Digital Catapult > Programmes > Deep Tech Outreach Programme | Industrial Cadets

Programme

Deep Tech Outreach Programme | Industrial Cadets

About Industrial Cadets

Industrial Cadets is a nationally recognised pathway to empower young people across the North East of England with vital skills for the future workplace. Together, Digital Catapult and the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) are delivering a three-year deep tech outreach programme centred around Industrial Cadets for students across the North East to gain access to interactive learning through exposure to cutting-edge, deep tech careers and valuable employer engagement.

Young people in the region face unique challenges when it comes to accessing equal opportunities, stemming from the lasting impact of deindustrialisation, limited access to high-quality jobs and a growing skills gap. The partnership between Digital Catapult and EDT aims to tackle those barriers head-on by delivering dynamic, hands-on STEM experiences and building strong connections with local employers.

Discover more about Industrial Cadets at https://www.etrust.org.uk/programmes-industrial-cadets.

Deep Tech Outreach Opportunities

The first phase of the programme focused on a series of Industrial Cadets Challenger Experience Days, targeting secondary schools across several boroughs including Newcastle, Sunderland and Northumberland.

Students gained experience with mixed reality technologies such as Polycam, Digital Horizons and virtual reality (VR) headsets, to design a school of the future. These opportunities provided an inspiring, inclusive and accessible space for young people to think creatively with deep tech, sparking new ideas and aspirations in STEM.

Employers We’ve Worked With

This collaboration marks a significant step towards addressing regional disparities in access to STEM careers, ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background has the opportunity to thrive in tomorrow’s digital economy. Julie Feest CEO of EDT and Industrial Cadets