Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter is hoping to inspire the next generation of tech innovators with its new schools outreach programme.
The programme will see cohorts of local sixth formers spend the day in the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) Innovation District, giving them the opportunity to visit the facilities and organisations located across the innovation district, which were previously inaccessible.
Delivered in partnership with institutions and businesses based in KQ Liverpool, the purpose of the programme is to showcase the diverse mix of careers on offer within the innovation sector and to create tangible aspirations for local talent.
Students will visit the Digital Innovation Facility, Manufacturing Technology Centre, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions and the Royal College of Physicians at The Spine, giving an insight into daily working life in an innovation district.
Colin Sinclair, CEO of KQ Liverpool, said: “In just a few years Paddington Village in KQ Liverpool has risen from the ground, with organisations such as the Royal College of Physicians and digital bank Cashplus opening up their Northern Headquarters on the site.
“As the innovation district continues to develop and evolve, it is crucial that local communities benefit from its growth and importantly local students are fully aware of the opportunities available to them right on their doorstep.”
Students will have the opportunity to hear from professionals in a live working environment with the chance to ask questions and gain a better understanding as to the many different routes that can lead to a career in the health and life sciences, tech, digital and creative sectors.
Ian Bullock, CEO at the Royal College of Physicians, added: “The Spine was designed to be one of the world’s healthiest workspaces for mental and physical wellbeing in the UK and we hope that by welcoming students into our Liverpool home we will be able to inspire the future workforce and get local young people excited about the opportunities available to them.
“Showcasing roles across education, communications, project management, digital marketing, events and finance – to name but a few – we will be demonstrating the diversity of careers on offer at the Royal College of Physicians as part of the programme.”
The programme is initially being piloted with six local schools and colleges, with the pilot being used to gain feedback on the programme from students, teachers, career leads and partner organisations to help scale up in the future.
