Burberry, Verizon Business and Unloc are joining forces to launch an event programme aimed at the development and empowerment of young women in the technology sector. The new initiative aims to challenge stereotypes within the male-dominated industry and develop the confidence, aspirations, life skills and career insights of young women aged between 15 to 19 years old.
Through a new events series, the three organisations will collaborate to provide the opportunity for young women to explore potential career options within the technology and fashion industry.
The four half-day events, held at Unloc’s Changemaker Studios space in London, will enable young people to explore a range of career opportunities within global organisations including Burberry and Verizon Business. They will also be connecting to their own local communities and schools.
Each event will welcome up to 30 young people from London-based schools and colleges, and will include executives from Burberry and Verizon Business who will share their career experiences. In addition an interactive ‘Changemaker Challenge’ will see small teams of young people team up to undertake various technology-related challenges, mentored and supported by a Burberry or Verizon Business executive.
During the Changemaker Challenge events, the participants will also have free access to Unloc’s range of Careers and Employability e-courses, encouraging their growth throughout the experience and beyond. This series of innovative events demonstrates Burberry, Verizon Business and Unloc’s continued commitment to giving back to their local communities.
Hayden Taylor, Unloc’s Managing Director said:
“Through this exciting new partnership we hope to encourage more and more young women into the tech sector, and raise their awareness of the wide range of careers which have historically been largely male dominated. It’s a real opportunity for professional growth, discovering enterprise, and opening their minds to the global possibilities in the technology market.”
“Thanks to the support and insight of our amazing partners on this project, Burberry, one of the world’s most renowned luxury fashion brands, and Verizon Business, a global giant in communications, we can provide valuable insight and advice that will help these young women move forwards in their career and trail-blaze the way for their peers.”
Sanjiv Gossain, Vice President – EMEA, Verizon Business said:
“At Verizon we are committed to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Initiatives such as this programme with Burberry and Unloc provide an amazing opportunity for young talent to experience the workplace and explore how technology is the catalyst for future innovation. We can’t wait to see how this programme develops and the new opportunities it can provide for the talented participants.”
Mark Turner, Business Relationship Director, Burberry said:
“We are excited to be working with Verizon and Unloc to bring together promising young talent and inspire them to explore the possibilities of working in technology. We look forward to engaging with young women across the Changemaker Challenges, learning from their unique experiences while providing support, encouragement and mentorship to them as well.”
At the end of 2022, Unloc will hold a 2-hour curated roundtable event on the barriers and opportunities for young women in STEM careers. Several young people who have already participated in the Changemaker Challenge events will be selected to take part in this session, and the experience will be captured on film to share their insight with the world on social media.
Through innovative and change making programmes and events like this, the three organisations hope to support and broaden the skills of young women hoping to enter the technology industry, opening new avenues of possibility for future careers.
Notes for Journalists
Background
A report by PWC on Women in Tech looked at the experiences of 2,000 A-Level and university students in the UK. This highlights that the gender gap in technology starts at school and continues into further education and beyond. Key findings include:
- Just 16% of females in the study had been suggested a tech career compared to 33% of males.
- 83% of high school boys chose STEM subjects, compared to 64% of girls
- Only 30% of females had opted for a STEM subject at university, compared to 52% of the males.
- 27% of female students said they would consider a career in technology, compared to 61% of males.
- Only 3% of females say a career in technology is their first choice.
- Over a quarter of female students said they had been put off from a career in technology because it’s too male dominated.
Graduate Stats
According to data from the European Union’s statistics agency, Eurostat, males graduating in science, mathematics, computing, engineering, manufacturing and construction, outnumber female graduates almost two to one.
More females are now proceeding into higher education. However the rate of females graduating in STEM subjects, although increasing, is not increasing at the same rate of male pupils. According to UCAS data, just 35% of STEM students in UK higher education are women. The number of programmes concentrating on technology and digital transformation has increased and so has the number of male graduates meaning that little has changed when it comes to overall representation of female STEM graduates.
About Unloc & Changemaker Studios
Unloc was founded in 2013 by award-winning young leaders Hayden Taylor and Ben Dowling. The organisation’s mission is to empower young people to be innovative changemakers who seek to build stronger communities and sustainable businesses.
The organisation is focused on developing young people’s skills, enhancing their potential and boosting their determination to succeed. Unloc works towards achieving its mission by delivering inspiring educational programmes, including on entrepreneurship and self-employment, in our network of 100+ schools and colleges in the UK and beyond. To find out more about Unloc and all our latest news visit: unloc.org.uk/news
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About Burberry
- Burberry is a global luxury brand headquartered in London, UK.
- Founded in 1856, Burberry is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BRBY.L) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index.
- BURBERRY, the Equestrian Knight Device, the Burberry Check and the Thomas Burberry Monogram and Print are trademarks belonging to Burberry.
- For more news: www.burberryplc.com
About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $133.6 billion in 2021.
The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.
VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.
