Young people from across Cumbria came together with dozens of host companies at a celebration to reflect on the ‘life-changing’ Dream Placement 2026 experience organised by the Centre for Leadership Performance
The event at Energus near Workington was the culmination of a 6-month long journey of engagement, collaboration and exploration begun by hundreds of 16 to 18-year-old Dream Placement applicants from schools and colleges across Cumbria.
CforLP Executive Director Sarah Glass said: “It was a really uplifting event as young people came together with host companies and educators to celebrate their success and reflect on their achievements.”
Almost 80 young people were hosted by 32 companies, organisations and charities to learn about leadership, workplace skills and the huge variety of career opportunities in Cumbria, working alongside hosts and interacting face-to-face with employees ranging from apprentices and graduates to young leaders and managing directors.
A high point was a video looking at the huge variety of placement opportunities enjoyed by the students, from engineering in the nuclear, defence and energy fields, tourism and the arts to veterinariansurgeries, working with a local MP, caring for those most vulnerable in our communities, and restoring and protecting natural habitats.
Hosts from multi-nationals and market leaders to SMEs and charities welcomed the students and shared their workplaces and their experiences to give candidates a unique insight into the world of work, careers and leadership.
The panel discussion was another highlight of the event with students and employers discussing a range of topics chosen by the young people. They included overcoming barriers to making the most of career and work placement opportunities, transport, building the confidence needed to apply for placements, knowing how to find and access them, the need for more engaging activities in school not just ‘boring talks ‘, and projects which can weave in all of these elements and take the conversations further.
One candidate told the audience: “I didn’t really know why I was learning at school and didn’t think education equipped me for work. But now I know that I must seize every opportunity and work hard at school to access the jobs I want.”
Another of the student presenters, Conisha Agho from Caldew School said about her experience of Dream Placement: “I realised I hadn’t outgrown Cumbia, I had underestimated it”
Young people were asked what they may do differently going forward with their new found confidence; putting themselves out there to seek more opportunities and applying themselves more effectively at school were key outcomes:
Dream Placement was co-created by the CforLP with businesses and educators 13 years ago to address the talent drain and help young people see the amazing opportunities across the county. The inclusiveis organised in collaboration with companies, schools and colleges, and funded by local businesses to build confidence and self-belief, and develop key leadership skills. Importantly it extends high quality placements to everyone, whereas young people often secure opportunities only through family connections.
Schools and colleges taking part in Dream Placement 2026 included: Caldew School, Carlisle College, Cockermouth School, Dallam School, Energy Coast UTC, Keswick School, Lakes College, Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School, Millom School, Nelson Thomlinson School, Netherhall School, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, St Benedict’s Catholic High School, Trinity School Sixth Form Carlisle, Ullswater Community College, Ulverston Victoria High School, West Lakes Academy, Whitehaven Academy William Howard School, Windermere School, and Workington Academy.
Almost 300 16-18 year olds from across Cumbria originally applied for placements. Through the 3-month inclusive application and support process they were encouraged to take part in dynamic online development activities designed to deliver maximum benefit in terms of personal development and gaining new life skills.
Regular online support and training sessions were also provided for host companies to help them organise meaningful placements and get the best out of their students.
Sarah Glass added: “Cumbrian companies once again stepped up to connect businesses and young people through meaningful placements that provide opportunities for them to see leadership in the workplace.
“Businesses gain from getting young people’s perspectives on some key challenges facing their organisations, and enabling ambitious young people to discover what the county has to offer. Importantly – with every placement, every conversation, every opportunity they are investing in people who will shape our region’s future.”
More than 2,800 young people have so far been involved with this unique Cumbrian development programme. To find out more about career support and opportunities for young people visit https://cforlp.org.uk/dream-placement/
