On Friday 23 January, Working Options and Common People hosted an event that brought together creative professionals and young people from state schools across England. What unfolded were honest conversations, real insights, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Students were scheduled to leave at 12pm. By 12.45, they were still deep in discussion – comparing experiences, asking thoughtful questions, and building connections they didn’t want to cut short. Their teachers had prepared them brilliantly, and the young people arrived ready to listen, challenge, and explore. Watching their confidence grow throughout the morning was a reminder of why this work matters.
As they headed out, one teacher was already talking about the next event. Every student wanted to return. That enthusiasm is the clearest measure of impact.
A Day Built on Real Stories
Our Chief Executive, Sue, opened the morning by grounding everyone in the purpose of the day: widening opportunity, sharing responsibility, and creating spaces where young people feel they belong.
The panel, hosted by Laura Burch (founder of Work & Class and Common People), brought together Shirley Jones (Sky), Helen Bazuaye (Founder of Creative Grace / CoE We Are Here), Sam Williams (Youth Music), and Kevin Smith (FleishmanHillard). Each speaker shared their route into the creative industries, along with the barriers they faced trying to find a way in.
Different generations. Different sectors. Same message = Be persistent. Be resilient. Believe you belong.
A Setting That Inspired
FleishmanHillard UK generously hosted the event, giving students a valuable glimpse into a real workplace. Being in that environment made the conversations feel tangible and helped young people picture themselves in spaces they may not have previously imagined.
Why This Matters
This is what we do at Working Options, events that open doors, in‑school sessions that build confidence and skills, digital content that helps young people navigate their next steps.
We empower young people aged 11–19 by giving them the knowledge, skills, and access they need to take control of their futures. Everything we offer is free to young people, flexible, and designed to make careers feel real, relatable, and within reach.
Partner With Us
If you’re interested in hosting an event or partnering with us to open up your workplace to young people, we’d love to talk, contact our Head of Programme, Claire McMaster, here.
Find out how to get involved and help create the conditions where young people can see themselves, and be seen, in the world of work.
