Discover our journey and what drives 
us
The Inspirational Learning Group was created to close the gap between education and employment. Journey started in 2013 in Stoke-on-Trent, we began with a simple belief: every young person deserves the chance to see where they belong in the world of work.
Still led by our Staffordshire-based team, we work with schools and employers across the UK to deliver engaging careers and enterprise programmes that build confidence, develop the skills employers value, and help young people take meaningful steps towards their future.
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THE JOURNEY
What began in a small office at Staffordshire University has grown into a national organisation shaping careers and enterprise education in new ways.
2007
Our co-founders, Ben and Mike Dyer, began working together, delivering enterprise days in schools nationwide. They later teamed up with former Apprentice contestant Claire Young to deliver Dragons’ Den–style workshops in schools.
2012
The National Enterprise Challenge launched with Lord Sugar as our Ambassador, reaching around 60 schools and 12,000 students in its first year. The Challenge soon became the largest of its kind in the UK.
2016
The Inspirational Learning Group was founded, reflecting our growing work with employers and our mission to bridge the gap between education and business. The Challenge expanded to around 200 schools and 35,000 students annually, alongside bespoke projects with regional and national partners.
2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our challenges and programmes moved online, expanding our network to around 300 schools and 50,000 students per year. In the previous year, the Challenge had peaked at 320 schools, with national finals taking place at Wembley Stadium.
2025
As part of The Inspirational Learning Group’s offering, Lightbulb Online was launched, strengthening our digital provision and delivering our curricula and bespoke programmes to over 500 schools and corporate sponsors.
OUR MISSION
To close the gap between education and employment by connecting schools, employers and young people through real experiences that build skills, confidence and opportunity.
Together, we’re making the link between education and employment stronger, fairer and more inspiring.
How we work
INSPIRE
By helping young people see further than what’s in front of them, and believe in where they could go.
INFORM
By connecting learning to the real world, bringing employer insight into schools through engaging, relevant learning.
PREPARE
By building the skills, confidence and mindset young people need to take their next steps.
MEET THE TEAM
We’re a team driven by a shared commitment to opening doors, challenging expectations and helping young people build the skills they need to become who they want to be.
accelerate. collaborate.
empower.
We combine experience, employer insight and a genuine passion for what we do to help schools and employers deliver careers education that prepares students for the real world.