In an ever-changing economy where the demands of the workplace continue to evolve, ensuring our young people are prepared and inspired is more important than ever. At ICON, we understand that career development doesn’t begin at 18—it starts with exposure, inspiration, and opportunity. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Hollingworth Academy in Rochdale in our latest Workplace Safari initiative.

This innovative programme is more than just a company tour; it’s a door-opener, a spark-plug, and a stepping stone for the next generation. Through our community-driven approach, we are helping local students glimpse the inner workings of a modern, thriving business, while building skills, confidence, and curiosity.

What Is a Workplace Safari?

A workplace safari is an immersive experience that gives high school students the chance to visit a business environment, interact with professionals, and explore potential career paths. It's called a “safari” not just for its exploratory nature, but because it invites young minds to observe, ask questions, and engage with the real-world “habitats” of work.

For many students, especially those from underrepresented or underserved communities, traditional education can feel detached from the realities of employment. A workplace safari changes that. It connects the classroom to the boardroom, the curriculum to careers, and ambitions to achievable goals.

Why ICON Partnered With Hollingworth Academy

Hollingworth Academy, based in Milnrow, Rochdale, has built a reputation as one of Greater Manchester’s leading secondary schools. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and inclusive learning, Hollingworth also shares our belief that education must extend beyond the textbook.

We saw an incredible alignment between our values and theirs. Both institutions believe in unlocking potential—whether it’s in a pupil or a professional. By joining forces, we’re enabling students to explore a wide spectrum of career opportunities, develop soft skills, and understand the value of professional relationships.

Our partnership began with a shared goal: to create meaningful community impact. ICON’s ethos is deeply rooted in collaboration, education, and empowerment, making Hollingworth an ideal ally in our mission to build bridges between industry and education.

Behind the Scenes: What Students Experience on a Workplace Safari

When students from Hollingworth Academy stepped into ICON HQ, they didn’t just enter a building—they entered a world of possibility. Our Workplace Safari itinerary was designed to give them a 360-degree view of how our business operates, showcasing departments like:

• Teamwear Design & Strategy
• Business Operations
• Warehouse & Logistics
• Our Team & Our Experiences
• Customer Experience

From engaging in hands-on workshops to participating in Q&A panels with senior leaders, students got firsthand insight into how a real business functions. We structured the day to be dynamic and interactive, including:

• Behind the scenes, where students examined daily life from sales, production and to dispatch.
• A problem-solving challenge simulating a client pitch meeting.
• Informal networking, where students could chat with team members in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Importantly, we ensured every student left with a memorable gift to help that discuss their experiences at home and beyond the classroom.

The ROI of Community Involvement: Why It Matters to ICON

From a marketing perspective, community engagement has traditionally been viewed as “good PR.” While it certainly does enhance our reputation, we see it as strategic investment. It’s about nurturing a future workforce, enhancing our talent pipeline, and reinforcing our brand as a company that cares—because we do and as a progressive, people-focused company. We believe this sends a powerful message to current and prospective customers of custom teamwear and workwear, that ICON doesn’t just sell products or services—we build partnerships and futures.

Voices from the Experience: What Students and Staff Said

Feedback from the visit was overwhelmingly positive. Here are just a few testimonials that captured the impact:

“I didn’t know you could do this kind of job in a place like Rochdale. I thought designing kits only happened in London!”
— Student, Hollingworth Academy

“I want to work at a cool place like this!”
— Student, Hollingworth Academy

“Our partnership with ICON has already delivered tangible benefits. Students are talking about careers they never considered before. The staff were welcoming, the experience was inspiring, and we’re excited to keep building on this foundation.”
— Teacher, Hollingworth Academy

Looking Ahead: Scaling the Initiative

Our Workplace Safari with Hollingworth Academy is just the beginning. Based on its success, we plan to expand the programme to include:

• Mentorship opportunities
• Work experience placements during school holidays
• Engagement events, offering insights into career pathways and employability skills

ICON is also exploring partnerships with additional organisations across Rochdale and Greater Manchester, ensuring our reach goes beyond a single visit and extends to lasting community enrichment.

Final Thoughts: Building a Future We Can All Be Proud Of

At ICON, we believe the future of business lies in our ability to inspire and invest in people—especially the young people in our communities. By partnering with Hollingworth Academy and offering real, meaningful exposure to our workplace, we’re not just fulfilling a corporate social responsibility—we’re living our mission.

As a business rooted in Rochdale but reaching beyond borders, ICON is proud to serve not just clients and customers, but also the community we call home. The workplace safari is a testament to what can happen when businesses and schools come together—not just for today’s needs, but for tomorrow’s opportunities.

If your school or organisation is interested in partnering with ICON, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can continue to build bridges, ignite ambition, and create a legacy that lasts.