We’re excited to announce the relaunch of Explore Your Future (EYF), employer‑led programme designed to inspire students in Years 7–9 and open their eyes to the world of work, local industries, and future opportunities.
EYF provides young people with meaningful encounters that help build confidence, curiosity, and aspiration at a crucial stage in their development. With your support, we can help students understand the local labour market, discover diverse career pathways, and experience the skills and mindsets that employers value.
This year, EYF is launching three dynamic workshop formats to give employers flexibility in how they engage, whether you’re a global brand, a small business, a community organisation, or anything in between.
- Pitch Workshop – Fast‑paced, Creative & Energetic
Students work in small teams to respond to an idea set by you. They explore a challenge, generate ideas, refine them collaboratively and deliver a short elevator pitch at the end of the session. This workshop builds creativity, teamwork, communication and problem‑solving while giving students a real insight into how ideas are shaped in industry.
- Have‑a‑Go Workshop – Practical, Hands‑On & Memorable
Bring your industry to life by introducing students to a tool, task or piece of equipment connected to your sector. Whether it’s STEM kit, a creative activity, or a simulated workplace challenge, students learn by doing, boosting their confidence and helping them understand what different roles involve in a practical, engaging way.
- Real‑World Challenge – Deep Thinking with Real Impact
Share a genuine challenge or inefficiency facing your sector, such as sustainability issues, engaging certain communities, or improving logistics. Students work in teams to analyse the issue and propose solutions. This format focuses on reasoning, teamwork and critical thinking, offering a unique opportunity for young people to understand how organisations tackle meaningful problems.
Why Get Involved?
By taking part in EYF, employers will:
- Inspire the next generation and strengthen local talent pipelines
- Showcase their sector and job roles in a vibrant, accessible way
- Support essential skill development in young people
- Build visibility across Portsmouth and the wider Solent region
- Play an active role in raising aspirations for students aged 11–14
Your involvement makes these experiences possible. Even a single session can make a long‑lasting impact on a young person’s confidence, motivation, and connection to the world of work.
We’re now building our 2026 delivery calendar and are seeking employers from all sectors to get involved. Although the workshops are designed for 100 minutes, you can offer what works best for you and we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Click the link below to register your interest and tell us how you’d like to take part:
Explore Your Future – Employer Booking Form 2026 – Fill in form
For more info, feel free to put your queries at info@shapingportsmouth.co.uk. Together, let’s spark ambition, fuel curiosity, and help every young person explore their future with confidence.