Why Tech Cornwall Needs Your Support
Tech Cornwall has long been a champion of nurturing young talent, connecting students to the possibilities of a future in technology. Over the next 18 months, we will host approx. 15 T-Level students enrolled in the Digital Design, Production, and Development course. These courses, equivalent to three A Levels, require students to complete 315 hours of business placement.
Thanks to funding from the Gatsby Foundation, Tech Cornwall is providing the infrastructure for this placement, offering students opportunities to work on meaningful projects and participate in our events to network and gain exposure to the industry.
However, we need help. We need real-life projects for our students to work on. We are looking for projects from our networks that can inspire, challenge, and develop the next generation of digital professionals.
The students have a mixture of talents and abilities. Some are self taught coders where the T-Level course is their first formal computing course. Others have completed computer science at GCSE.
How You Can Help
- Provide Projects for T-Level Students
While Tech Cornwall has several projects underway, including collaborations with Iteracy (developing a chatbot for Cornwall Council Headstart) and Boo Consulting (simplifying privacy notices for apps and websites), we need more businesses to contribute. Projects should:- Be of genuine value to your business.
- Require around 12 days of work, though durations can be flexible for students to work on. Students are on placement with Tech Cornwall for 2 days each week.
- Provide opportunities for students to work alone or in pairs, fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills.
As a participating business, you would:
- Introduce the project via an initial video call or in person (we would cover expenses)
- Be available to answer questions remotely or in person, as your schedule allows (travel would be reimbursed)
- Attend a final presentation by the students to review their work.
- Provide feedback about the experience.
Tech Cornwall will support the students throughout their placements, but we may occasionally need to consult with you for technical expertise.
- Offer Placements and Work Experience
In addition to supporting T-Level students, we are also seeking work placement opportunities for students in Further and Higher Education. These students, who have benefited from our outreach since 2015, are now progressing to advanced stages of their education. Their technical skills are rapidly developing, and many are seeking opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the workplace.
We need businesses to:
- Provide short work experience opportunities or more structured placements.
- Showcase the diversity of roles available in Cornwall’s tech sector.
- Help students understand how their skills can lead to viable careers in the region.
Why This Matters
Cornwall’s tech industry has the potential to thrive by investing in its future workforce. By participating in this initiative, you will:
- Inspire Future Innovators: Introduce students to the breadth of opportunities within the tech sector and help them discover their strengths and career pathways.
- Strengthen Cornwall’s Workforce: Develop a pipeline of skilled professionals who understand the unique needs of our local businesses and communities.
- Showcase Regional Opportunities: Demonstrate that Cornwall is a hub for innovation and that young people can build rewarding careers without leaving the region.
Tech Cornwall has spent years encouraging students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in tech and we are inundated with requests which shows a significant interest in the sector so please help us grow the pipeline for the future of the sector in Cornwall. Together, we can ensure that Cornwall remains a beacon of digital innovation and opportunity.
Get Involved
If you would like to discuss how your business can contribute, whether through project support, placements, or work experience opportunities, please contact us today. Your partnership will make a significant difference in shaping the future of Cornwall’s tech sector.
To book a call with us and discuss how we can work together to make the difference drop us a line to [email protected]. Or we have a simple form to submit your project idea.
