For many young people, the world of work can feel a long way off.
They know jobs exist, but they don’t always get the chance to see what modern businesses actually look like, meet the people behind them or understand the different paths that can lead to a successful career.
That’s why Launchpad was delighted to welcome a group of young people from Chase High School and King Edmund School for a day of inspiration, conversation and practical activities as part of the Greater Essex Careers Hub‘s Future Ready programme.
Rather than spending the day talking to the students, the focus was on talking with them.
Throughout the day they met entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals from across the Launchpad community who shared honest stories about their own careers. Some spoke about following a traditional route, while others described changing direction, overcoming setbacks or discovering opportunities they never expected.
Those conversations helped reinforce an important message: there isn’t one route to success.
Bringing the world of business to life
Launchpad is home to businesses working across a wide range of industries, creating an environment where innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship happen every day.
By opening our doors, we’re able to give young people a genuine insight into what that environment looks and feels like.
They explored different ways people work today, discovered the variety of careers available within growing businesses and heard first-hand what employers value beyond qualifications, from curiosity and resilience to communication and teamwork.
The afternoon gave them the opportunity to put those ideas into practice through interactive workshops.
One session challenged teams to respond to a real client brief by designing a property, encouraging creative thinking, collaboration and problem solving. Another explored personal branding, helping participants reflect on their strengths, values and what makes them unique.
These weren’t classroom exercises. They reflected the kinds of conversations, challenges and teamwork that happen in businesses every day.
More than a workspace
At Launchpad, we believe innovation doesn’t happen in isolation.
Our community thrives because people share ideas, learn from one another and create opportunities together. Opening our doors to the next generation is a natural extension of that philosophy.
When young people can meet business owners, ask questions and see successful organisations up close, they begin to understand that careers aren’t abstract concepts. They’re built by real people making decisions, learning new skills and taking opportunities.
Just as importantly, businesses benefit too. Events like this allow professionals to share their experiences, inspire future talent and strengthen the connections between education and industry.
Investing in tomorrow’s innovators
Creating opportunities for young people isn’t separate from supporting business growth. The two go hand in hand.
Today’s students will become tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, employees, innovators and business leaders. Helping them understand the opportunities available today helps build a stronger, more confident workforce for the future.
At Launchpad, we believe businesses have an important role to play in inspiring the next generation. Whether that’s opening your doors, sharing your career journey, offering work experience or simply taking the time to answer questions, every conversation has the potential to shape someone’s future.
If you’re part of the Launchpad community – or a business in the wider Southend area – and would like to support future events like this, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can help young people discover what’s possible while building stronger connections between education, enterprise and our local business community.
Investing in the next generation isn’t just good for young people, it’s good for business, good for our community and good for the future of South Essex.
