The Future Talent Alliance programme has brought business leaders, educators, innovators, and changemakers from across the country together as it looks to bridge the gap between businesses and schools. Taking a grass-roots approach, it is creating new resources aimed at schoolchildren aged 12 to 13, which will showcase role models in multiple sectors and introduce different work environments.
Kickstarting the debate, a high-profile panel of trailblazers already on the frontlines of change shared insights on inclusion, innovation and the power of representation.
Tim McFarlane, customer service and operations lead at NatWest, said: “We all have a part to play. Being a role model, whether male or female, applies beyond the workplace and provides the opportunity to really shape young minds. We’ve seen this within our own education programme aimed at boosting future skills for young people.”
The impressive lineup also included:
- Naomi Timperley – named as one of the most influential women in tech,
- Katharina Koall – executive dean at University Academy 92 (UA92) pioneer in designing inclusive curriculums
- Natalie Jameson – a tech leader, educator and innovator who has led transformative projects across fintech, healthtech and edtech
- Rebecca Ganz – a strategic adviser and Northern lead for Women on Boards
“As we discuss how young people see role models, it’s really important that any industry wanting to make change connects with education,” said panellist Naomi Timperley, UK lead for Global Tech Advocates. “There are roles that haven’t even been invented yet, so we all have a responsibility to support careers advisors and teachers in learning about the plethora of opportunities out there.”
The importance of allies and mentors was also a key talking point, with UA92’s Katharina Koall emphasising that young people need to see themselves reflected in positions of influence.
The need for change
Statistics presented at the event painted a stark picture. In 2025, 78% of UK businesses pay men more than women, which is the same as in 2018. Women hold less than 25% of science, engineering and ICT jobs, and a gender gap is emerging in maths and science in UK schools, according to a study that has been examining this over a five-year period.
Hosted by Amp Corporate Communications at Alliance Manchester Business School, the supporters and guests who joined virtually from across the country included representatives from leading businesses and educational institutions, keen to forge a long-term strategy to support equity and inclusion.
Success stories
Special guest Nikki King CBE also joined the debate together with one of the programme’s partners from the motor industry, Warrington Isuzu. Formerly the CEO of Isuzu Truck UK, King shared insights from her business life, as well as her work in education with The Skills for Life Trust.
Discussing the similarities between the Future Talent Alliance and the skills programme which saw her recognised for services to education, Nikki King CBE said: “We know this model works. For example, we worked with local companies that made it part of their training to mentor young people in schools which ultimately led to work experience and often job offers.”
Across tech, finance, construction, engineering, healthcare and education, the emphasis was on the importance of taking a holistic approach to help guide young people. The discussion ended on a note of cross-sector collaboration and a call to action: “Be the role model you never had.”
