Youth Advisory Council UK

🌟 Applications Open for 2025: Building Changemakers for Black Talent in STEM! 🌟 Are you a STEM student or recent graduate eager to launch your career with real-world experience and invaluable mentorship? Or an organisation committed to advancing diversity in tech? Join us as we work together to bridge the gap between opportunity and talent, creating a future where Black talent thrives in STEM. 🌟 About the Programme Our Building Changemakers initiative is a paid internship programme aimed at empowering individuals from Black communities in STEM. Through hands-on experience with top STEM companies, leadership training, and dedicated mentorship, we are committed to bridging the gap by providing equal access to opportunity, skills, and networks that support long-term career success. Programme Benefits 👇 🔹 Paid summer placements for Black STEM students and recent graduates in leading companies. 🔹 Changemaker leadership training for personal and professional growth 🔹 Exclusive access to networking events with CW (Cambridge Wireless) and other industry leaders for 12 months. 🔹 One-on-one mentorship to foster professional growth and career confidence For Candidates 📌 Join a transformative internship that combines practical work experience with career development, coaching, and industry networking. Connect with mentors, gain real skills, and step forward as a future leader in STEM. For Employers 📌 Partner with us to actively contribute to a diverse, inclusive workforce. By joining as a consortium member, you can help bridge the opportunity gap, welcoming talented Black candidates and supporting growth and equity in STEM. How to Join 👇 📍 Aspiring Changemakers: Create an “Individual” profile at https://lnkd.in/euiub_gy to apply for our 2025 summer internships, placements, and graduate roles. 📍 Interested Companies: Become a consortium partner to connect with talented candidates, gain access to a diverse talent pool, and play a role in fostering a more inclusive tech industry. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/euiub_gy. Let’s make 2025 a year of meaningful change, opportunity, and impact. Join us in empowering Black talent and building an inclusive STEM future! 🌍✨ #STEMCareers #BlackLeadersInSTEM #DiversityInTech #InclusiveWorkplace #EmpoweringTalent #BridgingTheGap #BuildingChangemakers

🎉 Season’s Greetings from the YAC Team! 🎉 Hey everyone! 👋 As 2023 wraps up, we want to give a big shoutout to all the incredible young people who have been part of our journey this year! 🙌 Your enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to share your thoughts and experiences have been the driving force behind everything we do. Through your participation in events, discussions, and workshops, you've shown us the power of young voices in shaping a more inclusive and equitable STEM future. We’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what 2025 brings! Thank you for being part of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) community. Your insights matter, and together, we're breaking down barriers and opening doors to new opportunities. 🌐 Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with growth, success, and endless possibilities! 🎉✨ Let’s make 2025 even more incredible – more learning, more growth, and greater achievements! 💪 #YouthInSTEM #YAC #SeasonGreetings #HappyHolidays #ThankYou #NewYear2025 #BlackTalent #FutureLeaders #STEM

We are delighted to share this from our YAC members and students, Jesimiel Akinsuyi and Ayoife Dada, who attended a panel discussion last week entitled 'The DEI Backlash: Moving Forward on Racial Equity at Work', in collaboration with Homerton College #Changemakers, University of Cambridge and Black Talent & Leadership in STEM, as part of the celebration for the Black History Month 2024👇🏽   They both said how amazing it was to have the opportunity to have a voice on a panel with such important and respected individuals which included: Lord Simon Woolley, Principal, Homerton College, Olu Orugboh, CEO & Co-founder Black Talent & Leadership in STEM and Chair of Cambridge Wireless Ltd, Paula Rogers-Brown Milner Therapeutics Institute, Yemi Jackson MBA, ACMA, Founder & CEO, Engage Transform, Pedro Gil ARB RIBA, Founder & Director, Studio Gil and Ed Kirby, Senior Manager, Talent, Experience, Engagement Arm. Jesimiel said: “As someone currently navigating the job market, it was interesting and also a relief to hear how some companies approach and understand the power of having a diverse workforce, whilst there is still a long way to go for many companies.    Multiple panel members raised the point that job descriptions add an additional barrier to attracting a diverse group of people to particular roles. During my opportunities to speak, I also emphasised the fact that increasing diversity, tackling microaggressions, and including people from a wide range of racial, socio-economic, and neurodiverse backgrounds will not be a comfortable process.    We are attempting to rewire and shake the deep-rooted institutional biases that currently make attracting and retaining diverse talent a massive issue. This requires making people uncomfortable, but necessary growth and change can never be found in a comfort zone.”   Ayoife added: “Having read and listened to various sources, including perspectives from young individuals at my university, I felt it was important to define what DEI means when giving my opening remarks.    It was insightful to hear from senior recruiters and other professionals whose work includes implementing DEI programs and initiatives and discussing their approach to hiring and retaining underrepresented employees.”   Thank you, Jesi and Ayoife, for representing the YAC and for contributing your thoughts to such an essential discussion 🙏🏽   >> For more about the Black Talent and Leadership in STEM movement, where you can sign up as an individual learner or as an organisation, go to: https://lnkd.in/edP2_Nd4   --- Black Talent & Leadership in STEM is a cross-industry partnership with Cambridge Wireless Ltd, Homerton College, The 10,000 Interns Foundation, Synergy Organisational Solutions. Abhi Naha Dr Soraya Jones Alistair Antoine #BlackTalent #STEM #DEI #Diversity

⚡️ One of our key YAC members, Ifeanyi Madu, recently had the opportunity to attend Cambridge Tech Week on behalf of Black Talent & Leadership in STEM....   Here’s what he had to say about the event, which brought together industry, academia and investors from Cambridge’s innovation ecosystem and beyond👇 “It was an immense honour to be in a room filled with brilliant minds, many representing some of the largest and most innovative tech leaders in the UK. Highlights for me included hearing insights from Warren East CBE, former CEO of Arm and Rolls-Royce, Tim Fowler, Chief Commercial Officer at Cambridge Consultants, and Peter Cowley (he/him), a seasoned tech entrepreneur and investor. One particularly memorable panel, hosted by Tony Quested, CEO of Business Weekly newspaper, featured Steve Young CBE, Sir Andy Hopper CBE, and Professor Florin Udrea, who shared their inspiring journeys of turning academic research into thriving tech companies.   Here are some of the key takeaways from the day I spent at CTW24: >> Collaboration between academia, investors, and the government is critical for success.  >> US investors are more risk-tolerant, partly explaining their higher investment rates.  >> Founders must actively reduce perceived risks for investors while also conducting their own due diligence. It’s essential for founders to stay actively involved at the board level for as long as they are part of the company. >> Innovation should permeate not just the technology but also the product, business model, and execution strategy. The day ended with an investor pitch session, where I witnessed incredible innovations and ambitious startups that really inspired me. It was a round-trip drive of over 6 hours and more than 450 miles, but every second and every mile was absolutely worth it!”   Thank you Ifeanyi - we're sure that it will have inspired your work with the Youth Advisory Council UK, and the challenge of creating more diverse STEM career pathways ⚡️ Dr Soraya Jones Abhi Naha Olu Orugboh Sophie Clarke Cambridge Wireless Ltd Yemi Jackson MBA, ACMA Alistair Antoine The 10,000 Interns Foundation Homerton College #Changemakers University of Cambridge Chris Bruce Mary Paslawski #BlackTalent #STEM #CamTechWeek #DEI #DiversityInTech

Want to know more about following a career in the semiconductor industry?    ⚡️ Semiconductor technology is essential for modern life, used in aviation, healthcare, telecommunications, and defence. Advancements in this tech are important for future innovations in AI, quantum computing, 6G networks and cybersecurity. The UK government has pledged £1bn to support the industry's development over the next decade “to improve access to infrastructure, power more research and development, and facilitate greater international cooperation.” 💡 If this area interests you, we have compiled some information on how you might begin your semiconductor career! 👇 Indeed outline these skills and qualifications necessary to excel in the semiconductor industry. These include:   ➕ Mathematical aptitude: Semiconductors involve mathematical calculations and data analysis, vital skills for designing and developing semiconductors. 🗣️ Communication skills: Effective communication is key to working successfully in teams and presenting complex information clearly. 🧑💻 Technical expertise: Proficiencies in computer science, software engineering and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related fields are necessary for various roles in the semiconductor industry. 🎓 Educational qualifications: A bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Physics or Electrical Engineering is typically necessary to start a career in this industry.   Take a look at the types of roles that are on offer in the industry ⬇️   >> To find out more about the UK semiconductor industry, including its challenges and opportunities for growth, read this via techUK: https://lnkd.in/euKfT-N6   >> For helpful info on the education, experience and skills needed to access careers in semiconductors, take a look at this via Indeed: https://lnkd.in/eSCW735N #STEMCareers #BlackTalent #DEI #DiversityinTech #Semiconductors Olu Orugboh Abhi Naha Dr Soraya Jones Sophie Clarke Yemi Jackson MBA, ACMA Alistair Antoine Cambridge Wireless Ltd The 10,000 Interns Foundation Homerton College #Changemakers Synergy Organisational Solutions

If you received your A Level results last week, we hope you got what you needed for your next steps 😄   It seems that STEM subjects are experiencing a boom, highlighted by a recent BBC News piece which stated that Maths and STEM subjects jumped in popularity in 2024 👇   “Across all subjects with more than 10,000 entries, Further Maths saw the biggest increase in uptake, followed by Physics, Computing, Maths and then English literature. Entries to Computing have grown 83.1% since 2019.”   ⏩ This article from Unifrog gives some helpful advice on subject selection for those considering studying STEM at Higher Education: https://lnkd.in/e99uqs5B   #Diversity #STEM #DEI #Careers #ALevels

Have you seen the free courses available on the Black Talent & Leadership in STEM platform? 👀   Aimed at providing career starters, as well as those already further into their STEM careers, with the skills to enable them to progress in their careers, the BTLS programme is focused on closing the Black talent skills gap in STEM. ⚡️   BTLS are delighted to offer these open-access courses free of charge if you open an Individual Account, enabling you to learn and grow your skills 🛠️     You can also set up a profile accessible by industry looking for talent, and join the ‘Building Changemakers for Black Talent’ programme.   💡 What can you learn?   We already offer a wide range of courses provided by our consortium partners Arm, and are delighted to announce the addition of these courses provided by Cisco: > Introduction to IoT and Digital Transformation > AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild > Data Analytics Essentials > Ethical Hacker > Python Essentials 1 > Python Essentials 2 > Introduction to Data Science > Introduction to Cybersecurity > JavaScript Essentials 1 > JavaScript Essentials 2 > Networking Basics Coming soon we will add these to the course programme: > Networking Devices and Initial Configuration > Network Addressing and Basic Troubleshooting > Cyber Threat Management > Operating System Basics And more to come….Sign up today and open up your opportunities for a career in STEM! ⏩ Access to these courses is only by registering here and opening an Individual account: https://lnkd.in/edP2_Nd4 #BlackTalent #BeTheChange #STEM BTLS is made up of our cross-industry partners: Cambridge Wireless Ltd Homerton College #Changemakers, University of Cambridge, The 10,000 Interns Foundation and Synergy Organisational Solutions    Olu Orugboh Abhi Naha Dr Soraya Jones Yemi Jackson MBA, ACMA Alistair Antoine

Congratulations to Youth Advisory Council UK member Penny Gawera on her new role at Arm 👏 Her story about switching careers into STEM and her perseverance to get the role she wanted is inspiring! #STEM #Careers #DEI #DiversityInTech

💡 Currently, there is much discussion about the impact of AI in the workplace and the future of work. While many professions may feel threatened by what this future holds for their job security, there are also numerous opportunities to harness the benefits that AI and Generative AI will bring to our daily lives.   For young people considering a career in STEM, or STEAM (which includes arts), there is a significant opportunity for roles in this area. Here are some ideas and resources to explore if this is something you're interested in!   These roles span a variety of technology and creative industries, including the following which will offer entry-level and internship positions:   🤖 Data Scientist 🤖 Machine Learning Engineer 🤖 Robotics Engineer 🤖 AI Research Scientist 🤖 Digital and Data Engineer 🤖 Business Intelligence Developer 🤖 Computer Programmer 🤖 Transcriptionist 🤖 Cyber Security Specialist 🤖 Website developer and coder 🤖 AI product creation   These roles will require a blend of hard and soft skills, as well as competencies in a variety of subjects, so it's worth researching what they entail and how you could access them.  Here are some helpful resources to look at 👇   >> For more about the opportunities for young people in AI roles via FE News: https://lnkd.in/gqYRzk82 >> For more opportunities to grow your skills see https://lnkd.in/gVhCBJXt 👉 Set up your profile and access courses on our open access Learning platform. These new courses are coming soon to our platform: ⏩ Cyber security  ⏩ Data Science ⏩ Ethical Hacker   👉 Follow the YAC Page and keep your eyes peeled for other STEM sectors and roles we will be highlighting 👏 #Careers #STEM #AI #GenAI #Interns #Graduates

Many young people will be in the middle of exams right now and on the cusp of finishing their school, college or university education.   Many of you, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, might be wondering “what next”?  🤔   It’s a question that our Black Talent and Leadership in STEM Ambassador, Yemi Jackson MBA, ACMA considered earlier in her career, and whose company today promotes diversity by placing women and minority groups in leadership and board positions.   We hope that hearing about Yemi’s career journey will inspire and help you to think about your next steps 👇   ℹ️ About Yemi: Yemi is the Founder and CEO of Engage Transform, a talent acquisition and development company with the mission of increasing the placements of women and the Global Majority (often referred to as Ethnic Minority in the West) talent in senior positions up to Board level in Technology, Marketing and Finance. Yemi is also the founder of Building Inclusive Boards (BIB) a talent incubator and accelerator for under-represented groups seeking board positions. Yemi is a Be the Business Advisory Board member, she is on the IoD Glass Ceiling Group Committee and a member of the International Women's Forum.   🗣️ Yemi’s Story: “I decided to become an accountant as I was inspired by two people. Firstly, my East African lecturer at college who was very strict but supportive, and a very good friend of my sister who had his own accountancy practice in the 1990s and gave me the opportunity to have a work placement at his firm. My very first role in 1994 was in a company with a finance team of 200+ people at HQ, of which only 4 were Black staff. Most people assume accountancy requires one to be a maths genius, but in fact it requires a lot of lateral thinking and an ability to join the dots. Excellent accountants need to turn the numbers into stories so the business can relate to them and make the right decisions. Most people also incorrectly assume accountants only do audit work - that is only part of the role. Choosing a career in Accountancy and Finance is a good pathway to get a seat at a top decision-making level.  Many CFOs often pivot into the CEO position as they have to have a good overview of the whole organisation.”   Thank you to Yemi for sharing your story!   ⏩ Want to find out more about the work the YAC and BTLS do to drive opportunities in the workplace for diverse groups? Take a look at Black Talent & Leadership in STEM.   #DEI #BlackTalent #STEM #Diversity #Inclusion