Concept Labs Case Study

Through the program, Concept Labs welcomed three participants into their team, supporting them in roles such as Lab Assistant, Production Assistant and Administration Assistant. Each placement gave young people a hands-on introduction to the world of cosmetics manufacturing, something many hadn’t considered before. From experimenting with product formulas and helping to design and create packaging, to observing how mass production actually happens, the experience gave participants a full picture of what it takes to bring a product to life.

Businesses taking part in the program also joined a series of workshops to prepare for the experience. These focused on job redesign, mentoring, and what young people need to thrive in the workplace. The Talent Accelerate pilot was designed to support both industry and young people, and for Concept Labs, it delivered practical value and new perspectives.

“Overall, our experience has been great,” says Jaimee. “Both the students and the Groei team have been exceptional to deal with. We’ve gained valuable insights into the fresh perspectives and adaptability young people bring to the workplace. They’ve shown strong enthusiasm to learn, and we’ve seen how mentoring them can enhance team collaboration and communication. It also highlighted the importance of structured support and feedback to help them thrive.”

The program also encouraged businesses to step back and rethink how they support entry-level talent.

“We’ve recognised the benefit of integrating more hands-on training and clearer growth pathways for entry-level roles to help them build confidence and skills more effectively,” says Jaimee.

For the young people who joined the team, the experience was more than just work experience, it was a chance to build real confidence.

“We’ve seen significant growth in their confidence, technical skills, and workplace readiness. Many have quickly adapted to our processes and contributed meaningfully in their roles, especially in areas like production support and lab tasks, helping to streamline daily operations.”

“Talent Accelerate has provided a great foundation for aligning young people’s skills with real-world business needs. By offering them practical experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, they’ve developed relevant industry skills that directly support our operational goals, while we benefit from their fresh energy and willingness to learn,” says Jaimee.

For Concept Labs, Talent Accelerate offered a chance to connect with the next generation of talent while gaining fresh energy and ideas. It also sparked new thinking about how to support young people as they begin their career journeys, leaving the team better equipped to grow confident, capable entry-level staff.