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For Businesses 

 

A simple, meaningful way for businesses to inspire young people - and shape the future workforce.

Joining the Dots helps businesses share what they do, connect with young people, and give back in a way that feels realistic, supported and genuinely worthwhile.

Some of the challenges businesses are facing..

 

    • A lack of awareness for your business and brand - you're the world's best kept secret!

    • Struggling to attract and retain the right people.

    • Want to inspire and support young people but don’t know how to connect.

    • Don’t have the time or structure for traditional work placements.

    • Want to give back in a way that feels realistic and meaningful. 
    • Want to help, but face red tape, lack of connection with schools, and real challenges attracting people with the right values, skills and curiosity.

     

    You have valuable experience, insights and stories to share - but no simple way to do it.

This is an opportunity to share what you do, inspire young people, build awareness as a values-led employer, engage your team and give back in a manageable, meaningful way.

6 Reasons to get involved in Joining the Dots

1. Build a future talent pipeline

 

Recruiting brilliant future employees starts with awareness, understanding and trust.

We can help you connect with young people and get ahead of the curve, creating solid relationships long with potential future employees. 

2. Play an active role in closing the skills gap

 

Skills gaps don’t fix themselves.

By sharing real insight into your roles, skills and working environment, you help shape expectations early, and influence what young people choose to study, train in and pursue.

3. Build awareness of your business and brand

 

Most young people have no idea what you actually do, or the opportunities you offer. And most schools struggle to connect with employers. 

We help you break this pattern through real stories, real people and real encounters.

4. Inspire the next generation to make better, more informed choices


Help create meaningful encounters and inspire young people to get curious and make better choices.

By getting involved, you help them understand: what the world of work is really like and to explore the different paths and opportunities that exist.

5. Help bridge the gap 

 

The world of work is changing and we want to create space for two-way learning: what young people value, expect and worry about and what businesses need in terms of attitude, skills and responsibility leading to improved alignment, and better outcomes for everyone.

6. Showcase your team 

 

Celebrate your team and encourage them to:
share their journeys, talk about their roles and get involved as role models and mentors.

Building engagement and connection from the inside-out. 

At the same time, many young people leave education with little understanding of real workplaces or career paths.

 

That gap matters - and businesses have a vital role to play in helping close it.

   

Register Your Interest Now

How it works

STEP 1 = Register your interest

Businesses and organisations start by completing a simple sign-up form to let us know they’d like to take part in Joining the Dots.

There’s no long application process, just an expression of interest.

STEP 2 = We get to know you

Once registered, we’ll be in touch to understand more about your organisation, including:

  • what you do and the sector you operate in
  • the types of roles that exist within your organisation
  • the skills, experience and pathways involved
  • what you’d feel comfortable sharing or supporting

This conversation helps us represent your organisation accurately and connect you with schools in the right way.

STEP 3 = We build your profile for you

We take care of setting everything up on the platform.

All we ask is a small amount of time from you to capture your story. We’ll guide you through exactly what’s needed.

You’ll simply need to share:

  • a short overview of your organisation
  • details about your team and roles
  • your logo and brand assets
  • photos of your people and workplace
  • links to your website and social channels

We’ll do the rest - writing, uploading and structuring your profile so it’s clear, engaging and age-appropriate.

 

 

STEP 4 = Connect with schools (with support)

Once your profile is live, schools can explore your organisation and understand what you do before making contact.

When connections are made, we help coordinate activity so expectations are clear and appropriate for everyone involved.

Take part when you can

You stay in control of your involvement.

You choose when and how to support schools and young people, through activities such as:

  • career talks or assemblies
  • Q&A sessions or interviews
  • mentoring or short projects
  • workplace visits or work experience

There’s no pressure to do everything, contribution is flexible and designed to fit around real working life.

Get involved today

Why we ask businesses for a financial contribution

At the heart of Joining the Dots is a simple principle: Businesses give back so young people can access opportunity.

We believe cost should never be a barrier to opportunity.

Your financial contribution enables young people from all backgrounds, across all schools, to access information, inspiration and insight into the world of work.

Your annual business membership helps to cover the cost of developing, running and maintaining the Joining the Dots platform.

It ensures we can provide the best possible experience for schools, young people and businesses, while keeping access free for schools and young people.

Business membership 

Business membership pricing – Founder rates for 2026

(Organisations joining during the pilot phase will retain these prices for as long as they remain members.)

Payment is invoiced annually by LRComms and payable via BACS. 

Joining the Dots is provided with no cost to schools, it is funded by businesses to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for every student.  

 

Register Your Interest Now

Register your interest here

 

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Everything you need to know...

This project is part-funded by East Midlands Combined County Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The grant scheme was administered by High Peak Borough Council.