Form the Future brought together schools, community leaders and business volunteers from across Cambridgeshire to celebrate the exciting opportunities available for young people in the region, with a particular focus on the creative and technology sectors. Over 300 local school students were in attendance from both primary and secondary schools.
The Inspiring the Future event aimed to introduce the young people to a wide range of industries, which will help them make better informed career choices in the future. It also aimed to break gender stereotypes by bringing in volunteers who work in roles that challenge such stereotypes.
In the morning session, students aged 8–10 years old took part in a STEM-focused version of “What’s my Line”. This game involves the children asking business volunteers questions about their professions to try and guess their job roles. This was followed up by Speed Networking, which allowed them to meet volunteers from a wide range of industries in a more relaxed setting. The session gave the students an opportunity to find out more about specific roles or industries, and understand the meaning and relevance of what they are learning in the classroom.
Students aged 13–15 years old began the afternoon session with their Speed Networking session. They met with professional volunteers at different stages of their careers, and found out more about different educational and career pathways. The focus of the session was to raise aspirations and encouraging the students to aim high.
The event was rounded off with STEM Masterclasses, where female students had the opportunity to meet four inspirational women at the top of their game. This was aimed at empowering young women and helping them overcome the challenges they may face regarding gender stereotyping. The students discussed important topics and issues with the volunteers, such as the biggest obstacles they have faced within their career, who are their role models and what are their inspirations and motivations.
Charlotte Steggall, Events and Relationship Manager at Form the Future, said:
“The career choices open to young people are greater than ever before, as is the cost of certain educational routes. Not surprising, faced with a bewildering array of options they find it hard to know which the best pathway is for them. And the problem is exasperated for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who have limited role models and are often heavily influenced by TV and celebrity culture. That is why we worked with North Cambridge Academy to host this special event to celebrate the exciting opportunities available for young people.”
We received some fantastic feedback from the students, teachers and volunteers, proving that introducing young people to real-life role models is an effective way to open their eyes to the career and education opportunities available to them.
If you would like to get involved in a future event, drop us a line at events@formthefuture.org.uk.
