Creating Pathways Not Just Opportunities: From Training to Employment

At GoodFX we have three pillars of impact: philanthropic giving, carbon neutrality and career education. This blog marks the successful completion of the latest career education initiative GoodFX has convened, and recognises the many people who contributed to widening access to skills, employment and long-term career pathways.

Earlier this winter we shared an update on a 12-week Sales Development Representative (SDR) training programme facilitated by The Launchpad Collective. The programme was open to both traditionally overlooked and displaced people across the UK South Coast, bringing together participants from a range of backgrounds who face barriers to entering commercial roles.

Interest in the programme was strong. More than 80 people applied, with ten participants selected to take part in the cohort.

We are now pleased to share the outcome.

Programme Outcome

The course has now concluded, with all ten participants successfully completing the programme and progressing through the practical assessments built into the twelve-week training.

Over the duration of the programme participants:

• Completed the full 12-week course

• Passed three practical SDR assessments

• Developed core commercial skills including sales mindset, cold calling and objection handling

• Built professional LinkedIn profiles and prepared for interviews with SDR hiring managers

Most encouragingly, job offers have already been made to members of the cohort, marking the transition from training into employment.

Why This Matters

Access to sales and commercial roles remains uneven. Marginalised and displaced people often face additional barriers including limited professional networks, unfamiliar recruitment processes and reduced access to training.

Sales, however, remains one of the most powerful routes to social mobility. The challenge is ensuring that individuals who have the ability and motivation to succeed are given a fair opportunity to enter the profession.

This programme was designed with that in mind. By focusing on practical skills, measurable progress and real-world hiring preparation, the course helps participants compete on equal footing in the job market.

The early job offers emerging from the cohort demonstrate how effective this approach can be.

Voices From the Cohort

Perhaps the most meaningful measure of success comes from the participants themselves.

“Thank you so much for your patience, understanding and support during the training. Much appreciated. Thanks to Daria for her support, big thanks to The Launchpad Collective for the opportunity and also thanks to GoodFX for the support. I'm forever grateful.”

“Thanks to your help, I was able to change my situation, gain confidence, develop professionally, and move closer to my long-term career goals. I received invaluable support - professional, psychological, and mentoring. What made the biggest difference for me was the fact that with you, I felt truly heard and understood. The incredible warmth, belief, and support I received meant a great deal to me as I worked toward my goals.”

For many participants, the programme represents not just training, but the first step into a professional career.

Acknowledging the People Behind the Programme

The programme was facilitated by The Launchpad Collective and supported by industry professionals who volunteered their time and expertise to assess and guide participants.

For their generous contribution we would like to thank:

Harry Jones - Course Leader & Trainer

Henry Clayton - Allego

Becky Butler

Sean Greer and Mark Bangs - Call Runnings

Alysha Hustling - Vestd

Their amazing support has helped build confidence, develop practical skills and prepare participants for entry into commercial careers.

Looking Ahead

With the programme now complete and job offers already emerging, the focus now turns to supporting participants as they begin the next stage of their careers.

For GoodFX, initiatives like this form part of our wider commitment to career education as a driver of social mobility. By funding and convening programmes that connect training with real employment opportunities, we aim to widen access to skills, networks and long-term career pathways.

Encouraged by the results of this first cohort, we are hoping to run a second SDR training programme this summer in Manchester, again facilitated by The Launchpad Collective. The aim would be to build on the success of the South Coast programme and expand access to practical sales training in other regions.

We look forward to sharing further updates as members of this cohort establish themselves in the SDR profession.