Uniting education and industry at the Computing Ambassadors launch event

People networking at the Computing Ambassadors Launch Event.

Last week on June 11, we brought together educators and industry professionals for an exciting event introducing the impact of our Computing Ambassadors scheme. Held at Dassault Systèmes' offices in London, the event provided a collaborative environment for teachers and tech leaders to explore ways to break down barriers to student participation in the subject of computer science.

STEM Learning's CEO, Séverine Trouillet, opened the event with a compelling discussion on the pivotal role of mentorship and role models in STEM fields, stressing that "you can't be what you can't see". Aneta Jajkowska, Senior Director of People & Organisational Partner for EuroNorth at Dassault Systèmes, swiftly followed with a compelling insight into how meaningful careers in technology can empower young people to drive tangible change, such as enhancing environmental sustainability and revolutionising healthcare.

Aneta Jajkowska speaks at the Computing Ambassadors launch event.

Aneta Jajkowska, Senior Director of People & Organisational Partner for EuroNorth at Dassault Systèmes

These discussions highlighting the importance of visibility of opportunities in career aspirations were timely, especially in advance of World Youth Skills Day taking place this week (15 July 2024). They underscored how volunteer initiatives, such as the Computing Ambassadors scheme, play a pivotal role in addressing the digital skills gap that has persisted in STEM industries.

Next, we heard from Sam Holyman and Chloe Badham, two teachers from Aylesford School in Warwick. They both spoke about their lived experience as teachers and told us of the benefits that becoming a Computing Ambassador and getting involved with schools can pose to industry and the wider mission to overcome skills gaps within technological sectors.

Two presenters in a classroom with screens showing a woman with children using computers.

Two teachers presenting at the Computing Ambassadors launch event.

Chloe, formerly a computer science student and change management expert, is now a STEM Leader and Computer Science Teacher. She emphasised it is through role models and great examples that we can help students see themselves in diverse careers and evoke curiosity for different career paths available to them. Through these meaningful interactions, students are able to believe in their own potential.

Through inspiring anecdotes, both drawing from their own careers and the words of their pupils, Sam and Chloe brought attention to the benefits of collaborative engagement with schools. This is an opportunity for organisations to reinforce their industry's visibility to the workforce of the future.

Ending with a fiery Q&A session and lively networking, everyone left the session inspired to start implementing change and equipped with knowledge of how to make the first step - sign up to volunteer as a Computing Ambassador!

Computing Ambassadors are part of our STEM Ambassadors volunteers - people from a wide range of industries who can connect computing lessons to the real-world. Read how you can become or host an Ambassador and inspire young people to become the next generation of computer scientists here.