Funding from the WCIT Charity enabled EDT to develop an IT-focused module for its Industrial Cadets bronze level course, Routes into STEM.
The 20-hour virtual course for young people aged 13-15 runs twice a year, and gives students the chance to explore STEM apprenticeships, universities and career routes.
Developed in conjunction with three universities, the IT module gives an outline of the sector, the careers available, job and internship guidance. It also features hands-on activities incorporating programming languages, wireframes, debugging and more.
The first cohort to take the course in February were very positive about the content, with 94% saying they had learnt about different pathways to a career in IT, while 85% said they had been encouraged to pursue further study and/or a career in IT. Over 200 students chose the IT-focused module and it will now remain a fundamental module within the course.
EDT thanked WCIT members for giving young people the support they need to build their skills, experience a range of different pathways and make confident choices about where to go next.
