News and Events
Voyage Launches Tech Ambassador Programme
Voyage is proud to announce our Tech Ambassador programme, we've recruited a group of young individuals to become ambassadors, providing them with opportunities to engage with the tech industry, develop new skills, and act as thought leaders.
Events and Engagement
As part of the program, our ambassadors will not only represent Voyage at tech events, but will also write insightful articles about their experiences.
Upskilling and Training
The programme emphasises upskilling through a series of technical workshops and public speaking and communication training. Each ambassador will be paired with a mentor from the tech industry, providing them with invaluable guidance and networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
Research and Writing
Ambassadors will engage in research and writing activities, including researching articles or products related to technology and writing opinion pieces from a youth perspective. They will conduct policy or product reviews when commissioned by organizations and carry out surveys or interviews to understand the needs and interests of their peers. Additionally, they will create content for the Voyage website and social media platforms, including short videos.
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Insights from Tech Ambassadors
Recently, Voyage brought together our tech ambassadors for a meeting to discuss key issues and share their insights. Here are some highlights from their discussions:
- Underrepresentation and Challenges: The ambassadors highlighted the underrepresentation of Black professionals and other minorities in the tech industry, noting the lack of opportunities for people of colour. They discussed how traditional routes are often insufficient and emphasized the need for more knowledge about available roles and programs for young people.
- Barriers to Progression: They pointed out that minorities often leave the tech industry due to a lack of job enrichment, racial profiling, and an inability to progress. They also noted that minorities are underrepresented in senior roles across most industries, facing unconscious biases and barriers that limit career advancement.
- Recommendations: The ambassadors suggested several measures to address these issues, including hiring more people of colour, providing training for all staff, creating safe spaces like breakout rooms, using more inclusive language, and improving interview processes. They also recommended more work experience opportunities, internships, work shadowing, workshops, and better signposting from secondary school to university to guide young people into tech careers. Additionally, they called for a change in mindset, promoting diversity education in schools and youth groups, and fostering a more inclusive culture.
Moving Forward
The Tech Ambassador Program is a significant step towards bridging the gap between young people and the tech industry, fostering a new generation of tech-savvy leaders. Through this initiative, Voyage continues to champion the cause of social justice and empowerment, ensuring that young people have the tools and opportunities to succeed in the digital age. By addressing the insights and recommendations from their tech ambassadors, Voyage aims to create a more inclusive and equitable tech industry for all.