Why this matters
Under-represented young people often lack exposure and networks in engineering, construction and tech. NextGen creates access—through spaces, mentors and real projects—so talent can thrive​
What students do (programme overview)
What’s in the 10-Week Programme
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Weekly workshops and guest talks with engineers, technologists and business leaders.
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Site visits (e.g., Youth Anchor development, local data centres).
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Professional skills: first impressions, etiquette, interviews, presentation.
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Team challenges based on real industry problems.
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Final showcase to present learning and career goals.
NCC Students in I O office using conference call
Steven Parker - Solutions Engineering Director, Product Development at a Data Centre Build company
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I really enjoyed discussing data centres with such an engaged group of young people and helping them start their career journeys!
Steven Parker - Solutions Engineering Director at Global Switch
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Who it’s for?
Who Can Take Part
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Now: Sixth-formers (Y12/13), prioritising girls/young women and other under-represented groups.
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Next: Career-changers and people out of work (pilot cohorts upcoming).
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Where: In-school across London or at IO Together Spaces (Church Road, Brent).
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FAQ
“Do you actively encourage female participation?” → Yes—targeted outreach, female guest mentors, and case studies featuring women in engineering, construction and tech.
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“Schools and sponsors committed to girls in STEM are especially welcome.”
Outcomes & Impact
'I have a better understanding of what I want to do." NCC Student Oct. '25
Students: clearer career pathways, interview readiness, teamwork, mentors, and a learning log.
Schools: stronger destinations outcomes, enrichment offer, industry links.
Industry: early access to diverse talent, pipeline shaping, community impact.
Delivery model & partners
How We Deliver...
Structured, safe, and tailored to your timetable
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Format: 10 weeks, 1 session per week (2–3 hours), plus a final showcase.
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Location: In-school or at IO Together Spaces (Church Road, Brent); hybrid options available.
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Staffing: Lead Facilitator + Co-Facilitator every session; vetted guest mentors from engineering, construction and tech.
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Safeguarding: All I O staff DBS-checked, named DSL lead, risk assessments, signed consents, and clear reporting routes.
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Accessibility & SEN: Quiet breakout options, sensory-aware materials, seating/lighting adjustments, and pre-briefs for students who benefit from routine.
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Female participation: Targeted outreach, women mentors in every cohort where possible, and stories that spotlight girls/young women in STEM.
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What happens each week
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Warm-up & check-in (wellbeing + objective for the session)
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Hands-on project (tools, demos, or problem-solving sprint)
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Industry moment (mentor talk, site video, or live Q&A)
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Skills booster (e.g., interviews, presentations, teamwork)
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Reflection & next steps (logbook entry; optional home challenge)
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Real-world exposure
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2 site visits minimum (e.g., live build, data centre, engineering works).
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PPE guidance provided; we coordinate logistics with hosts.
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Assessment without exams
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Learners build a progress log (skills, reflections, targets).
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Final showcase to peers, family, and industry guests.
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​​​For schools
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We align with your enrichment slot and safeguarding policies.
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You provide a lead teacher/DSL contact and a room (if in-school).
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Termly debrief with recommendations for destinations and next steps.
​​For sponsors & partners
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Offer site access, guest mentors, or in-kind kit/transport.
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Option to co-brand the showcase and contribute challenge briefs.
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Future pathways
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We currently serve sixth-formers (Y12/13)—prioritising girls/young women and other under-represented learners.
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Next phases: tailored routes for career-changers and people out of work (pilot cohorts in development).
Costs & Support
Ways to Support & Bring NextGen to Your School
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Tailored delivery: We scope each cohort around your timetable, cohort size, access needs, and preferred site visits
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Funding options: School-funded, sponsor-funded, or blended. We also welcome in-kind support (site access, guest speakers, equipment, transport).
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What’s included: Facilitation, safeguarding, liaison with your staff, hands-on workshop materials, and an end-of-programme showcase.
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What we need from you: A lead teacher/DSL contact, preferred term dates, and any SEN/Accessibility notes.
FAQ
Q. Who is the programme for?
A. Sixth-form students (Year 12/13), prioritising girls/young women and other under-represented groups. Pilots for career-changers and people out of work are planned.
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Q. How many students per cohort?
A. Typically 18–24. Smaller or dual cohorts can be discussed.
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Q. Where does delivery happen?
A. In-school across London or at IO Together Spaces (Church Road, Brent).
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Q. How long is it?
A. 10 weeks (weekly sessions plus site visits and a final showcase).
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Q. Can you align with our timetable?
A. Yes — session length, day and term are scoped to your schedule.
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Q. How do you encourage female participation?
A. Targeted outreach, women mentors/speakers, mixed-gender teams, and visible female role models.
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Q. Do you support SEN and neurodiverse learners?
A. Yes — predictable session flow, quiet breakout options, and co-planning with your SEND lead.
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Q. Is the space accessible?
A. Step-free routes and accessible toilets at IO Together Spaces; access needs are confirmed for each site visit.
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Q. Are staff DBS-checked?
A. Yes — enhanced DBS and DSL-led safeguarding.
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Q. Do you provide risk assessments (RAMS)?
A. Yes — for sessions and each site visit, shared with the school in advance.
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Q. How many site visits are included?
A. At least two, with PPE and transport guidance provided.
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Q. How do you handle transport?
A. We organise coach/minibus or plan public transport routes with agreed arrival windows and contingencies.
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Q. Does it support Gatsby Benchmarks?
A. Yes — especially 4, 5 and 6 (curriculum links, employer encounters, workplace experiences).
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Q. Do students get a certificate?
A. Yes — on completion, with an optional portfolio review at the showcase.
Enquire about NextGen Industry
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