What did you want to be when you were little?
Jan 30, 2026A vet.
A footballer.
A teacher.
A designer.
For most of us, that question still sparks a memory, a time when possibilities felt open and the future hadn’t yet been narrowed by labels, assumptions or a lack of visibility.
On 1st February, a new project launches that starts with that simple question,3 and then goes much further.
Welcome to Joining the Dots
Joining the Dots is a new, purpose-led project designed to change the way we connect young people, schools and local businesses, and to do it properly.
This project is part-funded by East Midlands Combined County Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the grant scheme administered by High Peak Borough Council.
But funding is only part of the story.
At its heart, Joining the Dots exists because we need to do things differently.
Why this matters - now more than ever
Too many young people leave education with qualifications, but little understanding of:
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what jobs actually involve day to day
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where their strengths might fit
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what opportunities exist locally
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or how to make confident, informed choices about their future
At the same time, small and medium-sized businesses are telling us something just as important.
They want to:
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connect with the next generation of talent
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raise awareness of the roles and careers they offer
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help shape future skills
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and build stronger relationships with schools and further education providers
But the current system often feels fragmented, last-minute or box-ticking.
Careers education shouldn’t be an add-on.
It should be woven into everyday learning and real life — from primary school onwards.
What Joining the Dots is here to do
Joining the Dots is designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by bringing people, stories and opportunities together in a more human, practical way.
The project aims to:
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help young people understand who they are, what they’re good at and what they enjoy
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showcase the breadth of roles that exist across local businesses and industries
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share real stories — including the ups, downs, twists and changes along the way
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support schools to build stronger connections with local employers and further education institutions
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and encourage businesses to open their doors, share their experiences and help define future skills
No jargon.
No perfect career paths.
Just honest insight and real conversations.
A word from the founder
Joining the Dots was created by Lucy Rennie, founder of LR Comms and a long-time champion of small businesses, people-led leadership and doing work that genuinely matters.
“I’ve spent over 25 years working with businesses of all sizes, across different industries and communities. One thing has always stood out, most people don’t end up doing what they thought they would when they were younger, but everyone benefits from understanding their strengths and seeing what’s possible.
I’m deeply passionate about giving young people the best possible chance to make better choices, find work they enjoy, and build futures that play to their strengths.
At the same time, I believe our small businesses have an incredible role to play, not just as employers, but as educators, role models and partners in shaping the future.
Joining the Dots is about bringing those worlds closer together, for the benefit of everyone.”
This is just the beginning
Joining the Dots launches as a pilot, with a particular focus on connecting local businesses and secondary schools across the High Peak and surrounding areas.
It’s a starting point, not a finished solution.
We’re inviting:
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businesses of all sizes
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people from all walks of life
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educators, employers and industry partners
to get involved, share their stories, open conversations and help young people see what’s really out there.
Because when we change the way we do things, we change what feels possible.
This is just the start.
Come and join us, and help connect the dots.
