From Classroom to Boardroom: Liverpool Students Take the Lead in Trailblazing PoWEr Pack Launch

Royal Navy with Students

Twenty-five young creatives from The City of Liverpool College have taken bold steps toward their futures through PoWEr Pack, a transformative employability and confidence-building programme from We Are PoWEr, delivered via its social enterprise arm, PoWEr Collective CIC.

The innovative programme was designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. It targeted students from disadvantaged and neurodiverse backgrounds including students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and hearing impairments — ensuring a fully inclusive approach to developing real-world skills.

Launched in Liverpool, where We Are PoWEr was founded and proudly based, the programme aimed to give back to the community that has powered its mission from the start.

As founder Simone Roche MBE explains: “Liverpool is in our DNA. It was vital for us to launch PoWEr Pack here, using the strength of our local network to ignite ambition and confidence in the next generation. We’ve witnessed talent shine, barriers fall, and futures begin.”


Students from graphic design, photography and gaming courses, mostly aged 17–18, were immersed in a packed agenda of workshops and challenges delivered by local and national business volunteers. The experience culminated in a Dragon’s Den-style pitch event, where 16 students presented their ideas to a panel of industry leaders.

Among the standout moments was a dedicated industry day at Liverpool Museum, where students led public object-handling sessions, completed risk assessments, and delivered impromptu presentations to staff and volunteers — a vital confidence boost for those who often struggle to find their voice.

Jack, one of the student participants, shared: “What I enjoyed most was the people I met along the way. I’ve learnt loads about communication, and every part of the programme was useful.”

Student Heidi added: “PoWEr Pack helped me believe in myself under pressure. The workshops with the Royal Navy and Canva were especially inspiring.” 

The programme was enriched by contributions from an impressive lineup of guest speakers and volunteers from Bank of America, DWF Law, Canva, the Royal Navy, ND Axon, Matchstick Creative, and Ngunan Adamu from iWoman Academy.

Michael Jakubiak, CEO of ND Axon, said: “The energy in the room was electric. I watched a student who was too shy to speak at the start grow into someone who stood tall and proud presenting to a group. That’s what PoWEr is all about.”
 
The final pitching panel featured influential regional leaders including Jon Corner, Kirsty Doyle (The KD Club), Dr Jan Brown (LJMU), Claire Benjamin (Liverpool Museums), and Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee (BAE Systems/AviateHer), all of whom praised the professionalism and potential shown by the students.
Claire Benjamin, Head of Learning at Liverpool Museums, said: “It was incredible hearing the students’ pitches — their creativity and growth in such a short time was inspiring.”
 
Students left with more than just certificates — they left with increased self-belief. Feedback from participants revealed:

  • 100% reported improved confidence
  • 100% improved their public speaking skills
  • 80% gained stronger problem-solving abilities
  • 80% left with a better understanding of the world of work
Simone Roche MBE added: “PoWEr Pack is not just a programme – it’s a movement for equity, connection, and confidence. Thanks to the Esprit Foundation, our business volunteers, and The City of Liverpool College, we’ve made real change – and we’re just getting started.” 

With the pilot’s success in Liverpool, We Are PoWEr now plans to scale PoWEr Pack across other regions, continuing its mission to empower young people from all backgrounds to be confident, capable, and career-ready.

If you’d like to get involved or find out more about the work of We Are PoWEr or their PoWEr Pack, visit wearepower.net