How we invested more than 1,000 hours in the next generation of creative talent

As we celebrate our seventh anniversary, we’re proud to mark a significant milestone in our community impact, having invested more than 1,000 hours supporting young people across the Black Country during the 2025/26 academic year.

Our investment in future talent has helped students develop workplace skills, confidence and industry experience, while generating an estimated social value of more than £70,000.

Between September 2025 and July 2026, we worked with students ranging from secondary school age through to university level, providing practical opportunities designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.

We supported students from Wolverhampton Grammar School, Codsall Community High School, Dudley College and the University of Wolverhampton, helping young people gain real-world experience in marketing, design, social media, finance and business operations.

Some of the highlights from the year included delivering mock interviews for eight University of Wolverhampton students and supporting the University’s School of Creative Industries Level 3 Schools and Colleges Art & Design Competition, a national contest celebrating emerging creative talent from across the UK. We also supported initiatives such as South Staffordshire Council’s Inspiring Tomorrow’s Workforce programme.

Students were immersed in real client work as well as shadowing and observation opportunities. From social media management and e-commerce development to finance, branding and market research, students gained hands-on experience while making meaningful contributions to our clients and projects.

Students also contributed market research and trend analysis for leading UK based healthcare brand AproDerm®. Meanwhile, a University of Wolverhampton student developed brand identity concepts for ethical, female-founded statement t-shirt company Miss Chief Threads and designed appointment cards for Fierce Hairdressing in Wombourne.

Through our placements, mentoring opportunities and employability programmes, students reported increased confidence, stronger workplace skills and a better understanding of future career opportunities. By working closely with schools, colleges and universities across the region, we’re helping talented young people from diverse backgrounds gain access to industries that can often feel out of reach.

“We’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to gain real-world experience and build confidence in their abilities. Many talented students don’t have access to industry connections or practical workplace opportunities, so we’re proud to help open those doors.

As a female-founded agency, we believe businesses have a responsibility to create positive social impact. By investing in emerging talent today, we’re helping build a stronger, more diverse and more innovative creative sector for the future.”

Carolyn Smith, Founder and Managing Director, TPSquared

Despite being a team of just three, we’ve dedicated significant time and resources to supporting the next generation of talent, embedding employability, mentoring and skills development into our day-to-day operations.

Beyond developing future talent, we hope our work encourages more young creatives, entrepreneurs and innovators to build successful careers in the West Midlands, helping the region retain the talent that too often migrates elsewhere.

As we look ahead to the 2026/27 academic year, we remain committed to expanding our education partnerships and creating even more opportunities for the next generation across the West Midlands.