Netcompany and Ahead Partnership’s challenge equipped young people with skills around the design of inclusive, sustainable and tech-enabled future cities.
International IT services provider Netcompany, in collaboration with social value specialist Ahead Partnership, has delivered its Smart Cities Challenge.
The three-month programme equipped more than 600 young people across the UK cities of London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and the North East with new skills and understanding around the design of inclusive, sustainable and tech-enabled cities of the future.
Fostering digital skills
The programme has grown significantly since it was launched in 2023. The initiative formed part of Netcompany’s renewed three-year commitment to fostering digital skills and gender inclusivity among young people. As a founding and anchor sponsor of Ahead Partnership’s Growing Talent Digital Leeds programme, Netcompany has helped bridge the digital skills gap since 2021.
Its support of Leeds’ young people and schools has allowed Ahead Partnership to reach thousands of students and expand into new regions to build a more representative workforce for the tech sector.
The Smart Cities Challenge introduced its participants to real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (Steam) subjects, including artificial intelligence (AI), green energy, user experience (UX) design and accessibility tech.
Through in-school workshops, mentoring sessions and a competitive regional finale, participants had the opportunity to develop vital skills in design thinking, teamwork, communication and problem-solving – essential for future careers in digital and smart infrastructure.
The programme also encouraged students to consider core themes in the evolution of smart cities, including how smart technologies could be integrated with existing infrastructure to improve urban living, accessibility and sustainability.
At the same time, the programme provided meaningful volunteering opportunities for Netcompany colleagues, who mentored and guided participating students throughout.
Last year, 100 per cent of volunteers reported improved leadership skills, said that it helped connect them with underrepresented groups in their field, and stated that taking part in the programme improved their perception of their employer.
This year’s Smart Cities Challenge reached hundreds of students across the country. Winning teams from each school received mentoring from Netcompany professionals before competing in a regional cross-school finale judged by industry experts.
“We’ve seen remarkable growth in the ambition, confidence and creativity of the young people taking part in this programme,” said Richard Davies, country managing partner UK, Netcompany. “By expanding into new regions, we’re not only strengthening our connections with schools and communities, but also helping to build a more diverse pipeline of digital talent for the UK.
“As technology continues to shape how we live and work, it’s vital that young people understand how digital innovation can drive better outcomes for everyone – from smarter, greener infrastructure to more inclusive public services. Programmes like the Smart Cities Challenge give them the tools and inspiration to see themselves as part of that future.”
Suzie Bell, programme manager at Ahead Partnership, added: “This programme not only inspires young people to explore digital and tech-based careers, but also gives them the confidence to apply their creativity to real-world challenges facing our cities. It has connected employers directly with the next generation of innovators – those who will go on to shape how we design, build and live in smarter, more sustainable communities.
“For our employer partners, it’s a powerful example of how business-led social value programmes can deliver measurable impact: helping to close the digital skills gap, improve diversity in the sector, and ensure the UK remains competitive in the global tech economy.”
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At a glance
Who: Netcompany and Ahead Partnership. What: Their Smart Cities Challenge helped to equip 600 students in UK cities with digital skills as well as help them understand the core themes in the evolution of smart cities. This included how smart technologies could be integrated with existing infrastructure to improve urban living, accessibility and sustainability. Why: To help build the UK’s future tech talent pipeline and challenge participants to develop real-world skills and knowledge in areas like AI, green energy, UX design and accessibility tech. Where: Participants were from London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and the North East. |
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Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: Smart Cities World , 07.01.2025
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