What do you want to be when you grow up? This felt like a common question when we were young. At the ripe old age of 10, I recall a classroom of wannabe firemen, teachers, actresses, and sports people and for me, well I wanted to work with horses and be a famous show jumper.

Now, the career landscape has changed dramatically. The sheer diversity of opportunities for young people is, almost, overwhelming. It is about so much more than just school or college and can very competitive. In order to help young people in their ambitions to succeed in a chosen path, it’s vital that there is support outside of the traditional classroom.

Given that technology is a ubiquitous, integral part of every day life, the chances to be involved with its creation, distribution, design and reach are wide ranging. It’s hard to choose. What will I be good at? What do I like doing? Which career might blend my style of learning with my personality and aspirations? At Red River we are huge advocates of initiatives and programmes that can assist people in understanding how the software engineering and tech design business works and how they might break into it.

TeenTech is an award-winning organisation founded by Maggie Philbin and Chris Dodson that is very much aligned with this approach. It runs one-day events, with a year-round supporting awards scheme, to help young teenagers see the wide range of career possibilities in Science, Engineering and Technology (or STEM as it is often abbreviated to) and to understand their own true potential in this contemporary workplace. TeenTech works collaboratively with companies, universities, business organisations and education business partnerships to create these very special experiences for young people.

Red River is delighted to be confirmed as the lead for TeenTech in the Gatwick Diamond Region, with MD, Simon Pringle at the helm as Chair of the Steering Group.

We are really looking forward to developing an event that will complement the previous/current events around the UK that see 300/500 pupils from 30/50 different schools benefit from hands-on exhibits and challenges run by leading organisations.

Simon Pringle said:

“It is absolutely essential that businesses play a role in supporting young people in their quest to discover and explore their potential in the world of Science, Engineering and Technology. Organisations like TeenTech help to identify and realise opportunities that may otherwise be passed by. These exciting one-day events promote confidence; stimulate shared learning and recognition of multiple skills in industries that are no longer ‘nerdy’ but pioneering, cutting-edge environments. We are thrilled to be part of that.”

Watch this space for further news on TeenTech in the Gatwick Diamond region.

For more on TeenTech click here.

For more on current Red River apprenticeships and job vacancies click here.