Schools can register now to join the Future Talent Alliance – a new initiative designed to bridge the gap between schools and businesses to drive gender equity in the workplace and foster long-term sustainable change.
Starting with a conference on 4 July at Alliance Manchester Business School, the initiative will bring together schools and businesses to inspire the next generation of talent. The conference is free for schools to attend but places are limited so early booking is advised.
In September, a free resource pack will be shared in schools, aimed at Year 8 pupils, highlighting the opportunities available in the world of work and showcasing role models across different sectors. This will be followed with the Future Talent Fortnight in November which will offer a range of opportunities for schools to engage with participating businesses.
“The Future Talent Alliance will create a platform for companies to take positive, strategic action to foster equality and inclusion,” said Dee Gallagher of Amp Corporate Communications which is spearheading the programme. “By forming connections with schools, businesses can help shape early conceptions of the workplace and provide vital role models, supporting social mobility, inclusion and gender parity, as well as investing in the long-term health and diversity of the UK talent pipeline.”
Since the Future Talent Alliance will launch in the North West, it is hoped there will be strong representation from schools in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, although the initiative is open to secondary schools across the UK.
Sarah Featherstone, director of school operations at Alliance Manchester Business School said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Future Talent Alliance which aims to bridge the gap between businesses and schools, in order to drive gender parity and inclusion in the workplace. We look forward to hosting the inaugural conference in July to facilitate debate on this topic.”
Schools can register now to get involved and help shape the resources.
The conference on 4 July will feature a series of panel debates and talks from experts on topics including:
- The digital and AI revolution: understanding the gender impact
- Sector spotlights on finance, tech, construction and education
- How to change perceptions and the need for role models
- Getting involved: new resources for schools
The debate will inform the new resource pack, available to schools from September. This will be followed by various opportunities for schools and businesses to engage as part of the Future Talent Fortnight in November, with workplace visits (real and virtual), guest speakers, talks from industry mentors, online quizzes and more.
The full conference agenda can be found here
