Young people in South Cumbria aged 16 to 18 still have time to apply for a place on a free leadership and placement programme that gives them the opportunity to spend a week with one of Cumbria’s top employers.

The deadline for Dream Placement 2026 delivered by the Centre for Leadership Performance is Monday, October 27th, 2025.

Successful applicants will join a six-month programme that can open the door to new career opportunities, enabling them to see leadership in action and demonstrate their own potential.

The Centre is also looking for more businesses across Westmorland and Furness to collaborate on the programme and take advantage of funding support available through the Printers Inc Social Mobility Fund via Cumbria Community Foundation, which makes participation easier.

Students (16–18) can benefit from a week-long placement with a local employer and gain confidence, workplace skills, and insight into leadership and future careers. The Dream Placements are for a week over the February 2026 half term break.  Not every applicant will gain a placement, but every young person taking part benefits from development opportunities throughout the six-month programme, and is given insights that enable them to make informed choices about their future.

Businesses which choose to host a week-long placement over the February half-term gain fresh ideas, new perspectives, and the chance to showcase exciting careers in their sector. Whether they are an SME, charity, or larger organisation, it is an opportunity to engage more effectively with local young people through a fully managed and supported programme.

More than 35 companies are already taking part, including Gleeds Energy, Art Gene, and Cumbria Tourism and more are in discussions to be part of Dream Placement 2026.

Young people or companies wishing to take part should visit https://www.dreamplacement.org.uk/ or email nicola.woolley@cforlp.org.uk