The Prince’s Trust and Sectra have unveiled a new initiative in Belfast aimed at empowering young individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in technology.
Dubbed the ‘Get into IT and Administration’ programme, this effort seeks to bridge the gap between under-represented communities and the tech sector through practical training and direct career pathways.
Empowering Under-Represented Groups
The Prince’s Trust and Sectra have launched the ‘Get into IT and Administration’ programme in Belfast. It aims to provide under-represented groups with a pathway into the tech sector. This initiative offers real-world exposure and practical support like CV writing and technical training.
Participants can access direct career pathways, such as apprenticeships with Sectra. This approach ensures they gain hands-on experience in the health tech industry. One participant, Yousif, highlighted the impact of the programme on his career aspirations, noting the support and knowledge shared by the Sectra team.
Building Confidence and Skills
Other young participants have found the programme immensely beneficial. They reported boosts in confidence, the development of practical skills, and valuable networking opportunities.
Lauren, another participant, shared her excitement about future career prospects in technology. She encouraged others to take advantage of such opportunities for new experiences and connections.
Ongoing Commitment to Digital Employability
Over the past two years, The Prince’s Trust has engaged over 2,000 young people in digital and tech employability programmes. However, the organisation recognises ongoing inequalities and remains committed to supporting disadvantaged communities.
The new partnership with Sectra is a crucial step in this mission. It aims to provide even more opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds.
Voices from The Prince’s Trust
Julia Beaumont, Chief Technology Officer at The Prince’s Trust, emphasised the importance of collaborations like this. She highlighted how they can challenge perceptions and inspire young people to consider careers in digital and technology fields.
Beaumont also stressed the necessity for governments, businesses, and charities to unite. In her view, providing employability training and career opportunities is vital in the current job market.
“Through our partnership with Sectra, we’re able to challenge existing perceptions and inspire young people from all backgrounds,” Beaumont stated.
Diversity in Health Technology
Jane Rendall, Managing Director for Sectra in the UK and Ireland, praised the energy and enthusiasm of the programme’s participants. She highlighted the responsibility of health tech companies to embrace diversity by recruiting from the communities they serve.
Rendall believes this programme exemplifies putting such responsibility into practice. She stated it is a fantastic opportunity to help empower more young people to reach their potential in a significant sector.
Creating Inclusive Opportunities
This collaboration between The Prince’s Trust and Sectra represents a significant step toward creating inclusive opportunities in the tech industry. Equipping young people with the necessary skills and confidence enables them to thrive in the digital world.
The initiative not only supports individual growth but also contributes to a more diverse and inclusive workforce in technology.
The partnership between The Prince’s Trust and Sectra marks a groundbreaking effort to foster diversity and inclusion within the tech industry.
By providing practical training and career opportunities, this initiative paves the way for young people to embark on successful careers in technology.