The event was part of work being undertaken by the London Borough of Hackney and Renaisi into the feasibility of a specific Tech City Apprenticeship programme. The project is exploring new ways of providing career opportunities in technology to young people from East London and talented, young workers to Tech City firms.

From our research we know that the tremendous growth in the number of tech companies located in the East London isn’t providing work opportunities for local young people. We also know that this is not because local young people lack the aspiration or necessary skills but that they are disconnected from the opportunities to gain experience and start their career in this sector. Many companies who use established recruitment practices to bring in people from outside the area are failing to recognise the talent already present right here. A new approach is needed to ensure local talent can access these important opportunities.

If there is sufficient demand from tech companies for skills at Apprenticeship level The Tech City Apprenticeship scheme will enable young people to gain paid work placements with major tech companies alongside accredited qualifications  giving them the chance to develop sustainable careers in this sector. The programme  will enable tech businesses to get the talent they need from the local community increasing their competitiveness and building a sustainable local economy and community.

Rob Pearce, director at Renaisi, said

“We think there is a great opportunity here to establish a programme that bridges the divide between local talent and the needs of the rapidly expanding tech sector in east London. Talented local youngsters are currently disconnected from these opportunities so we are working closely with businesses to see if we can address this. If we can connect local talent with the demand in tech companies there is a double benefit. The businesses remain competitive and establish good links with the communities they work in and local youngsters get quality jobs in a growing industry.”

Through qualitative and depth research with young people who engage with the programme and also by tracking their progression, the evaluation will help the Prince’s Trust to understand the value of these approaches and the ways in which tailored one-to-one working can best help a range of margingalised young people.

This project and study is one that Renaisi is delighted to be working on as it allows us to continue to work with young people and further develop our understanding of the issues affecting those who are most at risk of not achieving their potential.  It also furthers our growing experience of working with services which provide one-to-one support to people in need, and further nuance our understanding how personalized support can have a real impact on longer term outcomes for individuals.

The new joint venture – led by Balfour Beatty Workplace and including The Landscape Group, Groundwork London, Renaisi, Greenwich Leisure Limited, ditto, Green and Fortune, and Flamingo – was established to deliver the highest EFM standards and visitor experience expected in a world class Park and also importantly to make a significant and sustainable contribution to the socio-economic and environmental legacy priorities of the Olympic Park Legacy Company.

Renaisi’s role in the joint venture, in partnership with Groundwork London and Balfour Beatty Workplace will be to maximise the opportunities for local residents and businesses to secure jobs, apprenticeships and other opportunities in the Park and helping to deliver lasting sustainable benefits for local communities.

Clive Tritton, Chief executive of Renaisi said: “We are absolutely delighted to be part of an alliance that is genuinely committed to securing the best possible outcomes for local people through the delivery of this contract. Renaisi’s social purpose is to improve the lives of people in deprived neighbourhoods and since 2005 we have been actively supporting the host boroughs and partner agencies to make sure that local communities benefit from the opportunities and investment that the Games bring.   We are now looking forward to making this a reality”.

For enquiries, please contact Donna Lightbown Head of Policy and Communications, 020 7033 2614 E. d.lightbown@renaisi.com