Workfinder, the platform built to inspire the next generation and create a pipeline of talent to drive the UK’s most ambitious growth companies, is today hosting an event at the Francis Crick Institute for 186 female sixth form students in celebration of Ada Lovelace Day.
In keeping with what the day stands for, a diverse line-up of female role models in STEM, including CEO of Commercial and Private Banking RBS, Alison Rose, DeepMind COO Lila Ibrahim, Girlguiding advocate Juliet Dowley, Snap Inc VP Claire Valoti, Microsoft for Startups UK MD Amali de Alwis, Francis Crick Institute mathematician Esther Wershof and techUK president Jacqueline de Rojas, will deliver a series of inspirational TED-style talks that aim to bring their experiences to life for attendees.
Far from being just another inspirational event, a number of companies – including RBS, Made.com, PayPal, Eurostar and more – will take part in a speed networking session after the talks and, alongside 35 other UK companies, will also be offering the girls valuable work experience placements during the October half term (21 – 25 October).
Sherry Coutu CBE, founder of Workfinder, commented: “With 80 percent of experts saying they would hire a B-grade student with a relevant internship over an A+ student without any, and with 90% of employers saying that they need talent with the right skills more than anything else, including funding, we know work experience to be the critical bridge between education and employment.
That is why we have worked with employers for the past three years to create Workfinder so it was super simple for work experience hosts from the UK’s best businesses to hire fresh talent in a few clicks for a fraction of the time and money it might otherwise take. This helps the company on critical projects, learning & development of their millennial staff and young people to acquire critical skill sets that they will need when they are ready for their first permanent role.”
Alison Rose, CEO of Commercial and Private Banking, RBS, said: “It is incredibly encouraging that events like these are empowering young female talent on their educational and professional journeys. If we are to help the next generation of women into the leadership roles of the future, we must continue to support and equip them to overcome the barriers they currently face. I am proud to be here, celebrating women and girls in STEM.”
Lila Ibrahim, COO of DeepMind, also commented: “The potential of advanced AI to contribute positively to our world, addressing some of the biggest problems we face, such as disease and climate change, is huge. But, AI can only make a positive impact if it reflects a diversity of backgrounds and needs.
“Inspiring the next generation of scientists to consider careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) is critical if we are to ensure that the new technologies we build are truly representative of who we’re building them for.”
If you work at a high-growth organisation that hasn’t already considered the impact opening your company’s doors to tomorrow’s talent could make, please visit Workfinder to find out more.
Companies offering work experience placements:
● A Million Ads
● Blis
● Bubbl Tech
● BX Merchandise
● Cogo
● Crypta Labs
● Eurostar
● Fieldhouse Associates
● Findmypast
● Forgather
● Foxtons
● Grant Thornton
● Gyana
● Heist Studios
● Hero
● Innovate Finance
● Jugglejobs
● Kadamee
● Littlepay
● London & Partners
● Made.com
● Masabi
● Musemio
● Natwest/RBS
● Neptune Software
● Newham London
● Onfido
● PayPal
● Poplar
● Safe2Net
● Silicon Reef
● Suse
● Tassomai
● The Drum
● The Social Element
● Wayra
● Workfinder
● Yoti
● Zoopla
