Parliament House will host the final of Digital Dash, a new program to help young people from North Paddington enter the tech industry. The winners were announced against the magnificent backdrop of the Palace of Westminster.
Representatives from major companies including Visa, Microsoft, Bloomberg, Goldman Sachs and PA Media gathered to praise the contestants’ achievements. Over 12 weeks from September to December 2023, 20 young people from North Paddington will work with leaders from global technology companies to develop digital products that address challenges in their local neighbourhood. Developed.
In collaboration with Bloomberg Associates, the pro bono consulting arm of Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Paddington Development Trust, Digital Dash will connect North Paddington’s talented youth with mentors from leading technology companies such as Visa, Finastra, Optum and Cognizant. Combined. It was (or was) based in Westminster’s Paddington Opportunity Area, just steps away from the world-famous train station.
North Paddington has one of the highest rates of youth unemployment in London and is the focus of the council’s collaborative efforts to partner with big business. Digital Dash provided training opportunities for local talent, bridging the gap between education and jobs, and helping young residents gain immediate access to opportunities offered by these global giants.
The winners presented their achievements in front of senior representatives from Visa, Goldman Sachs, PA Media, Karen Buck MP and Chief of Staff Geoff Barraclough (Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development). Cognizant’s team of motivated young people from Paddington emerged victorious in this fierce competition by focusing on reporting crime on a shared platform.
Digital Dash is part of Westminster Council’s wider ‘North Paddington Programme’. The program aims to revitalize the boroughs in Harrow Road, Queen’s Park and Westbourne with his £20m investment in jobs and skills, benefits, crime reduction and the public realm. North of the city.
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council’s cabinet member for planning and economic development, said:
“Digital Dash demonstrates our continued commitment to nurturing young talent in our city. By working with the private sector and charities, we are closing the skills gap in the technology sector and empowering our communities. I have been amazed by the intelligence, enthusiasm and maturity of the young people who take part in this program. Their job is to put Paddington on the map.”
“Optum is proud to support the Digital Dash program and mentor young people starting their careers in the technology industry. Our Optum team supports local communities and helps people learn and develop digital and technical skills. We’re excited to be able to help people develop their professional networks and build their confidence.” – Suzy Foster, Optum UK CEO
“At Cognizant, we are working to ensure that the workforce of the future reflects the full range of diversity in society. By acquiring technology skills, we aim to increase social mobility and create new opportunities for people in need. We believe in creating career opportunities, and that belief is the driving force behind our volunteering initiative Outreach. We work with companies from a variety of sectors and our programs encourage a lot of creativity and innovation. It’s great to have volunteers mentoring the next generation of tech talent within North Paddington who have shown their true potential.” – Rohit Gupta, UK&I Managing Director, Cognizant
“Finastra is delighted to be part of this initiative to help young people access the digital skills they need for the jobs of the future. This competition aligns closely with our ESG commitment to social mobility. We support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and champion financial literacy. As a leading financial technology company, we are well placed to share our expertise and encourage the next generation of technology talent. I am extremely proud that our Finastra mentors have dedicated their volunteer hours to such impactful projects that have the power to change the lives of local communities and people. reflects our belief in ‘doing good by doing good.’” – Simon Paris, CEO of Finastra
“I am honored to have led the design and implementation of the first digital dash in North Paddington. The technology sector provides high-quality employment opportunities and this competition will encourage 20 young people to It provided an opportunity to demonstrate skills and get a glimpse of what this career path could be like. The dedication and time that corporate mentors put into the program demonstrated a shared desire to support and invest in local residents. The enthusiasm, ingenuity and compassion of young people reveals an incredible talent pool in North Paddington.” – Gordon Innes, Economic Development Lead, Bloomberg Associates
“We are proud to partner with Westminster City Council on the Digital Dash programme. This program is about more than just technology. It’s about providing opportunity, empowering and shaping the future. Through this work, we We are giving Westminster’s young residents the skills and experience they need to succeed in the dynamic technology industry.” – Mustapha Mroueih, Senior Finance Director, Visa.
Initiatives like Digital Dash can revolutionize local communities. Engaging with large companies and matching them with the local talent base has a win-win outcome. The Paddington Development Trust has played a central role in the area for the past 25 years, providing employment opportunities for people among many other community-led activities. Our experience shows that providing career tastings to young people can and will have a transformative impact on their long-term employment outcomes. We look forward to expanding this pilot with our great partners. – Neil Johnston, CEO, Paddington Development Trust
“I have enjoyed getting to know my team and mentors and have developed a variety of skills during the course, from thinking about product design to working in teams and public speaking. , visiting the offices of various supporting companies and learning about the way people work.” – Nathan Fairclough (Participant)
“Thanks to Visa’s mentoring approach, I was able to apply the business management principles I learned at university. In real life, it ultimately improved and strengthened my leadership skills.