Vodafone launches a virtual work experience week for school and college students to help them gain digital skills and confidence.
To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Vodafone UK’s Innovators Work Experience Programme introduces 250 students from Year 12, or equivalent, to industry experts from across the company. They then take on the challenge of designing their own Internet of Things product.
More than 1,000 students applied to join the programme, which runs from 15-19 February and explores the key stages of technology product development, including:
- product design;
- user experience;
- big data and analytics;
- marketing and sales.
Students will also meet current Vodafone apprentices and graduates and take part in a CV masterclass.
The event is part-facilitated by Springpod, a student careers platform which aims to help young people plan their next steps after school by connecting them with employers.
Vodafone UK considers youth development a key part of its purpose to create a digital future that works for everyone.
“Work experience is a valuable way for students to gain employment skills and careers awareness,” explained Clare Corkish, Human Resources Director, Vodafone UK, “and our new virtual programmes aim to provide more chances to do so, while addressing the current under-representation of students who are female, BAME or from lower socio-economic backgrounds.”
Beginning just after National Apprenticeship Week, organisers took care to make sure that there was an almost equal gender split across the 250 students, as well as a broad range of backgrounds.
Hosting the event virtually also removes some of the geographic barriers that exist today, allowing students from outside of traditional city hubs to apply.
To find out more about Vodafone’s other work experience programmes, visit the careers website.
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