Young people across the region are getting a powerful boost to their future careers, thanks to Quickline and Ahead Partnership and their ambitious three-year pledge.
Approximately 3,500 young people across West Yorkshire and the York area have taken part in careers fairs, mock interviews and panel sessions, gaining invaluable insight into the opportunities available in the sector.
The initiative forms a core part of Quickline’s social value commitment under Project Gigabit, the government-funded programme delivering gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach premises across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
Student feedback about the programme’s impact has been very positive, with one participant commenting: “I’ve learnt about apprenticeship degrees,” and another noting: “There are many different jobs within tech.”
Teachers have also praised the sessions, calling the presentation “engaging” with the so many different job roles in the tech and digital sector outlined to students.
Results from participating schools showed 87% of students said the programme increased their knowledge of roles in digital, whilst 83% reported a better understanding of skills, qualifications and entry routes for careers in the sector.
Hear what Quickline and Ahead Partnership had to say
Sarah Lilleyman-Hall, Social Values and Events Manager at Quickline, said: “Reaching so many young people is a tremendous achievement that we’re incredibly proud of.
“Seeing students discover career paths they hadn’t previously considered and hearing how we’ve broadened their understanding of opportunities in tech, reinforces why initiatives like this matter so much.
“Our mission goes beyond delivering reliable broadband to rural communities, it’s about creating lasting opportunities for the people who live in these communities.”
Suzie Bell, Programme Manager at Ahead Partnership, said: “Through our ongoing partnership with Quickline, we’ve engaged nearly 3,500 young people across the region to raise awareness of the rewarding careers available within the digital and tech landscape.
“With support from over 120 volunteers who have role modelled their professions within tech and digital, together we have supported young people to develop essential employability skills so they can realise their potential.
“We’re delighted to continue to partner with Quickline to connect even more young people with role models and opportunities across the region.”
The programme’s annual completion marks a significant milestone in Quickline’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities across rural Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, ensuring young people have access to the guidance and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Find out more about how Quickline is supporting communities across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire at Quickline. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news.
