A new initiative between The Prince’s Trust and medical imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra, is helping to widen access to technology career opportunities for young people from different backgrounds.
‘Get into IT and Administration’, a new digital and technology-focused employability programme, was launched in Belfast during the summer. It has been actively supporting under-represented groups, to help more young people gain a better understanding of career opportunities available to them in technology.
Having already supported its first intake, the initiative has provided real-world exposure to what it is like to work in the health tech sector, as well as providing practical support in areas such as CV writing, technical training, and industry insights. Direct career pathways through apprenticeships with Sectra are also being provided.
Yousif, one of the programme’s first participants, said: “The hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges showed me how impactful and rewarding a career in this field can be. The team at Sectra were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive and it was inspiring to see how they use technology to make a difference in the world.”
Young people who have taken part in the programme commented on how it had helped to build their confidence, develop practical skills, and create networking opportunities for their future careers.
Lauren, who took part in the programme, said: “This experience has made me really excited for any future prospects in technology. If you get the opportunity to go onto a programme, I would say to go for it. You will get new experiences from it and get to know new people.”
Over the past two years, The Prince’s Trust has helped more than 2000 young people into digital and technology engagement and employability programmes.
However, with inequalities still widening, The Trust hopes to support more disadvantaged communities, and engage with more of the hardest-to-reach individuals, by strengthening support through programmes such as the new initiative with Sectra.
Julia Beaumont, Chief Technology Officer, at The Prince’s Trust, said: “Through our partnership with Sectra, we’re able to challenge existing perceptions and inspire young people from all backgrounds to consider careers in the digital and technology space, regardless of the barriers they might face.
“It is crucial for governments, businesses, and charities to unite in providing young people with employability training, career opportunities, and the technical skills that are vital in today’s job market. Through partnerships with passionate and dedicated organisations like Sectra, we are harnessing expertise and making this vision a reality.”
Jane Rendall, Managing Director for Sectra in the UK and Ireland, said: “We have been extremely impressed by the energy and enthusiasm shown by individuals taking part in our initiative with The Prince’s Trust.
“Health technology companies have an opportunity and a responsibility to embrace diversity in their workforce, by recruiting from the communities in which they are privileged to serve.
“This programme is an example of putting that into practice, and is a fantastic opportunity to help to empower more young people to reach their potential in a sector that touches the lives of so many.”
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