Opening Doors to Digital Futures with Telefonica Tech
SmartSTEMs and Telefonica Tech have united in a partnership dedicated to empowering young people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds in Scotland.
Through interactive events and hands-on workshops, this project is creating equal opportunities for young people to connect with industry networks, gain practical knowledge, and be inspired by relatable role models.
In an era where digital skills are essential, SmartSTEMs and Telefonica Tech are committed to ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, has access to quality STEM education and inspiring career insights. By collaborating with schools in areas that may lack tech resources and professional role models, this partnership is helping to close the opportunity gap, equipping young people with skills, confidence, and connections that can shape their futures.
Partnership Impact: Collaboration is Key
- Digital skills workshops for 1100 pupils in Central Scotland
- Engaged with 13 schools across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and West Lothian
- Delivered 6,876 hours of digital skills
- 10 Telefonica Tech employees contributed over 30 hours of volunteering time
We worked with Telefonica Tech to create a bespoke workshop centred around the journey of bringing a technology product to market. This hands-on experience introduces pupils to the various roles and teamwork needed to create real-world tech solutions, sparking curiosity and excitement for potential future careers in the industry.
Telefonica Tech employees play a vital role in the programme’s success, volunteering their time and expertise to provide guidance and mentorship. So far, 10 employees have contributed over 30 hours as workshop hosts, marketplace exhibitors, speakers and critical friends, sharing their experiences and offering a realistic, approachable perspective on the tech industry. These sessions have made the tech sector feel relatable, encouraging pupils to see these pathways as accessible and achievable.
Creating Long-Term Value and Expanding Opportunity
The programme continues to grow, with events planned across Scotland and the development of new workshops and resources focused on AI and emerging tech fields. These upcoming activities will further connect pupils with inspiring learning experiences, nurturing the skills essential for future careers in technology.
The partnership between SmartSTEMs and Telefonica Tech demonstrates how targeted, inclusive engagement can create meaningful social impact. By opening doors to the tech sector for young people in Scotland, this collaboration is helping to build a more diverse and skilled future workforce, ensuring every young person has the chance to succeed in our digital age. This commitment to education, opportunity, and inspiration is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive digital future.
