News article

Westminster City Council to turbo-charge tech careers for young residents

Energy and inspiration will be prevalent in Westminster thanks to a series of Changemaker Studios Pop-Up Sessions running from Monday 8 to Friday 12 November. The programme will help young people and adults in Westminster develop ideas and start their journey towards becoming entrepreneurs.

A collaborative project from Westminster City Council, Westminster Kingsway College, Visionnaires and Unloc, the Pop-Up sessions will consist of a week-long series of engaging activities based at Westminster Kingsway College’s Victoria Centre.

As part of a vibrant programme of activity for young people across Westminster, supported by the council, the partnership have created a week full of activities and inspiring sessions to inspire minds, provide strong entrepreneurship advice and encourage confidence.

Young people and adults will be invited to sign up to a variety of bootcamps and masterclasses taking place during the week. The activities will also be live streamed online.

Three half-day Changemaker Bootcamps from Unloc and five 90 minute expert workshops from Visionnaires will develop the entrepreneurial skills of attendees. It will allow them to hear from experienced entrepreneurs and build upon their own business ideas.

There will also be four Visionnaires masterclasses consisting of 90 minute expert workshops with a Q&A from entrepreneurs exploring a variety of specialist topics.

The aim is to create a buzz of activity around entrepreneurship and social leadership in Westminster, as well as developing the skills and aspirations of local residents.

Cllr Timothy Barnes, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Young People and Learning, has previously been a Visionnaires mentor and works with young people on developing new business ideas.

Cllr Barnes said:

It’s vital we work to create opportunities for young people in Westminster to develop their skills and to help them explore the widest possible set of career paths. These sessions will provide an invaluable insight into the world of entrepreneurship and.

Managing Director of Unloc, Hayden Taylor said:

Changemaker Studios Pop-Up Sessions are an invaluable way for us to reach young people in new areas and encourage them to think about their future career options and potential. We’re organising a whole host of fun and engaging activities for the week, and we encourage young people in the area to come along and join in to what will be a very fun and impactful week this summer!

Pablo Lloyd OBE, CEO of Visionnaires said:

Entrepreneurship and self-employment are critical to the economy and, for many people, their only option for work. We’re excited to offer Westminster residents the chance to experience Visionnaires expert workshops, with practical tools and advice delivered by successful entrepreneurs.

Carlo Liu, Head of Careers Education and Partnerships at Westminster Kingsway College said:

At Westminster Kingsway College we believe in the transformative power of education and are committed to supporting learners into positive destinations. One of our key priorities is to provide learners with access to high quality opportunities that are aligned to meeting the needs of employers and the workplace.

Continuing our great partnership with the City of Westminster, we are excited to support Enterprise Week 2021 and bring Changemaker Studios to Westminster!

Bootcamp dates:

• Bootcamp 1: Developing and Refining Business Ideas, Monday 8 November, 1pm to 4pm
• Bootcamp 2: Mission and Funding, Wednesday 10 November, 1pm to 4pm
• Bootcamp 3: Marketing and Pitching, Friday 12 November, 1pm to 4pm

Masterclasses:

• Masterclass 1: How to succeed, Monday 8 November 4:30pm to 6pm
• Masterclass 2: Sales and growth, Tuesday 9 November 4:30-6pm
• Masterclass 3: Money, investment & profit, Wednesday 10 November, 4:30pm to 6pm
• Masterclass 4: The perfect pitch, Thursday 11 November 4:30pm to 6pm