Phoenix Software inspires future technology talent through Hull education outreach programme – TECHNOLOGY RESELLER
Students at Kelvin Hall and Wyke College gain hands-on experience with AI, digital skills and technology careers
Phoenix Software, the public sector IT specialist, has welcomed students from Hull in a series of hands-on technology and careers activities. The events for Year 9 and Year 12 students were designed to inspire the next generation of digital talent and demonstrate the many routes into the technology sector.
The initiatives involved students from Kelvin Hall School and Wyke College, alongside partners Humberside Police and local technology company Purify. The events were designed to help students develop their digital skills, raise career aspirations and build awareness of the career opportunities within the region’s growing technology sector. The programme also helped to demonstrate a clear pathway for young people progressing from Kelvin Hall School to Wyke College, and ultimately into careers and apprenticeships within the technology industry.
On 1st July, Phoenix visited Year 9 GCSE Computer Science students at Kelvin Hall School as part of its Careers in Technology Work Safari. During the event students heard from Phoenix’s recently graduated technical and sales apprentices, explored artificial intelligence through creative activities using Microsoft Copilot, learned practical laptop repair skills and took part in discussions exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by AI.
On 9th July, Phoenix hosted a Girls in Technology Work Experience Day for Year 12 students from Wyke College who had also participated in Humberside Police’s summer youth engagement programme, Operation Lifestyle Challenge. The students toured Phoenix’s headquarters in Pocklington and heard from employees working across technical, sales and project management roles, highlighting the breadth of opportunities available within the technology sector.
The event also featured a careers presentation from Beverley-based Phoenix partner Purify, giving students additional insight into career opportunities within Yorkshire’s digital economy. During the day, students used AI tools to create professional CVs, learned practical laptop repair skills and gained first-hand experience of the technologies shaping the future workplace.
Phoenix funded transport and lunches for the Wyke College visit to ensure all students could fully participate. All attendees across both events received certificates and goody bags in recognition of their participation.
Quotes
Jennifer Clewley, ESG Lead at Phoenix Software, said:
“For many young people, particularly those who may not have considered a career in technology, the industry can feel inaccessible. Our aim is to show that there are multiple pathways into the sector and that skills such as creativity, communication, problem-solving and teamwork are just as important as technical expertise.
“By working with local schools and colleges we’re helping students understand the opportunities available on their doorstep and inspiring the next generation of digital talent.”
Clare Metcalfe, MD of Phoenix Software said:
“The energy and enthusiasm from the students was fantastic to see and incredibly inspiring. Technology is an industry that benefits from people bringing different skills, perspectives and experiences, and that diversity is what helps drive innovation. I hope the students came away feeling excited about the opportunities available to them and knowing that you don’t need a technical background to build a successful and rewarding career within the tech industry.”
Quotes from Wyke College students:
“It’s been great to see what opportunities exist even if I’ve not studied Computer Science at college. I will definitely consider it as a career choice.”
“It was so much fun and it definitely opened my mind to other possible future careers. Thank you Phoenix Software!”
Inspiring the next generation
The events received an overwhelmingly positive response from students. Feedback from the Kelvin Hall event showed an overall satisfaction score of 4.89 out of 5, with every respondent saying they found the careers talk interesting. More than half of participants said they would now consider a career in technology, while the remainder said they would potentially do so in the future. Students praised the opportunity to learn about AI, gain practical experience rebuilding laptops and discover that successful careers in technology are accessible through a variety of educational pathways.
More events to follow
The outreach programme forms part of Phoenix’s ongoing social value programme in which the company has delivered activities to 8,897 students in the last academic year right across the UK. This includes interactive activities for classroom sessions, large STEM events or supporting careers days with mock interviews and talks.
Phoenix continues to work with schools, colleges and community partners across Yorkshire, the Humber, and beyond. Similar events are already planned to take place in schools and colleges in Scotland later this year.
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