Discover Tech: Why We’re Building a Movement to Open Doors for Future Talent
2 min read
What a week! After a year of meticulous planning and collaboration, we have successfully delivered the Discover Tech pilot. We offered meaningful, hands-on work experience to 112 students who were engaged, inspired, and truly made the most of every moment.
But Discover Tech is more than just a work experience programme; it is a movement. It is about opening doors for future talent and giving young people the chance to see themselves in careers they may never have imagined.
The Challenge We’re Tackling
The UK tech industry is booming, yet we face a persistent challenge: opportunity is not evenly spread. The statistics are a wake-up call for our sector:
- Only 9% of UK tech workers come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Just 29% of the workforce are women or non-binary.
- 62% of young people not in education or employment say a lack of experience is the primary barrier stopping them from moving forward.
With nearly a million young people currently out of work or education, we cannot afford to ignore this talent pool. As Laura from The Careers & Enterprise Company perfectly put it: “You’re not just giving young people a seat at the table—you’re helping them build it.”
The “Student Voice”: Impact in Action
The most rewarding part of this week has been seeing the immediate impact through the eyes of the students. On LinkedIn and in our feedback sessions, the energy has been palpable:
“I didn’t think tech was for someone like me, but after this week, I realize it’s just about problem-solving and creativity. I feel so much more confident about my future.” — Discover Tech Pilot Participant
“Discover Tech could completely change young people’s outlook about their careers, themselves, and what they can achieve.” — Natalie Vincent, Business Engagement Officer, Saint John Bosco College
Read the experience of the programme, step by step, from one student here in their own words.
We are seeing heightened enthusiasm for the sector and, more importantly, new pathways being built between industry and under-represented talent. 93% said the event increased their likelihood of considering a career in this industry.
A Collaborative Blueprint
We know that no single company can solve the skills gap alone. That’s why Discover Tech is built on the power of partnership. Led by Cisco, we have joined forces with our Founding Partners —Accenture, Adobe, IBM, and WWT— alongside our delivery partner Connectr Early Engagement. More to follow…
The pilot provided students with a deep dive into high-growth areas that will define their futures, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, and Cloud Computing. Through interactive panels and business case studies, students built the “essential skills”—communication, problem-solving, and AI literacy—that employers are looking for today.
The Roadmap Ahead
This is just the beginning. Our next milestone is reaching 600 students across London and Manchester this July, with an ambitious long-term goal to scale the programme to reach over 7,000 young people UK-wide by 2029.
A huge thank you to the amazing Cisco team, our volunteers, and our Founding Partners. Your energy and commitment have set the foundation for something truly special.
Join the Movement
As we shape our roadmap for the next couple of years, we want to ensure we are reaching the communities that will benefit the most.
I’d love to hear from you: If you have ideas on locations we should add to the Discover Tech roadmap or want to learn how your organisation can get involved, please get in touch. Together, we can ensure the future of tech is as diverse as the world it serves.
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