IgnitED is a leading career experiences and industry mentoring programme that connects participants aged 14-17 with professional opportunities and professional guidance. Through real world experiences, hands‑on skills projects, pathway guidance, and mentorship from industry experts, IgnitED helps participants build practical confidence to succeed in their dream workplace.

Each programme is designed for 14–17-year-olds and delivered at one of our university venues. Participants explore their chosen industry through mentoring, hands-on workshops, employer visits and personalised pathway guidance.

The dynamic programme creates a space for young people to come together alongside peers who share their drive and curiosity. Participants build skills, grow confidence, and forge connections that could last well into their careers

IgnitED is designed for young people aged 14 to 17 who are eager to explore potential career paths through engaging and immersive experiences. Our programme is ideal for future professionals who are:

1. Curious About Their Future: Whether you're already passionate about going into a specific career or still figuring out your interests, IgnitED provides hands-on experiences to help you discover and pursue your path.

2. Passionate About Their Profession: If you love learning in dynamic and interactive environments, our practical workshops, industry visits, and professional coaching sessions, are perfect for you.

3. Looking to Build Skills: IgnitED helps identify and develop essential skills, industry knowledge, and forming your pathway to career readiness. All helping lay the foundation for future professional success.

4. Interested in Networking: Our programme offers opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, other young people with shared interests and at the same stage of their professional journey. You will also speak with industry professionals and university faculty.
   
   All of this helps you start your valuable professional support network.

5. Seeking Inspiration: If you want to be inspired by knowledgeable speakers and real-world experiences, IgnitED will spark your passion and drive for success.

Participants can choose one of the following career options:

1. Medicine

2. Law

3. Engineering

4. The Arts

5. Business

6. Broadening Horizons - a programme for young people wishing to explore their career pathway across different industries.

The programme is held in 3 University venues in August 2026 - with visits and sessions in surrounding organisations, towns and settings.

In 2026, IgnitED will be held at the University of Surrey, University of Brighton (Falmer Campus), and University of Portsmouth (Northern Quarter).

See the Booking Page for dates and prices

The IgnitED team brings expertise in premium education, course design, and industry partnerships. Their knowledge is drawn from over 20 years experience with several of the world's leading fee-paying school groups.

Collaborating with local businesses and university faculty, we collectively focus on delivering accessible, yet exceptional, foundational experiences to aspirational young learners.

Explore each programme page to meet the industry mentors guiding the experience.

The safety and well-being of our Participants is our top priority. We follow and in some cases exceed all government guidelines, having strict safety protocols in place and a safeguarding-by-design approach.

This includes ratios in campus sessions, supervised activities, visits, free-time, and ensuring safer recruitment processes are embedded for our trained staff.

All mentors are vetted to ensure industry expertise and mentoring suitability. They are DBS‑checked and formally inducted into IgnitED protocols.

Registration can be done via the booking page.

You will enjoy an exciting mix of hands-on workshops, industry visits, career pathway guidance, and professional coaching - including public speaking, personal branding, and strengthens cross-functional collaboration skills.

Social breakout sessions will help you forge new friendships and connections with a network of like-minded peers.

Yes! You will have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals, participate in workshops led by experts, and attend guest speaker sessions.

Each student can choose one career option for the 5-day programme.

This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the chosen field and understand the unique pathways to early career success.

If you are still exploring your opportunities, the Broadening Horizons programme gives participants the chance to explore sessions across different industry fields.

The IgnitED programme has been carefully designed as a comprehensive 5-day experience. Each day builds upon the previous sessions, with interconnected activities and lessons. Attending only part of the programme may lead to a fragmented understanding, as the sessions reference each other and provide a cohesive learning narrative.

To get the most out of this enriching experience, the 5 days are included together, but please contact us for any illness or unforeseen circumstances.

IgnitED is a non-residential programme, meaning participants come into the lecture rooms daily, as they would at undergraduate level.

We recognise that some participants may live further afield and daily commuting may be impractical. In these cases, we are happy to discuss supervised accommodation options while you attend the IgnitED programme.

Please contact our team directly to explore what arrangements are available.

If you are coming to the region with your family, we can also signpost trusted local accommodation options and help you find solutions that suit your needs. Our priority is to ensure every participant feels supported with a safe, comfortable place to stay throughout their experience.

Bring comfortable clothing, a notebook, pens, a packed lunch, and any personal items you may need for the day.

The campuses have an onsite cafe for refreshments and light lunches.

We will provide all materials for the programme, workshops, and activities.

The IgnitED programme is designed to be interactive and collaborative. You'll work in teams, participate in group activities, and have ample opportunity to connect with fellow learners who share your interests.

Building friendships and connections during this week is a vital part of professional growth. These relationships will form the foundation of your professional network, a valuable resource for sharing ideas, support, and opportunities in the future.

Programme prices vary depending on course type, location, and available funding opportunities. Prices and dates are available on the booking page.

Alternatively, let us know which programme you're interested in, and we’ll be happy to provide full details