Brief
The IT & Telecom industry suffers from a shortage in competence. For the last couple of years, industry studies show that the need for recruitment is huge but the expertise available is super low. This brief sets sight on the long-term challenge of solving the shortfall in young people, particularly women, with an interest in the IT industry.
Solution
We learned that the lack of interest was most probably due to the lack of information regarding what this industry can offer. And we realized that the best way to inform people was to let them try and see for themselves.
Next Up 2014 is an IT-inspired school competition where teams of eight graders compete in solving real life case problems from some of Sweden’s leading IT companies. After months of preparation, integrated with the school education, the students have two full
days of inspiration and problem solving to get the feel of what a career in the IT industry could be like. And most importantly, to have fun!
We produced two intriguing videos for schools, teachers, students and sponsors to attract participants to the event. We also created nextup2014.se as a hub of information around the competition, complete with films and application forms.
Results
The interest in the initiative has so far been overwhelming. Schools, university team leaders, sponsors and IT companies are participating in the very first Next Up event, held in Stockholm the spring of 2014.This is an on-going, long-term project, which expectantly will be held once a year.
