Unloc & Verizon Business scoop impressive awards at the Better Society Awards 2024
13 June 2024
We’re thrilled to reveal that we and Verizon Business won two awards at The Better Society Awards 2024!
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We’re thrilled to reveal that we and our partners Verizon Business won not just one, but two awards at The Better Society Awards 2024! The event, held a few days ago, saw leading businesses from across the UK come together at the London Marriot Hotel in Grosvenor Square for a stunning night of celebration, where leaders from across all sectors were recognised for their contributions and positive impact on society and improving the lives of others.
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Through our combined work via the Unloc Changemaker Alliance, we were thrilled to pick up two awards, joining winners from major industry leaders including British Airways, Deloitte, Santander, MacMillan, The National Youth Advocacy Service, Octopus Energy, Vodafone, the NSPCC and Omaze (to name but a few).
The first award is for the National Commitment to Skills & Training Award, something we at Unloc are hugely proud of as we roll out our skills focused programmes, workshops and bootcamps across the UK.
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The second award is the Philanthropy Award category, given to celebrate individuals and organisations who advance innovation, new solutions, and demonstrate meaningful progress in a community, association, or other nonprofit organisation.
Talent and opportunity in the UK is often mis-aligned, with young people growing up in the most challenging socio-economic communities facing life expectancies up-to 6 years below the national average and lifetime income earning potential up-to 40% below the national benchmark (such as Portsmouth). Our joint skills and training programmes are helping to redress this imbalance.
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This uniquely collaborative approach between a global corporate, and our own non-for-profit skills and training organisation has:
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Unloc’s Managing Director Hayden Taylor said:
“We are over the moon that alongside our partners Verizon we’ve been recognised with two National Awards for our work supporting young people from disadvantaged communities to become changemakers and achieve their potential. Our teams, alongside countless volunteers, put huge amounts of hard work and energy to bring to life our unique and innovative programmes in schools, colleges and communities across the country – this award recognises all they do.”
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Xavier White, Verizon Businesses Head of EMEA Social Purpose & Senior ABM Lead said:
“These wins are a recognition of the amazing partnership between Verizon Business and Unloc. Together we’ve worked to create opportunities for young people, championing sustainability, inclusion and diversity, STEM access, and skills training, all of these leading to wider career options for the next generation. I’m grateful that this award has been able to shine a spotlight on the impact that businesses can have upon the community, especially when they work with organisations who have an intimate understanding of said community. Unloc are experts in empowering young people from all backgrounds – when big business and non-for-profit join forces, the impact can be vast!”
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The outcomes described above are the combined results of the six bespoke and innovative programmes in entrepreneurship, leadership, career pathways and amplifying student voices, which are curated and delivered by Unloc’s expert youth-focused facilitation team, working in close collaboration with Verizon employee mentors, guest speakers and industry experts. These are:
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Changemaker Challenge Enterprise Days
These day-long events take place in schools across the country with a particular focus on the most deprived communities, reaching more than 10,000 young people every year. They inspire young people to explore what it means to be a changemaker, including widening their career horizons and putting their entrepreneurial skills to the test through a series of social business challenges.
Each event brings together between 30 and 100 primary or secondary school students to learn about the life and career journeys of local entrepreneurs, Verizon employees and participate in entrepreneurial skill building workshops. Each day culminates in a ‘changemaker challenge’, whereby a team of young people work together to identify and develop an entrepreneurial solution to a real-life social, environmental or economic issue.
Unloc Academies
Our 3-month long Leadership and Enterprise academies develop the skills of more than 1000 passionate young people annually, supporting them to successfully tackle a solution to an issue they or their peers have faced in their schools, colleges or communities. For those participating in the Leadership Academy, Unloc provides practical instruction in project planning, facilitation and effective communication, as well as building personal confidence and leadership. Enterprise Academy students gain skills in business planning, market testing, setting up a business, financial management and more from entrepreneurs and Verizon employees and volunteers.
I AM:
I AM is a new kind of social change incubator putting 100 young people annually at the heart of tackling issues around equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), whilst developing their life-long employability. For 6 months, young people from across Portsmouth and London come together over 4 immersive weekends of training and collaboration to learn about EDI and apply what they have learn to create and implement social change projects, with the support of community leaders, local professionals, specialist consultants, and democratically-elected representatives Following participation, 100% of young people say they feel more inspired to do something different or take action in the future, and 92% say they want to take part in similar programmes.
EDI Changemaker Days
Running alongside I AM, EDI Changemaker Days take place in 5 schools in disadvantaged communities and deliver an immersive day-long experience on EDI and racial justice for 1000 young people each year. With the help of the Unloc team and Verizon mentors, students build their own in-school campaigns to tackle a problem or address a challenge that impacts their lives.
The Young Entrepreneurs Challenge
The Young Entrepreneurs Challenge is an annual event that identifies and encourages young entrepreneurial talent. Now in its 5th year, the challenge provides the opportunity for any young person aged 16-25 with an innovative technology-led, business idea to apply for a grant of £10,000, plus mentorship, training and specialist pro-bono expertise, to help them translate their idea into a successful social enterprise or business. To date, 35 young people have been supported, with their ventures in turn employing more than 250 people.
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The Unloc Changemaker Alliance, an ambitious initiative dedicated to levelling the playing field for young people from deprived communities by providing them with skills, training and opportunities, has announced that Juniper Networks, a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, has joined the Alliance.
Juniper will be joining a growing collection of existing Alliance members, who are business leaders with a commitment to driving social value in a wide range of industry sectors including education, fashion, communications and manufacturing.
By joining organisations including Burberry, Verizon Business and Palo Alto Networks, Juniper is supporting Unloc’s work in schools, colleges and communities across the UK.
A key component of this activity is leveraging the talents, expertise and experiences of Juniper employees who will volunteer as speakers and mentors to help young people from underserved communities to develop life skills and explore the wide range of career pathways available to them.
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Gos Hein van de Wouw, Vice President Enterprise, EMEA, Juniper Networks said:
“Juniper has a long-established track record of using our technology and business know-how to support the development and advancement of those most in need in communities worldwide, especially the young and with an eye on the workforce of the future. Therefore, it is a great pleasure for Juniper to become part of the Unloc Changemaker Alliance, enabling our UK workforce to engage with and help young people to acquire business skills, self-esteem and a sense of their own worth. It is also a great opportunity to build strong synergies with existing partners like Verizon Business.”
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Hayden Taylor, Unloc’s Managing Director said:
“We are so excited to welcome Juniper Networks to the Unloc Changemakers Alliance. The Alliance is a unique forward thinking and proactive collective of businesses investing in the potential of young people and I know the Juniper Networks team will add immense value. Today’s school and college students are tomorrow’s workforce, and our alliance allows us to deliver programmes and support to disadvantaged young people around the country. I’m particularly excited by the prospect of working with Juniper employees as speakers and mentors in our school and college programmes, helping us to improve young people’s skills, driving their ambition and broadening their career potential.”
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Sanjiv Gossain, fellow Alliance member Verizon’s Head of EMEA said:
“We welcome Juniper Networks joining the Changemaker Alliance. It is an important new chapter of the program and a testament to the strength of our partnership. We are looking forward to working alongside the team at Juniper and the wider network to help young people reach their potential, regardless of background.”
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With growing momentum surrounding the Unloc Changemaker Alliance, the future looks bright both for the initiative and its impact – but most importantly for the young people and the lives and economy that will benefit from this vital investment in the futures of young people.
For more information about the Unloc Changemaker Alliance, or to watch our short video about this exciting new union of businesses simply visit: unloc.org.uk/alliance
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Notes for Journalists
About Unloc & the Changemaker Alliance
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 to over 20,000 young people each year, including on entrepreneurship and self-employment, in our network of 250+ schools and colleges in the UK and beyond.
The Unloc Changemaker Alliance is a growing network of leading businesses who share our vision of supporting every young person to achieve their true potential. By working together, we are widening access to Unloc’s educational programmes for schools and colleges from disadvantaged communities, supporting young people with micro-grants to set up a new business or community project, engaging employees to volunteer in our community programmes and bringing like-minded businesses together to create change.
To find out more about Unloc and all our latest news visit: unloc.org.uk/news
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About the members of the Unloc Changemaker Alliance
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Juniper Networks
Juniper Networks is dedicated to dramatically simplifying network operations and driving superior experiences for end users. Our solutions deliver industry-leading insight, automation, security and AI to drive real business results. We believe that powering connections will bring us closer together while empowering us all to solve the world’s greatest challenges of well-being, sustainability and equality.
Additional information can be found at Juniper Networks (www.juniper.net) or connect with Juniper on X (Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook.
Juniper Networks, the Juniper Networks logo, Juniper, Junos, and other trademarks listed here are registered trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is the world’s cybersecurity leader. We innovate to outpace cyberthreats, so organizations can embrace technology with confidence. We provide next-gen cybersecurity to thousands of customers globally, across all sectors. Our best-in-class cybersecurity platforms and services are backed by industry-leading threat intelligence and strengthened by state-of-the-art automation.
Whether deploying our products to enable the Zero Trust Enterprise, responding to a security incident, or partnering to deliver better security outcomes through a world-class partner ecosystem, we’re committed to helping ensure each day is safer than the one before. It’s what
makes us the cybersecurity partner of choice.
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/.
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
GRP Solutions LTD
GRP Solutions Ltd is the UK’s leading provider to the Glass reinforced plastics industry. A highly experienced team of composite experts, dedicated to setting the standard in composite distribution. Working with world class suppliers the company prides itself in offering the very best solutions and service to customers.
Growing from strength to strength, GRP Solutions provides customers across every sector of the UK with the most comprehensive range of composite solutions and services.
Further information can be found at: www.grp-solutions.com
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Leading cybersecurity networks organisation Palo Alto Networks are the lastest organisation to become members of our growing Unloc Changemaker Alliance, an initiative dedicated to levelling the playing field for young people and providing them with the skills, training and opportunities which help young people from deprived communities into a better future.
Palo Alto will be in good company, joining existing Alliance members who are business leaders in education, fashion, communications, and manufacture, original founders Unloc, Burberry, Verizon Business, and GRP Solutions.
Opportunity is not meeting talent when it comes to underrepresented communities in the workplace, and young people are not being given opportunities to forge a path and have their voices heard. Working together within the Unloc Changemaker Alliance these organisations are creating a positive and dynamic impact on the lives of young people in society, evening the playing field for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and developing their skills and potential as future employees.
Through the Alliance partnership they work with schools, colleges and young people to develop the skills and career pathways that have a tangible impact on young minds and future aspirations.
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Palo Alto Networks have long been recognised in the cybersecurity industry as one of the world’s leaders, providing next-generation security to a global customer base across all sectors of industry. Whether deploying their products to enable the Zero Trust Enterprise, responding to a security incident, or partnering to deliver better security outcomes through a world-class partner ecosystem, the organisation are committed to helping ensure the cyber safety of their customers.
This collective of forward-thinking businesses all possess a commitment to developing the potential of young people, and ensuring they have access to the skills, the knowledge, support and guidance to excel in their futures, creating positive impact on the employability and trailblazing the way for their peers.
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Patricia Murphy, Palo Alto’s Vice President for EMEA & LATAM Ecosystems said:
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“Our corporate responsibilities here at Palo Alto Networks play a critical role in achieving our vision of a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before. We understand the important role our sustainability strategy plays in helping to advance our industry and uplift communities through investment in causes that align employee interests and community needs. I’m thrilled that we have partnered with Unloc and Verizon on this very worthy and exciting initiative.”
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Hayden Taylor, Unloc’s Managing Director said:
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“We could not be happier to welcome Palo Alto Networks to the Unloc Changemakers Alliance, joining us and our inspiring partners Verizon, Burberry and GRP Solutions in a growing network of forward thinking and proactive businesses investing in the potential of young people. Today’s school and college students are tomorrow’s young workforce, and our alliance allows us to deliver programmes and support to disadvantaged young people around the country, improving their skills, driving their ambition, and broadening their career potential.”
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Sanjiv Gossain, Verizon’s Head of EMEA said:
“As a founding member, Verizon is excited to welcome our partners at Palo Alto Networks to this impactful initiative. Palo Alto is a great addition to the Unloc Changemaker Alliance, and their partnership will be pivotal in building a community that stimulates equal opportunities and inclusive hiring for today’s youth. We look forward to working with Palo Alto and the other members of the Changemaker Alliance to continue cultivating success for the next generation of diverse industry leaders.”
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With other industry leaders currently in talks to join the growing Unloc Changemaker Alliance, the future looks bright both for the initiative and its impact – but most importantly for the young people and the lives and economy that will benefit from this vital investment in the futures of young people.
For more information about the Unloc Changemaker Alliance, or to watch our short video about this exciting new union of businesses simply visit: unloc.org.uk/alliance
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Notes for Journalists
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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
Get the latest from Unloc with our Digital Update. Click here to subscribe!
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About Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is the world’s cybersecurity leader. We innovate to outpace cyberthreats, so organizations can embrace technology with confidence. We provide next-gen cybersecurity to thousands of customers globally, across all sectors. Our best-in-class cybersecurity platforms and services are backed by industry-leading threat intelligence and strengthened by state-of-the-art automation. Whether deploying our products to enable the Zero Trust Enterprise, responding to a security incident, or partnering to deliver better security outcomes through a world-class partner ecosystem, we’re committed to helping ensure each day is safer than the one before. It’s what makes us the cybersecurity partner of choice.
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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/.
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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
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About GRP Solutions LTD
GRP Solutions Ltd is the UK’s leading provider to the Glass reinforced plastics industry. A highly experienced team of composite experts, dedicated to setting the standard in composite distribution. Working with world class suppliers the company prides itself in offering the very best solutions and service to customers.
Growing from strength to strength, GRP Solutions provides customers across every sector of the UK with the most comprehensive range of composite solutions and services.
Further information can be found at: www.grp-solutions.com
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Unloc, Burberry, Verizon Business and GRP Solutions have joined forces to launch a new initiative to level up the lives of young people and change the game for tomorrow’s young workforce. The Unloc Changemaker Alliance will bring together leading business organisations who believe in creating a positive impact on the lives of young people in society, even the playing field for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and develop their skills and potential as future employees.
Multiple factors lie at the heart of the issue. Simply put, opportunity is not meeting talent when it comes to underrepresented communities in the workplace, and young people are not being given opportunities to forge a path and have their voices heard.
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Social enterprise Unloc has joined forcing with global communications giant Verizon Business, international luxury fashion brand Burberry, and leading composite manufacturer GRP Solutions to address these issues, forming the Changemaker Alliance.
This collective of forward-thinking businesses all possess a commitment to developing the potential of young people, and ensuring they have access to the skills, the knowledge, support and guidance to excel in their futures, creating positive impact on the employability and trailblazing the way for their peers.
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Through the Alliance partnership they will work with schools, colleges and young people to develop the skills and career pathways that have a tangible impact on young minds and future aspirations.
The Changemaker Alliance provides them with an avenue to bring these ideas to fruition, and will provide funding for programmes which promote inclusion and diversity, social action, empowerment, and level the playing field for young people from all economic backgrounds and communities.
It can be especially difficult for young people starting out on their career path to secure funding or finance to begin their potential business or entrepreneurial ideas.
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To tackle this the Changemaker Alliance will enable 16 to 25 year olds to apply for small seed funding grants of up to £1,000 to trial their entrepreneurial ventures, community projects or social enterprise ideas. These grants are designed to give young people a chance to test their idea and get it off the ground, whilst creating a positive impact in the wider community.
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Hayden Taylor, Unloc’s Managing Director said:
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“We are thrilled to launch the Unloc Changemakers Alliance, and simply couldn’t ask for better founding partners than Verizon and Burberry. Their work with Unloc in the past has allowed us to take programmes and support out to disadvantaged young people in the community, and provide programmes on global issues such as sustainability, inclusion, racial justice, diversity and women in the technology sector.”
“United we understand the importance and social value to the future economy when we look at young people. Today’s school pupils and college students are the future customers and workforce. Collectively with the Changemakers Alliance we can help young people realise their full , whether that’s through mentoring, support, skills development, or financial funding support. We’re so excited to make a difference to their future career journeys.”
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Mark Turner, Business Relationship Director, Burberry said:
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“We are honoured to be a founding partner of the Unloc Changemaker Alliance. We’re looking forward to continuing the amazing work we’ve started in partnership with the organisations to date. Supporting the next generation and making a lasting positive change is important to us, and we know there’s so much more we can do.”
“Through the Alliance, we have a unique opportunity to work alongside like-minded companies, supporting young people and helping them reach their potential.”
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Xavier White, Head of UK&I Marketing and EMEA Social Purpose said:
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“We are delighted to be a founding member of Unloc’s ChangeMaker Alliance and this new grant making program. For the past few years, Verizon have been working with Unloc to hold the annual Young Entrepreneurs Challenge, a competition for those aged 16-25 to win funding to scale up their tech-related startup idea. However, we’re aware that there’s a certain amount of privilege in having access to the first few hundred pounds required to bring such an idea to life.”
“This led to the idea of a test-and-learn grant: the new ChangeMaker Alliance Grants. We are delighted to be working alongside Unloc, Burberry and GRP Solutions to bring this to life and even the playing field for young people and provide them with access to funding, training and new opportunities.”
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GRP Solutions Director of People, Culture and Community, Michele Harpur said:
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“Supporting the Change makers of tomorrow is a team effort and we are honoured and delighted to be working with such leading organisations to create positive change through the Changemakers Alliance.”
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As the Changemaker Alliance grows the members hope that other leading businesses will join them to grow the Alliance network and it’s reach, ensuring more and more young people across the UK have access to the training and support which will allow them to take a bolder first step into the employment market.”
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Interested in your organisation becoming a part of the Unloc Changemaker Alliance? Click here
About the members of the Unloc Changemaker Alliance
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.
Get the latest from Unloc with our Digital Update. Click here to subscribe!
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/.
About GRP Solutions LTD
GRP Solutions Ltd is the UK’s leading provider to the Glass reinforced plastics industry. A highly experienced team of composite experts, dedicated to setting the standard in composite distribution. Working with world class suppliers the company prides itself in offering the very best solutions and service to customers.
Growing from strength to strength, GRP Solutions provides customers across every sector of the UK with the most comprehensive range of composite solutions and services.
Further information can be found at: www.grp-solutions.com
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:
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
Get the latest from Unloc with our Digital Update. Click here to subscribe!
About Burberry
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/.
We’re thrilled to reveal that we and Verizon Business won two awards at The Better Society Awards 2024!
Last Thursday industry professionals from across the country gathered at Verizon’s slick London Hub in at MidCity Place, Holborn, for a Changemaker Moments event on Manufacturing.
During the February half-term and Easter holidays this year, 53 young people, in Year 11 and 12, from across Portsmouth participated in our ‘Portsmouth Inspires’ Programme, funded by NCS.
. We’re looking for a passionate & creative young person aged 16-25 in the Portsmouth or London areas to become our first official social media
We’re thrilled to reveal that we and Verizon Business won two awards at The Better Society Awards 2024!
Last Thursday industry professionals from across the country gathered at Verizon’s slick London Hub in at MidCity Place, Holborn, for a Changemaker Moments event on Manufacturing.
During the February half-term and Easter holidays this year, 53 young people, in Year 11 and 12, from across Portsmouth participated in our ‘Portsmouth Inspires’ Programme, funded by NCS.
Unloc,
Portsmouth Guildhall,
Guildhall Square,
Portsmouth,
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