification in IT, Paul was presented with the opportunity to step in and deliver some of the training to the rest of his class. He found that he enjoyed the role and decided to explore how he could change the direction of his career to become a teacher. 

In 2003, Paul joined North Notts College where he completed his Teaching Qualification while working as a Basic Skills Tutor and across HNC Business. It was while working here that Paul began delivering Family Learning courses – a service that has since been delivered within the Futures Group. 

Three years later, Paul began working for training provider TBG as a Regional Manager, progressing to Operations Director for Employability and Apprenticeships, a position he held until being hired by JHP Training, prior to merging with Learn Direct, as Operations Director in 2011. 

Over the past eight years, Paul has continued to work in the training and employability sector, holding positions at companies such as Geason Training, Workpays and HIT Training. 

Paul joined Futures as Director of Programmes in February 2019, where he was responsible for the Futures for You division, ensuring that our people are in the best position to support individuals into the most suitable work and training for them.  

In April 2021, Paul became CEO of Futures Management Group, leading the company in new directions and ensuring growth. 

When reflecting on his career and the advice he would give to those thinking about making a change or taking their career in a new direction, Paul says: 

“Choose a job that you love and that you know you can be good at, where you can develop your skills, where people have similar visions and one that makes you smile every day. I truly believe in our purpose to ‘Empower People, Businesses and Communities to Achieve More.” 

If you’re ready to find the next steps in your journey, we’re ready to listen and point you in the direction of success. Let’s talk.