A new social enterprise company hopes to inspire a new generation of young people to use tech to solve society’s biggest issues.
With the support of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT as its founding schools partner, DiversITy-talent aims to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in business and technology across the UK.
The company has launched a national competition which is open to all schools, youth groups, disadvantaged teenagers, young adults, and minority groups.
Participants are tasked with addressing community challenges by applying modern business skills, digital work methods, and appropriate technology to find practical solutions.
The social enterprise visited Bradon Forest School and Red Oaks Primary School to talk to them about the potential of top tech in their future careers, and the modern business skills that would be useful for them to know.
Year 6 Red Oaks pupil Toby said: “I found the challenge fun, interesting and I learned a lot.
“My perception of a career in tech was that it was boring, dull, time-consuming and all you do is sit in a room. But working on this challenge, I realised a career in tech means you have a bright future, it's fun and collaborative.”
Year 9 Bradon Forest student Aliyah Orchard said: “It was super interesting and I learnt many new skills.
“I thought a career in tech was just about being on a computer all day but it's actually very creative so I would definitely consider a career in technology as one option as I am still not 100 per cent sure about what I want to do.”
Teachers said they saw growth and skill development among their students after these sessions, with particular improvements in confidence, teamwork, communication, collaboration, creativity, and presentation skills.
This positive response has emboldened the DiversITy-talent team, which plans to launch the awards competition at the beginning of the upcoming academic year, with a target of involving at least 50 schools from September 2024.
Founder Anna Somaiya said: “Our unwavering purpose is to pave the way towards a world where talent diversity reigns supreme, where both digital work methods and enabling technologies empower us to tackle the most pressing world, business, and community issues through ground-breaking innovation."
“DiversITy-talent is calling for a new industrial movement to champion the notion of a truly diverse, digitally competent talent pool.
"This will represent significant future competitive advantage for UK plc. We believe this future can be realised.”
For more information, visit diversity-talent.co.uk or email info@diversITy-talent.co.uk
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