At Great Places, we believe in the power of connection between people, communities and opportunities. Last March, we had the privilege of coordinating a vibrant and inspiring event at a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) site in Longsight, Manchester. The day was all about opening doors and sparking ambition through a dynamic ‘Work Carousel’ format.
The concept was simple but powerful: bring employers and professionals directly to the students, rotate them in small groups, and give them the chance to ask real questions about real careers. The result? A room full of curiosity and conversation.
We were thrilled to welcome a fantastic mix of partners who brought their energy and expertise:
- Eric Wright Construction and CPC Consultants, two of our valued social value contractors, shared insights into the construction and consultancy sectors.
- PLF, a brickwork subcontractor, gave students a hands-on look at skilled trades and the pathways into them.
- Dry Waver CIC, a music-focused community partner, brought a creative spark, showing how passion for music can lead to meaningful careers.
The students engaged brilliantly, asking thoughtful questions, exploring different career paths, and gaining a clearer sense of what their futures could hold.
And the project doesn’t stop there. We’re excited to be planning a site visit to the Laystall Street Development, giving students a real-world look at a live construction scheme and the many roles involved in bringing it to life.
A huge thank you to our partners, the staff at the PRU, and most importantly, the students, whose enthusiasm and openness made the day a success.
