Teens Unite Apprentice Challenge 2025

On 27th August 2025, Karen Trew DL attended the fashion show as the finale of the Teens Unite Apprentice Challenge.

During Teens Unite’s 5-day Activity Stay, 21 young people from across the UK with a cancer diagnosis took part in the Teens Unite Apprentice Challenge, teaming up with business mentors to create their own fashion brands and transform thrifted items into unique garments. They designed, styled, and built full business and marketing plans before presenting their creations to a panel of industry judges. The challenge helped participants build confidence, develop new skills, and take meaningful steps toward education and employment. Before the challenge, 70% of participants reported low confidence. After taking part, 100% felt confident trying new activities and pushing beyond their comfort zones, and 100% felt confident taking steps toward education and employment.

This was a fabulous event where each team of young people presented creative and innovative plans, having worked well collaboratively to design their statement fashion pieces as well as developing and presenting their business and marketing plans. The young people clearly enjoyed this experience and valued the new friendships they made, they should all be proud of their achievements. Thanks to Teens Unite for organising this incredible experience, to Bishops Stortford College for hosting this 5-day residential event and to all the business leaders who acted as mentors, presenters and judges over the 5 days. See here for a short video of this event Teens Unite – Cancer Support (@teensunitefightingcancer) • Instagram photos and videos.

Information from Teens Unite:

Teens Unite’s summer residential stay united 21 young people from across the UK, who are registered with Teens Unite and living with cancer and its lasting effects.

 

During the five-day stay, the young people got stuck into a range of activities, from archery and raft building, to graffiti art, karaoke and pizza making.

 

They also took part in the Apprentice Challenge – a standout day, which requires teamwork, ambition, and creativity. Working alongside business mentors, they were set the task of coming up with a new fashion brand and concept, which they had to market, create a business plan for, and design a sample item or outfit using items they sourced from charity shops and upcycled to make their own.

The young people then showcased their designs in a fashion show, where they also pitched their ideas to a panel of expert judges from the world of fashion, finance and marketing.

Teens Unite’s residential stays are all about connecting young people with others in a similar situation, encouraging them to grow their confidence and challenge themselves, learn new skills, and regain some independence ready to take the next steps in rebuilding their lives.