Unlocking Youth Potential: Partnerships, Empowerment, and STEM Innovation

It was great to play a small part behind the scenes in the double-feature podcast episode. In this latest Foundation & Friends episode, which delves deep into the realm of youth empowerment, and focuses on how strategic partnerships, education, and innovation can unlock the immense potential of young people.

Hosted by Faiza Khan MBE , who was joined by guests Thora Eberts and Maddie Dinwoodie , this episode brings to light the challenges and opportunities within the sectors of education, engineering, and youth work. The episode was rich with insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies aimed at transforming the futures of young people, especially those who perhaps traditionally may fall outside decisions made about them or those not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

The episode kicks off with Faiza Khan, the Executive Director for Corporate Affairs and Foundation at City & Guilds , who sets the stage by highlighting the significance of defining success for young people beyond just obtaining employment. Faiza introduces Thora Eberts from UK Youth and Maddie Dinwoodie from EngineeringUK , both of whom share their motivations and visions for a fairer world for young people. Thora recounts her transformative experiences in California, which ignited her passion for creating a fairer world through the ambitious UK Youth 2025 strategy. Plus emphasised the importance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing the challenges faced by NEET youth and ensuring their successful integration into society.

The discussion then shifts to the economic and societal impact of youth work in the UK. The return on investment for every pound spent on youth work ranges from ￡3.20 to ￡6.40, contributing significantly to employment and education outcomes. Youth workers are highlighted as essential connectors, bridging the gap between young people, their communities, and potential employers. They play a crucial role in fostering long-term leadership and coherent cross-sector policies. The episode also touches upon the influential #iwill campaign, which has successfully engaged young people in political and social spheres, leading to a surge in voter registrations among the youth.

Maddie Dinwoodie then takes the spotlight to discuss the expanding opportunities within the engineering and technology sectors. With an estimated need for 725,000 new engineering jobs by 2030, driven largely by the green transition and the push towards net zero, Maddie underscores the importance of inclusivity and improved STEM education. She points out the concerning gender disparity in the field, with only 15.7% of the engineering workforce being female. Maddie shares strategies to make engineering more accessible and appealing to young girls, including the role of trusted adults in mentoring and the significance of community-based projects.

The episode also explores the importance of sustained engagement in STEM activities to inspire and retain talent in the sector. Programmes like the Big Bang Careers Fair are highlighted as examples of effective community-based engineering projects. These programmes provide young people with multiple interactions and experiences, fostering their interest and skills in engineering and technology.

In conclusion, the episode emphasises the need for collective efforts to support and nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders. Thora and Maddie both share their visions for a better future, advocating for improved STEM education and career advice, as well as greater youth participation in policy formation. The episode ends with a powerful call to action, urging all sectors to collaborate and create meaningful change for young people.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in youth empowerment, STEM education, and the future of work. It provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in these fields, offering valuable insights and practical strategies to make a difference. Plus, it allows everyone across all sectors to keep the momentum of World #YouthSkillsDay and our commitment to its themes in the public consciousness. Tune in to be inspired and learn how you can contribute to unlocking the potential of young talent, here: Foundation & Friends Podcast: Transforming Futures Of Young People with Faiza Khan MBE | City & Guilds Foundation (cityandguildsfoundation.org)

Stay tuned for the next episode hosted by City & Guilds Chief Executive Kirstie Donnelly, MBE who is joined by the renowned author and speaker Prof. Amanda Kirby MBBS MRCGP PhD FCGI , as they explore neurodiversity, plus the findings from the Neurodiversity Index Report, and provide insights on how best to equip employers with knowledge for an inclusive workforce.

#YouthEmpowerment #STEM #WomenInSTEM #Engineering #YouthWork #Podcast

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