The Power of Events has received funding from The Purple Guide Grant to support the expansion of its innovative Experience of Work programme, aimed at providing young people with accessible, compliant, and meaningful exposure to careers within the UK events industry.
The initiative has been developed as the next stage of The Power of Events’ successful Schools Engagement Programme, offering students the opportunity to experience real event environments through structured day-long programmes. Participants gain first-hand insight into the diverse career opportunities available across the events sector.
Successful Pilot Programmes Already Underway
Several pilot Experience of Work programmes have already been delivered in partnership with major industry organisations, including The O2, PLASA, and THE·TEAM. Additional opportunities are currently being developed as support for the initiative continues to grow across the industry.
The newly awarded Purple Guide Grant will specifically support experiences connected to the outdoor events sector, helping young people discover the creativity, scale, and career diversity that the industry offers.
Industry Associations Commit to Supporting Young Talent
As the programme expands, four leading industry associations have formally pledged places for future participants. These include the Meeting Industry Association (MIA), Production Services Association (PSA), Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), and PLASA.
Members of these associations will be able to utilise the pledged places to deliver Experience of Work opportunities within their own organisations and regions, demonstrating a strong industry-wide commitment to developing future talent.
Designed to Remove Barriers for Businesses
The programme has been carefully designed to make participation straightforward for businesses of all sizes. The Power of Events will provide guidance and support covering safeguarding requirements, school engagement, risk assessments, and programme delivery.
An upcoming Experience of Work Toolkit will offer a practical step-by-step framework, enabling organisations to host groups of between five and 50 young people with confidence and ease.
Official Launch Planned for September 2026
The Experience of Work programme is scheduled to launch officially in September 2026, with the first opportunities expected to begin from November 2026.
Developed in collaboration with industry partners, the programme has been informed by pilot activities conducted across venues, event build environments, agencies, warehouses, and live event settings.
Participants will benefit from a range of immersive experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours, interactive challenges, practical activities, exposure to live event builds, and direct engagement with professionals working across multiple event disciplines.
Industry Leaders Highlight Importance of Workforce Development
Rick Stainton, CEO of The Power of Events, welcomed the funding and emphasised its significance for the industry’s future.
“This funding is an incredibly important step in helping us all create meaningful, accessible and inspiring opportunities for young people to experience our industry first-hand. The events sector offers a huge range of careers, skills and pathways that many young people simply do not know exist. Experience of Work is designed to change that by opening doors, building confidence and showcasing the incredible people and environments that make our industry so special,” he said.
Steve Heap, Board Chair of The Purple Guide, also highlighted the importance of attracting new talent into the sector.
“The directors and publishers of The Purple Guide are very pleased to support the work of The Power of Events through this grant. If the outdoor events industry is to meet the challenges of the future, we must encourage young people into our workforce. Hands-on experiences at event sites provide an excellent way to inspire the next generation while bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm into the industry,” he said.
Strengthening the Future of the UK Events Industry
The expansion of the Experience of Work programme represents a significant investment in the future workforce of the UK events industry. By providing practical, real-world experiences and removing barriers for employers, the initiative aims to inspire the next generation of event professionals and strengthen talent pipelines across all sectors of the industry.
