Preparing the next generation for the future of work has never been more critical. Recent estimates suggest that 600 million jobs must be created over the next 15 years to meet youth employment needs around the world. According to Universities UK, by 2035 more than 11 million extra graduates will be needed to fill jobs in the UK in industries such as computing and engineering. This is in addition to the 15.4 million graduates already in the UK workforce.
In a diverse job market that’s constantly evolving, it’s essential that all young people, no matter their background, have the opportunity to succeed. The Government’s Social Value Act emphasises the need to deliver additional benefits to society, particularly in terms of employment, skills development, and social inclusion. We’re committed to implementing inclusive recruitment practices that contribute positively to society. Our key initiatives focus on supporting young people at the early stages of their career as well as those still in education who will be joining the workforce in the future.
At Sopra Steria, we’re proud to be encouraging more people to consider careers in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
As part of our series centered around purpose and how as a business we deliver positive social impact, we’re exploring some of the ways we’re empowering the next generation with the tools and opportunities they need to lead and succeed in an ever-evolving professional landscape.
CyberFirst
The STEM industries have historically been underrepresented by women and by those from disadvantaged backgrounds which is something we’re passionate about addressing.
The CyberFirst initiative launched in Gloucestershire in 2019, and aims to inspire young people, particularly women and those from deprived backgrounds, to pursue careers in cyber and tech. It aims to support the UK Government National Cyber Strategy 2022 plan to ‘ensure that the UK remains confident, capable and resilient in this fast-moving digital world; and that we continue to adapt, innovate and invest in order to protect and promote our national interests.
The programme focuses on collaboration within the community by linking together people from the community, academia, industry and government. It aims to support skills and growth and levelling up agendas. The initiative involves partnerships with the National Cyber Security Centre’s CyberFirst programme and Cheltenham Festivals, offering talks, mentoring, and interactive events to students. The ultimate goal is to give students and their teachers an insight into the technology industry and inspire women into technical careers.
We have supported the CyberFirst programme by working in partnership with an all-girls school to inspire them to study GCSE computer science, bringing curriculum topics to life in a real-world working environment. We’re now working with A Level and T Level students, providing them with mentors and guidance on a career in IT consultancy.
Cheltenham Festivals is a key channel for reaching and engaging young people and we have been involved in the science for schools programme to help encourage children and young people to explore and question the world around them. We collaborated with the festival in 2023 and 2024 where we had the chance to meet and inspire the technologists, engineers and innovators of tomorrow. We welcomed thousands of students and their families, giving them the opportunity to explore the world of technology in a fun and engaging way.
The initiative has grown since its inception in 2019, with plans to deepen existing relationships with schools and build on new ones.
DataFace
The DataFace programme was launched in September 2023 by Cheltenham Festivals in partnership with CyberFirst and The Jean Golding Institute, Bristol University (Data Partner).
It was set up to support the Government’s National Data Strategy to build and grow the skills needed for our future workforce ready to tackle issues using large datasets. It equips teachers and students with the skills and confidence to interrogate data – big and small – and present their findings creatively. The project aims to boost employment and training opportunities, especially for those facing barriers to employment, such as living in deprived areas.
DataFace enables young people in Years 8 and 9 to tell stories they care about through the gathering and presentation of data. The programme has been successfully piloted in four Gloucestershire schools with expansion to 30 schools across the UK from September 2024. This expansion will determine how the model can be scaled to reach more students.
As a corporate partner, we support on a weekly basis helping schools undertake their project. Our help includes visiting schools, holding meetings with teachers, creating teaching materials and providing support and guidance to students. In June 2024, a Sopra Steria representative was at the Cheltenham Science Festival throughout its duration to oversee the smooth running of the DataFace exhibition/ event and another was one of three judges in the grand final held in Cheltenham.
The importance and relevance of this project can be seen by the support of His Majesty’s Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). And Rt Hon Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, witnessed firsthand some of the outstanding work produced by students during a school visit in December 2022. She praised the project and highlighted its potential impact.
Supporting future generations
Both CyberFirst and DataFace are helping support the government’s Social Value strategy by fostering skills development, addressing skills gaps, promoting inclusivity, and creating pathways for young people to secure meaningful experience in high-growth sectors.
Creating a more inclusive approach to ensure everyone has the chance to fulfil their potential is part of our mission and purpose. And it’s driven by our incredible team of people who combine their passion for STEM with an ongoing commitment to shape the world for the better,
We’re proud to work alongside both initiatives and can’t wait to see how they develop in the future to support more young people.