PATHWAYS TO POTENTIAL
At I O – Innovative Opportunities, our “Pathways to Potential” project is dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. By collaborating with local businesses, industry experts, and educational institutions, we help students gain hands-on exposure to the careers they aspire to pursue. Below are just a few highlights from our recent projects and the incredible outcomes achieved by our participants.
As of December 2023, the unemployment rate for people aged 16 and over in Brent stood at 5.7%, which was higher than the overall unemployment rate for London. This statistic emphasises the importance of creating diverse opportunities for young people, particularly in areas facing economic challenges.
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Young people should have access to varied opportunities because it allows them to learn from different perspectives, develop a broader understanding of the world, build crucial life skills, and access a wider range of career paths. This approach ultimately fosters a more inclusive and innovative society by enabling everyone to reach their full potential, regardless of their background.
By exposing students to a variety of backgrounds and cultures, they gain a more comprehensive understanding of subject matter and learn to use their own strengths to contribute in diverse working environments. This exposure encourages open-mindedness, making students more receptive to new ideas and better able to comprehend topics from different viewpoints. Moreover, students who learn about different cultures during their education feel more comfortable and secure with these differences later in life, enabling them to interact confidently in a wider range of social groups. This preparation is crucial in today’s globalised world, where the ability to work with people from diverse cultures and social groups is increasingly important.
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At I O – Innovative Opportunities, the ‘Pathways to Potential’ project is dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. By collaborating with local businesses, industry experts, and educational institutions, the project helps students gain hands-on exposure to the careers they aspire to pursue. This initiative aligns with the goal of providing varied opportunities and addressing the challenges faced by young people in areas like Brent.
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Improving jobs and skills for young people offers numerous benefits, not only for the individuals themselves but also for creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Such diversity can foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration in the workplace, ultimately driving economic growth and prosperity. It is vital for policymakers to focus on equipping young people with the tools and resources necessary to succeed in the workforce and to work towards reducing unemployment rates among this group.
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By implementing such initiatives and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, we can move towards creating a more equitable society where all young people have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances.
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1. Culinary Triumph with Dope Birdz
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Who: Year 10 neurodiverse student with a passion for cooking
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Placement: Gained work experience at Dope Birdz, an award-winning street food brand on Berwick Street, Soho
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Outcome: Thrived in the fast-paced kitchen environment and secured a paid summer position at the high-profile Wing Fest in Olympic Park, developing professional cooking skills and confidence in customer-facing roles
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"Alexander worked harder and used more initiative than some of the fully qualified adult staff we've had in the past, it was a pleasure to have him work with us".
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Sosah - Dope Birdz owner
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"It was really busy and hot work but I loved the challenge. I am quite shy around new people but was encouraged to face that by taking orders from customers. It made me know that I really want to be a chef."
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Alexander aged 15 years old
2. Photography in Action with Simon Annand
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Who: Year 11 aspiring photographer
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Opportunity: Shadowed Simon Annand, a pioneer of behind-the-scenes theatre photography, on a shoot featuring acclaimed actress Jane Asher at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond
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Outcome: Discovered the art of candid backstage photography, refined portrait techniques, and built confidence by working alongside a seasoned industry professional
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"Shiloh was excellent for a first timer… many thanks again for finding him." Simon Annand
3. Architecture Aspirations at Bartlett
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Who: Five Harlesden students with afro-caribbean heritage, aged 14–17
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Opportunity: Each student earned a place in the prestigious Bartlett School of Architecture summer program
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Outcome: Gained hands-on experience in cutting-edge design projects, expanded their knowledge of architectural theory, and discovered new pathways for further education and careers in the built environment.
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"It was wonderful to see how well the group got on, they were very engaged and asked lots of questions"
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Sabine Storpe - Professor and programme leader
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"I want to be an architect and this programme gave me great insight into the field I am preparing for."
Annalise aged 17
3. Creative Insights with The Awareness Tap
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Who: Year 10 female student intrigued by media production
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Placement: Joined The Awareness Tap at Garden Studios for an immersive behind-the-scenes look into content creation
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Outcome: Learned the fundamentals of pre-production, filming, and editing, sparking a renewed passion for storytelling and broadening creative career possibilities