- July 10, 2025
On Tuesday 8th July, students from Fred Longworth took part in The National Careers Challenge at London’s Barbican Centre. Delivered by The Inspirational Learning Group in partnership with NatWest Thrive, the Challenge has engaged more than 700,000 young people across the UK, Middle East and China since its launch in 2013. Founded by cousins Ben and Michael Dyer, the programme brings real, employer-led briefs into schools, fostering teamwork, confidence and problem-solving skills among 11–16-year-olds.
Entrepreneur and TikTok star Simon Squibb – ambassador for National Careers Challenge 2025 – opened the Grand Finals with his “What’s Your Dream?” keynote, sharing personal insights on entrepreneurship. Viral sensation DJ Chicken Nugget and Britain’s Got Talent winner Viggo Venn were also in attendance, joining in the celebration of young talent and essential skills.
Across Years 7 to 10, each group tackled a bespoke challenge co-designed with leading employers:
Year 7 – Sustainable Town of the Future (Air Products)
Students designed sustainable communities that utilise gases produced by Air Products to reduce carbon footprints.
Year 8 – Future Airline (British Airways)
Teams reimagined air travel by creating an eco-friendly BA sub-brand, complete with innovative passenger experiences and sustainable operations.
Year 9 – Start Local, Think Global (NatWest Thrive)
Participants developed business ideas rooted in their communities but designed to scale to global markets, demonstrating entrepreneurial flair and financial intelligence.
Year 10 – Wellbeing Challenge (Wickes)
Groups designed and implemented dedicated wellbeing spaces within their schools, crafting solutions to enhance health, safety and mental-health support for students and staff.
Working alongside these industry partners, the Challenge equipped students with authentic insights into careers spanning STEM, aviation, finance and facilities management. Finalists not only presented to senior executives but also explored pathways they might never have considered.
Ben Dyer, co-founder of The Inspirational Learning Group, remarked,
“It was incredible to witness the creativity and determination these students brought to the Challenge. Our partnership with NatWest Thrive and support from our employer collaborators ensured that young people could tackle real-world challenges, build essential skills and see themselves as the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”
Students from Freddie’s pitched their idea with distinction, doing both our school and local community proud.
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