Capgemini partnership equips young people with career skills

Capgemini is an excellent place to work.

Choosing to work for Capgemini means having the opportunity to make a difference.

One of the many impressive ways Capgemini is helping to build a positive future is through empowering young people via its partnership with the Salford Foundation. Through this collaboration, Capgemini volunteers are helping equip young people with the skills and aspirations they need to succeed. Through interactive workshops and events, this partnership is making a real difference in the lives of young people in Salford UK, offering insight into the different paths available in tech and entrepreneurship careers

Harnessing Capgemini's volunteer network

Salford Foundation, a UK-based charitable organisation, is renowned for its comprehensive support to young people and families in Salford in the UK's Greater Manchester area. The group focuses on vital services such as youth support, education and training, community initiatives, mental health and well-being, employment, and career support.

To amplify their impact within the community, Salford Foundation has partnered with Capgemini, aiming to harness Capgemini’s extensive resources and volunteer network to further community engagement and volunteering efforts across Greater Manchester, as part of Capgemini’s social value commitment to the UK's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Aligning with Capgemini's social aims

This collaboration is rooted in Capgemini’s contracts with DWP, aligning closely with their broader social aims. The partnership’s primary mission is to inspire and mobilize the Capgemini Community towards active participation in community-oriented initiatives, thereby fulfilling the volunteering needs dictated by Salford Foundation’s strategic goals. This collaboration not only enriches the community but also fortifies the personal and professional development of Capgemini’s staff through active civic engagement.

Cultivating essential skills and aspirations

Capgemini has implemented a series of targeted community events and initiatives designed in close collaboration with the Salford Foundation to cultivate essential skills and aspirations among young individuals. The initiatives include engaging and interactive sessions such as Mock Interviews, Enterprise Days, and STEM workshops, each tailored to instil confidence and spark interest in technology and entrepreneurship among students aged 9 to 19.

These programmes are part of the Raising Aspirations projects and have been strategically developed to provide practical insights and experiences that bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. Capgemini’s involvement goes beyond participation, as they co-design events that are integral to the curriculum of schools across Greater Manchester. This approach not only enhances the educational landscape but also embeds Capgemini’s innovative spirit into the community.

Dedicating many volunteering hours

Since the inception of this partnership in March 2023, Capgemini’s volunteers have dedicated approximately 1,500 hours, directly impacting over 1,000 students across Greater Manchester. The volunteering efforts include comprehensive workshops and school events that have been lauded for their effectiveness in helping young people set realistic goals and develop actionable plans for their futures.

Expanding collaboration through STEM events

Looking ahead, Capgemini and the Salford Foundation are expanding their collaboration to include more STEM-focused events that anticipate engaging an additional 150 students per session. These events are designed to not only provide exposure to STEM fields but also to emphasize the practical application of these disciplines in various industries. Furthermore, with over 40 different volunteering activities outlined in Salford Foundation’s brochure, Capgemini‘s team is continuously exploring new avenues to contribute meaningfully to the community’s growth and resilience.

Setting a foundation for future initiatives

The partnership between Capgemini and Salford Foundation is a beacon of community engagement and innovation, setting a robust foundation for future initiatives that aim to nurture young minds and cultivate a thriving environment for communal prosperity.

Feedback from a participating school stated: “Having Capgemini present at the careers event enabled students and parents to gain an insight into the different paths and options available post-16 education. With content specifically linking to students’ GCSE options, e.g., Computer Science and IT, they were able to see a trajectory and career path ahead of them to aspire towards. As well as insights into career options, students also gained valuable insights into what top firms seek from applicants throughout the recruitment process, providing students with the confidence and knowledge to work towards these apprenticeships and career options.”