RAISE 2026: a bridge from school into work

'The opportunities RAISE has given us has really

broadened our views on the working world.'

RAISE was born out of a desire by a number of CMP partner businesses to make a positive contribution to the lives of young people. The initiative, which saw students from a local school hosted in a variety of work premises, providing an invaluable insight into the world of work, celebrated the conclusion of its third year at a graduation event, hosted by the Village Hotel.

The cohort pf year 9 students from Tomlinscote School in Frimley, took centre stage to receive congratulations from CMP Chair, Paul Edwards, and to present thoughts about their experiences to an audience of employers, educationalists and parents. And here's a flavour of what they learnt from this remarkable CMP initiative:

'Our impressions were that an airport only really has pilots and flight attendants but we slowly realised there are many jobs involved down to pet co-ordinators and up to engineers. Now we have a wider view on aviation, we have realised there is so much more than just flying and security.'

'PJ also created the Farr Foundation who fund STEM opportunities for young people that help build aspirations and give school-aged children access to science and technology.'

'I gained confidence in speaking to professionals and asking questions about their jobs and career journeys. And also a greater appreciation for the teamwork required to ensure guests have a positive experience.'

'Before we went, I didn’t really think about the things that come with being a part of a workplace environment like BMW. That it could be more than just an office job. I thought that being in a position at a big company meant doing the same thing every single day.'

'We realised that there are many different sectors within a business or industry. For example, within the automotive industry there jobs such as: engineering, sales, manufacturing, technical repair, sustainability, HR...'

'We were able to speak to people who have the opportunity to work in many different departments across the company.'

'I learnt that teamwork is so important in engineering. We also saw for ourselves how this local company sent its products to every continent on earth!'

'RAISE has, for all of us, been such an incredible experience.'

'It’s been a wonderful chance and we’ve learned so much. We hope the next people doing RAISE enjoy it as much as we have.'

 In 2026, students have been hosted in five very different CMP Member companies, drawn from very different employment sectors:

Amazon Filters BMW Group (UK) Farnborough Airport

UK Connect The Village Hotel

During the visits, hosts provided tours, meetings with a wide range of employees - from founders and Managing Directors, to experienced technicians and the newest apprentices - engaging, sector relevant activities and of course (these were teenagers after all) plenty of delicious food!

Adam Jackson, the School's coordinator for RAISE, spoke movingly about the year's programme:

'It's been an incredible programme for the students but also for me personally and professionally.

I've been enriched, able to gain a much better, understanding of these companies which I can now share with many others.'

Tomlinscote Principal, Rob Major, was equally enthusiastic about RAISE: 'It's not possible for Schools to provide experiences such as RAISE. It should be a programme rolled out nationally.'

One parent had this to say about RAISE: 'We were so impressed with the presentations: the confidence, enthusiasm and professionalism shown by all the students.

We really appreciate all of the hard work and dedication from the school, CMP and all of the companies involved in making the programme such a success. It has been a truly wonderful experience for our son, and we are so grateful for the opportunities and support he has received.'

Simon Jarvis, who has led the RAISE programme for CMP supported by Paul Marcus and Faye Paizes (Honorary RAISE Ambassador courtesy of the Airport), reflected on the year:

'I’ve been so impressed to see these youngsters grow in confidence, show signs of the adults they will become, taking their places in the world of work.

RAISE was a gift to each of them, providing an unparalleled range of workplace experiences, meeting people from across a wide range of sectors and roles – from company founders, senior managers to new apprentices.

Those involved understood that it's the collective responsibility of us all - schools, families and employers - to ensure that none of our those leaving school fall through faultlines which mean that they do not find their place in the world of work. 

The message to the students was simple – come in you’re welcome here, enjoy, explore, learn.

I'm so grateful to all of those involved in making RAISE a success: what a privilege this has been....'