Empowering Youth: A Unique Course Helping Teens Break into Tech

Seventeen-year-old Merlin Mani from London is determined to start her own tech company. She leads a “mini Dragons' Den” entrepreneurship club at her secondary school, driven by a fascination with the startup ecosystem blooming in King's Cross. "I’m jealous of the Google massage chairs,” she admits, revealing a blend of ambition and humor.

Unlike many iconic tech figures she looks up to, Mani already has a vision for how she’d approach success differently. “If I were Elon Musk," she states flatly, “I’d give some of that money to charity.” This perspective reflects a greater consciousness among young entrepreneurs about the social responsibilities that accompany wealth and innovation.

This week, Mani is participating in a five-day course tailored for 16 to 18-year-olds, designed by angel investors Deborah Gruenberger and Isobel McDermott-Spencer. They launched the program out of concern that many teenagers, particularly those with limited resources, find themselves excluded from tech opportunities before they can even begin.

“School doesn’t offer much in terms of tech education,” Mani points out. “And finding work placements is tough, especially when exams are looming.” The current landscape complicates matters further as many startups are reducing the hiring of junior staff due to increased automation. This shift makes it even more challenging for young people to gain essential first experiences in the workforce.

The course, which started last summer, delves into foundational elements of building a startup and guides participants through the investment evaluation process. Guest entrepreneurs and investors share their personal insights and experiences, enriching the learning environment.

One exciting aspect includes a simulation where students will take on the role of investors. Later this week, they'll hear a pitch from healthtech startup Zonova Technologies, with the responsibility of determining if they would choose to invest in the proposal. This real-world interaction is designed to give students a taste of the decision-making process in the tech industry.

Georgia Fleet, CEO of Zonova, admits she’s feeling the pressure of pitching to teenagers, especially since she recently succeeded in securing seed funding for her company. “Pitching to teenagers is pretty scary, though I feel more practiced than ever,” she shares.

The Challenge for Young Aspirants

Gruenberger and McDermott-Spencer were prompted to create the course after observing traditional pathways into careers disappear. They argue that tightening regulations, employers' cautiousness, and diminishing internship opportunities have left a significant gap for under-18s aiming to explore careers in tech.

This concern is validated by research findings; a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses revealed only 35% of youth reported receiving any enterprise education during their secondary school years, with female students even less likely to have that experience.

Gruenberger reflects on a disheartening experience when her friend’s daughter had to undergo three interviews for a position at an ice cream shop, questioning the need for such rigorous selection processes for entry-level jobs.

Even in Fleet's company, youthful candidates face hurdles as many roles are lab-based, requiring extensive training before new hires can contribute meaningfully. “It takes at least three months to get someone up to speed,” she explains, emphasizing the challenges companies face when bringing on young talent.

Creating Pathways for Women in Tech

Gruenberger and McDermott-Spencer are particularly focused on creating pathways for young women. Mani acknowledges the uphill battle female founders face: “I do think we have to put in twice the effort to get recognized for our contributions,” she notes, contrasting her aspirations with the prevalent image of “tech bros” dominating the industry.

As she prepares to study math at university next year, Mani believes this discipline offers longevity, regardless of AI advancements. “I think programming will decline rapidly, and that’s fine because I’m not a fan of coding.” Despite the anxieties surrounding AI's impact on job markets, her confidence in founding her own venture is unwavering. While she may not aspire to imitate Musk, she is resolved to pave her own way in the tech world.