Last week, I had the pleasure of hitting the road with Jo Norwood from Positive Footprints and Kirsty Murgatroyd to visit schools across Wyre. Our mission? To spark curiosity, ignite ambition, and show young people the exciting possibilities within technology.
With National Careers Week in full swing, there couldn’t have been a better time to open up discussions about the future. As we stepped into each school, we were met with eager faces and thoughtful questions. From conversations about engineering at No Isolation to real-world applications of robots, it was clear that young people are genuinely interested in tech - particularly when they can see how it connects to their own lives and aspirations like it does with AV1.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was witnessing the enthusiasm from so many young girls. STEM fields have historically been male-dominated, but the tide is shifting. The excitement and curiosity we saw in the classrooms reinforced how important it is to continue breaking down barriers and ensuring that all students, regardless of gender, feel empowered to pursue careers in these industries. Representation matters, and if we want more women in engineering and technology, we need to start by making these careers visible and accessible to the next generation.
Beyond individual career aspirations, our visits highlighted a broader need - schools play a vital role in preparing students for the future, and external partnerships, like those with Positive Footprints, help bring real-world relevance to career education. These conversations aren’t just about job titles; they’re about inspiring young people to think creatively, problem-solve, and see how their skills can be applied in ways they may never have considered.
Key takeaways from our visits:
- Representation matters – Children can’t aspire to roles they don’t know exist. It’s crucial to bring diverse career paths into schools and highlight a range of role models across industries.
- Young people (boys AND girls) are excited about STEM – The enthusiasm was clear. We need to nurture this interest by providing more opportunities, mentorship, and encouragement for young girls to explore these fields.
- National Careers Week is a fantastic opportunity – This week is about raising aspirations, making connections, and widening horizons. We’re proud to have played a small part in inspiring the next generation and showing them that the future is full of possibilities.
A huge thank you to Jo from Positive Footprints for making this happen and to the schools for welcoming us so warmly. It was an incredible experience, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations - because every young person deserves to see a future where they belong.
