A day in the life
Today we meet Jonathan Campbell, the Employer Engagement Manager at Action West London.
Hi Jonathan, what’s your role at Action West London, and how long have you been with the charity?
I’m the Employer Engagement Manager here at Action West London and I’ve been with the charity since November 2016. So, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the team for nearly 9 years now!
How did you get into your current role?
My journey into this role has been shaped by my passion for helping others and my background in business development and recruitment. Before joining Action West London, I worked in various roles that focused on connecting businesses with skilled candidates, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The more I learned about the challenges young people face, especially when they are out of work or education, the more I wanted to be part of a solution. That’s how I ended up here – helping local employers find skilled candidates while supporting young people into meaningful work.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a football agent! I was inspired by Sky Andrew, who played a huge role in helping Sol Campbell move to Arsenal. The world of football, especially behind the scenes, always fascinated me, and I admired how Sky helped shape players’ careers.
What kind of education and/or training did your career require?
I have a BA (Hons) in Business Economics from Manchester Metropolitan University, which gave me a strong foundation in business and economics. But much of what I do today has been shaped by hands-on experience in the field – from managing business relationships to recruiting candidates and delivering government-funded employment programs. I’ve always been keen to learn on the job and stay up-to-date with new trends in business development and recruitment, which has been invaluable in my current role.
What is it like working for Action West London?
Working for Action West London is incredibly rewarding. There’s a real sense of purpose in the work we do – every day, we’re helping young people and local communities access opportunities they might otherwise miss. The team is passionate, supportive, and always striving to make a positive impact. It’s not just about the work we do; it’s about creating lasting change in the lives of those we support. I feel lucky to be part of such a dedicated and caring group of people.
What does a typical day look like for you from start to finish?
My day starts early with checking emails and reviewing tasks for the day. A big part of my role involves building relationships with employers – I spend time connecting with them to understand their needs and help them find the right candidates. I also work with our Employment Advisor teams, ensuring they are updated on available job vacancies and opportunities for our clients.
Throughout the day, I speak with job-ready candidates – offering support with CVs, job searches, and interview prep. I also liaise with local training providers to make sure we have up-to-date information on the training they offer. It’s all about making connections and ensuring everyone has the resources and support they need to succeed.
What do you love the most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives. Helping young people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds access meaningful work opportunities is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy the relationships I build with employers – it’s not just about filling vacancies, but about creating lasting partnerships that benefit both the business and the community. Seeing someone find a job that fits them perfectly is always the highlight of my day.
If you could give someone one piece of career advice, what would it be?
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: always stay curious and be open to learning. The world of work is constantly changing, and the more adaptable and open-minded you are, the better equipped you’ll be to thrive. It’s also essential to build strong, genuine relationships – whether you’re working with candidates, employers, or colleagues – because those connections often lead to the most rewarding opportunities.
Thank you Jonathan!