The Rise Up UTC Mentoring Programme is a UK-based scheme that supports 23 young women aged 16-18 years old in pursuing a career in the broadcast media technology industry. Tara Masic (Year 13), Mara Vancea (Year 13), Jodie East (Year 12) and Kai Randles (Year 11) were selected to take part in the six month programme.

Each student will be supported by an industry mentor over 12 months and they will have access to industry partners, as well as networking with other participants, completing industry-based challenges and projects, and attending online events.

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One of the experiences including meeting television and radio presenter Rylan Clark-Neal, who spoke to Global Academy students about his career in broadcasting during an online session, and presenter Jake Humphrey, who provided a virtual tour of the BT studio.

Tara, Mara, Jodie and Kai found out more about the importance of communication skills and had the opportunity to ask questions, as well as hearing from key engineering figures in the broadcasting world, including BT Sport’s Chief Engineer Andy Beale.

Funded and supported by BT Sport and ITV, the aim of the mentoring programme is to encourage these young women into the broadcast media technology industry – whether this is into related degrees, apprenticeships or straight into the industry.

We partnered up with four other UTC’s across the UK including UTC Sheffield, Mulberry UTC, Media City UTC and Ron Dearing UTC to run the programme.

Managing director of Rise, Carrie Wooten, said:

“We are excited to be partnering with Global Academy as we embark on this new mentoring series, supporting young women as they take their next step towards building a career in the media technology sector with BT Sport and ITV.”

Head of engineering and innovation at BT Sport, Andy Beale, added:

“The drive toward greater diversity and inclusion in our industry is a fundamental objective of BT Sport and is a key pillar of BT Sport United, our bid to use our reach to be advocates for positive social change, in sport and in society.

Rob O’Brien, senior technical manager, international & labels, technology and platforms, ITV, said:

“The programme supports ITV’s on-going commitment to gender equality and we want ITV to represent all aspects of modern society both on screen and across our workforce. Inclusion is about working together to create an environment where everyone can thrive, where there are no barriers and everyone is valued for being their authentic, true and best self.”