Real challenges. Real learning. Real progress.
The Workplace Challenge helps you unlock your young employee’s ideas, confidence and capability - while they deliver measurable results for your business.
A 14-week, CPD-accredited programme for 18-25-year-olds, requiring 2 hours per week, designed to strengthen your talent pipeline, build collaboration across departments, and tackle real operational or sustainability challenges head-on.
What’s in it for your business?
People who step up - young employees gain the confidence and skills to lead real change.
Ideas that make a difference - every team works on a live challenge with outcomes you can use.
Connections that last - colleagues build networks across departments and learn to solve problems together.
A workplace that gets more done - when people are motivated, connected and skilled, productivity naturally follows.
Programme Options
Online Challenge
14 weeks
2-3hrs per week
10 learning modules
4 webinars
Minimum of 3 participants
£750+VAT per participant
Next programme starts:
03/03/2026
Challenge Live
14 weeks
2-3hrs per week
10 learning modules
4 bespoke in-person events
Suitable for 9-25 participants
From £16k+VAT per programme
Next programme starts:
Flexible starts in Feb/Mar 2026
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“I know our people are dedicated but this has raised the bar. I'm really proud of what the team have achieved”
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director, Lothian Buses
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“Definitely do it. I did the programme when I started at the company and it was a really great way to kick start my career”
Amy Nelson, Marketing Coordinator, Booth Welsh
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This is more than just training. It's a programme of learning experiences and consolidation, actively applying their new skills
Gillian McFarlane, Skills Academy Manager, Scottish Water
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"I developed skills in keeping an open mind and being patient. It changed my perspective on the business side of things."
Cayden Gordon, Participant, Your Equipment Solutions
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“I think just having that extra skill, to really research and analyse all the information that was in front of me
Erin Rollo, Cafe Supervisor, Dundee Science Centre
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"I was nervous, but it’s enabled me to develop my communication, critical thinking and leadership skills”
Ali Halliday, Project Management Apprentice, Scottish Water
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“It was good doing the teamwork exercises on group decisions and how to talk to each other. It sounds weird, but it was so helpful”
Esmee Wragg, Participant, Plexus
Proven impact
Across Scotland, more than 100 employers have taken part in the Workplace Challenge - from engineering firms to utilities, public services and food & drink.
Together, we’ve delivered:
1,066 participants, 190 teams, 26 live challenges and events
Many of these businesses - including Scottish Water, Lothian and Spirit AeroSystems - now make the Workplace Challenge a permanent part of their apprenticeship and early-career programmes.
