Working in teams, students tackled a series of hands-on activities: creating business ideas, designing brand identities, balancing budgets, and preparing marketing strategies. By pitching their fledgling ventures, they experienced the early stages of launching a business, developing key skills - teamwork, communication, creative thinking, and financial awareness.

The immersive, reality-based format helps students understand what employers value by simulating workplace environments in a fun, supportive setting. One student said: 

It was really helpful for my future and career.

While another added:

We had the chance to learn what employers are looking for.

The event was supported by passionate industry volunteers who guided and encouraged students throughout the day, bridging classroom learning and real-world contexts.

The Launchpad is intentionally designed as a single-day taster to spark interest in longer enterprise experiences - encouraging schools to engage in more in-depth programmes afterwards. It served as a powerful, confidence-boosting introduction for our students, blending creativity, collaboration, and commercial awareness in an engaging format.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 cohort for embracing the challenge with enthusiasm and professionalism. Here’s to many more steps on their entrepreneurial and career journeys!