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).
FAQ
“Do you actively encourage female participation?” → Yes—targeted outreach, female guest mentors, and case studies featuring women in engineering, construction and tech.
“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
Format: 10 weeks, 1 session per week (2–3 hours), plus a final showcase.
Location: In-school or at IO Together Spaces (Church Road, Brent); hybrid options available.
Staffing: Lead Facilitator + Co-Facilitator every session; vetted guest mentors from engineering, construction and tech.
Safeguarding: All I O staff DBS-checked, named DSL lead, risk assessments, signed consents, and clear reporting routes.
Accessibility & SEN: Quiet breakout options, sensory-aware materials, seating/lighting adjustments, and pre-briefs for students who benefit from routine.
Female participation: Targeted outreach, women mentors in every cohort where possible, and stories that spotlight girls/young women in STEM.
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.
For schools
We align with your enrichment slot and safeguarding policies.
You provide a lead teacher/DSL contact and a room (if in-school).
Termly debrief with recommendations for destinations and next steps.
For sponsors & partners
Offer site access, guest mentors, or in-kind kit/transport.
Option to co-brand the showcase and contribute challenge briefs.
Future pathways
We currently serve sixth-formers (Y12/13)—prioritising girls/young women and other under-represented learners.
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.
Q. How many students per cohort?
A. Typically 18–24. Smaller or dual cohorts can be discussed.
Q. Where does delivery happen?
A. In-school across London or at IO Together Spaces (Church Road, Brent).
Q. How long is it?
A. 10 weeks (weekly sessions plus site visits and a final showcase).
Q. Can you align with our timetable?
A. Yes — session length, day and term are scoped to your schedule.
Q. How do you encourage female participation?
A. Targeted outreach, women mentors/speakers, mixed-gender teams, and visible female role models.
Q. Do you support SEN and neurodiverse learners?
A. Yes — predictable session flow, quiet breakout options, and co-planning with your SEND lead.
Q. Is the space accessible?
A. Step-free routes and accessible toilets at IO Together Spaces; access needs are confirmed for each site visit.
Q. Are staff DBS-checked?
A. Yes — enhanced DBS and DSL-led safeguarding.
Q. Do you provide risk assessments (RAMS)?
A. Yes — for sessions and each site visit, shared with the school in advance.
Q. How many site visits are included?
A. At least two, with PPE and transport guidance provided.
Q. How do you handle transport?
A. We organise coach/minibus or plan public transport routes with agreed arrival windows and contingencies.
Q. Does it support Gatsby Benchmarks?
A. Yes — especially 4, 5 and 6 (curriculum links, employer encounters, workplace experiences).
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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