Ecopreneurs Semi Finals Inspire the Next Generation of Sustainable Innovators

At the start of 2026, 433 Year 9 students from across North Lincolnshire stepped into the world of enterprise and sustainability through the Ecopreneurs Semi Finals, a collaborative workplace experience designed to bring careers learning to life inside the classroom.

Delivered in partnership between the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, University Campus North Lincolnshire and DN Colleges Group, the following secondary schools took part: Outwood Academy Foxhills, Baysgarth School, Outwood Academy Brumby, Winterton Community Academy, and South Axholme Academy. Alongside a growing number of employer partners – including Orsted, DEFRA, DN Colleges Group, BIFFA, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, the NHS, North Lincolnshire Council, John Leggott College and Reed Education – the initiative gave students the opportunity to tackle real environmental challenges while developing practical employability skills.

Each school hosted its own in-school competition, with student teams designing micro-business ideas aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals focused on clean water, sustainable cities and responsible consumption.

Learning brought to life in the classroom

Delivery was flexible, allowing schools to embed the programme within Year 9 Geography lessons, run dedicated drop-down days, or deliver sessions after school – ensuring accessibility for all learners, including SEND students.

The experience combined structured learning with meaningful employer encounters. Comprehensive resources supported teachers, while employer partners contributed real-world insight, helping students understand how classroom learning connects to future careers. As teams collaborated, planned and pitched their ideas, confidence grew quickly.

"It was a great day! The students worked so hard and really engaged with it! Graeme's support was invaluable and the slides worked well. The winners were over the moon! and one of the groups came to see me the next day to say they still hadn't got over winning!! All in all it was a super positive experience!"

Jenny Drew, EVC/PD Coordinator at South Axholme Academy

Lisa Vickers, Senior Policy Adviser at DEFRA, added: “I was absolutely blown away by the Year 9 pupils at Foxhills, their imagination, confidence, and business acumen were incredible.

Watching them not only develop their ideas but stand up and pitch them to us and to their peers, was inspiring. Their confidence grew throughout the day as they worked through business planning, prototyping, and pitch development, all key parts of the Ecopreneurs programme.

As a representative of Defra, it was genuinely encouraging to see the next generation already thinking so deeply about environmental responsibility, sustainability, and what a cleaner, brighter future could look like. Their passion and creativity gave me real hope for the future.”

Employers saw the impact first-hand. Graeme Duffy from Orsted noted the enthusiasm throughout the day, with many teams choosing to continue refining their ideas during breaks – a clear sign of genuine engagement!

Creating lasting impact through employer collaboration

In the short term, students developed teamwork, problem-solving and presentation skills while producing sustainability-focused business concepts they were proud of. Longer term, programmes like Ecopreneurs help young people better understand career pathways, strengthen decision-making skills and build aspirations shaped by real industry connections.

By combining curriculum learning with authentic employer experiences, the Ecopreneurs programme demonstrates how collaborative careers education can inspire confidence, creativity and future ambition.