Partnerships
digital experience day is delivered by female professionals from tech companies such as Netcompany, Infinity Works, AND Digital and BJSS and cross-sector digital employers. Ahead Partnership is also planning a #GirlTechPlus later in the year for post-16 students in Leeds. Jen Smith, careers leader at a local academy, said: ‘Taking part in #GirlTechLeeds and the wider Growing Talent Digital activities makes a real difference to the way students view digital jobs and the skills they need for their futures. It was fantastic to see the students grow in confidence – they came away feeling inspired and empowered about the opportunities for them in the local economy.’ For Kirstie van Oerle, partner at
Netcompany, it’s a no brainer: ‘Businesses like ours need a strong talent pipeline, which makes engaging the next generation a priority. Sadly, women are still underrepresented in the sector, so we’re helping to tackle this issue through targeted activities.’
The West Midlands programme Ahead Partnership is also responding to business concerns around talent, diversity and future workforce through their Growing Talent West Midlands programme. Key sectors are brought to life for young people through year-round
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programmes of sustained and exciting employer-led activity in schools and colleges. The activities the employers design and deliver together vary according to the ages of the young people involved, and can include careers panels, speed networking, lesson resources and work experience. The programme is supported by a cross-sector of employers including Goldman Sachs, PwC and Intercity and has engaged more than 30,000 young people so far, with 93% of students reporting they feel better informed to consider their future goals.
School engagement in Oxfordshire Further south, Ahead Partnership is working with several employers on local skills programmes to encourage young people to explore the career options on their doorstep. For example, it is delivering a five-year schools’ engagement programme with Milton Park – a leading science, business and technology community. The aim is to inspire students through events such as work experience days, interactive careers panels and interview practice. In a recent Explore Milton Park event, students from St Birinus School took part in an all-day ‘trek’ – including a skills workshop at Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Learning Lab and a tour of flexible workspace the Bee House – to learn about sustainable buildings, design and planning. They also rode on the UK’s first fully electric autonomous bus service being trialled at the business park.
Further opportunities for schools Similar programmes are being delivered across the country from Ashford to Aberdeen, with new opportunities opening up in 2023/24 in Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Somerset, Kent, Derby, Oxford and Southampton. More information can be found at
www.aheadpartnership.org.uk.
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