ONE HUNDRED businesses across Essex are being challenged to provide young people with meaningful experiences of the world of work across 100 days.

‘100 in 100’ was launched this week by the Essex Growth Agency, in partnership with the Greater Essex Careers Hub. It was hosted by Morgan Sindall Construction at the Glenwood School SEND sixth form currently being built .

Businesses, educators and stakeholders championing modern work experiences heard from apprentices and industry experts about how meaningful engagement with the world of work can transform young people’s futures.

100 in 100 will connect businesses with schools and colleges so they can offer experiences such as workplace visits, career talks, mentoring and short projects.

These opportunities will not only benefit young people but also deliver significant advantages for participating businesses, including:

• building lasting relationships with education providers
• creating a pipeline of future talent
• helping shape the local skills agenda
• raising their profile within the community

100 in 100 aligns with the Essex Year of Opportunity, a wider campaign by Essex County Council across 2025/26.

Through projects and partnerships with organisations, the Essex Year of Opportunity removes barriers into work and education for all ages by providing insight and access to essential skills.

Ryan Liversage, Area Director (Essex) at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “We’re proud to host the launch of ‘100 in 100’ because initiatives like this create real opportunities for young people to experience the world of work first-hand. By connecting businesses with schools, we can help inspire future talent and show the breadth of careers available in our industry and beyond. At Morgan Sindall Construction, we believe that investing in skills today builds a stronger workforce and a thriving local economy for tomorrow.”

Mitchell Faherty, Apprentice Site Manager at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: Completing work experience with Morgan Sindall gave me a huge insight into the industry and confirmed that an apprenticeship was the right path for me. The hands-on learning and support I received played a huge part in securing my apprenticeship. Now, being able to contribute to the programme and guide new work-experience cohorts feels like a meaningful way to give back to the team that helped me start my career.”

Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability at Essex County Council, said: “This programme supports the ambitions of the Essex Year of Opportunity by giving young people more chances to see what the world of work really looks like. By opening doors and sharing experiences, we can help them make informed choices and build confidence for their future careers. It’s a simple but powerful way for businesses to make a lasting difference.”

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity at Essex County Council, said: “Whether you’re a large employer or a small local business, your involvement matters. ‘100 in 100’ is an opportunity to not only showcase what you do, but more importantly, to inspire the next generation. By supporting young people to expand their horizons and learn new skills, you are both increasing the opportunities available to them and strengthening the Essex economy. I encourage businesses to be part of this initiative.” in 100 is being delivered by Deyton Bell on behalf of the Essex Growth Agency. Over the next 100 days, they will support businesses with delivering their pledge, making it easy for employers of all sizes to get involved.

Essex businesses can find out more and sign up to 100 in 100 at https://100in100.deytonbell.com/