Charities, voluntary community organisations and small businesses in West Cumbria are again getting extra help from Nuclear Waste Services to enable them to take part in Cumbria’s unique Dream Placement programme designed to introduce young people to the workplace and expand their career aspirations.
The programme which launches in September is designed and delivered by the Centre for Leadership Performance in partnership with employers’ schools and colleges. The 2026 programme will continue to broaden the participation and opportunities still further this year.
The 6 month leadership development programme has given thousands of young people the chance to connect with potential employers and learn more about business while gaining workplace skills and building confidence. Participating companies and organisations span nuclear, engineering and manufacturing alongside hospitality, tourism, the arts, voluntary and service sectors.
In addition to the dozens of companies supporting the scheme, in 2025 Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) provided a three year commitment of financial support through the NWS Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) socioeconomic funding.
This enabled 5 new organisations to participate in the programme including Soundwave Music Charity, Citizen’s Advice, Xtreme Fitness, Co-Lab engineering and a collaboration between Rosehill Theatre and Florence Arts Centre. 12 additional placements were made available to students through the involvement of these organisations.
Funded places are available again in 2026, enabling sponsored organisations to host young people and attend all the events associated with the programme, showcasing opportunities in otherwise overlooked sectors.
Alongside the sponsored places the NWS funding also enables the CforLP to provide targeted support for learners who may experience additional barriers to taking up opportunities such as Dream Placement.
The 2025 NWS funding provided almost 70 students with additional support through a series of face-to-face development workshops, helping them identify barriers, build confidence and self-belief, and develop a range of essential skills including communications, to continue to make Dream Placement a truly inclusive programme.
One student commented “The sessions were very helpful, they helped me build my confidence and I enjoyed the time I spent in them”.
The NDA is committed to achieving transformational outcomes for communities living near its sites through its own activities and support for projects that benefit local communities and in particular young people.
Tracy Badham, NWS Social Responsibility Manager, said: “Dream Placement is a huge success in the area, and we are keen to encourage more young people to experience this great opportunity. NWS is delighted to support the Widening Participation programme, which is designed to build confidence, provide help and support to enable students to believe in themselves to take the next step in their career journey.”
CforLP Executive Director Sarah Glass explains: “We continually seek to broaden the spectrum of companies and young people taking part in Dream Placement. This additional support from NWS means more diverse small companies and charities can connect with young people in West Cumbria on a unique level.
“There is no cost to the NWS funded participation, and applicants simply need to demonstrate their willingness to give placements experience of business and the workplace which has proved life-changing for so many of our candidates.”
From September Cumbrians aged 16-18 are invited to apply for the opportunity to spend the February 2026 half-term break embedded with a company. All of the applicants benefit from a selection process which gives everyone taking part important life skills and invaluable experience.
More than 90% of Dream Placement students would highly recommend Dream Placement to other 16 –18 year olds, 90% of employers felt that Dream Placement improved their connection to future talent and 94% felt it improved their feeling of giving something back.
To find out how your small business or charity can take part in Dream Placement 2026 email nicola.woolley@cforlp.org.uk or visit https://cforlp.org.uk/dreamplacement/
