Y12 | Discover Tech 2 Day Work Experience programme !

Overview of the Programme

Discover Tech is a two-day immersive work experience programme that will be held across two locations.

 

• Day 1 will be at University Academy 92, Old Trafford (1st July)

• 300 students will come to a central location with 6+ tech employers for a series of plenary sessions and interactive tech challenges.
• Students will unpack tech career myths, learn about the future of AI, and attend their choice of two tech breakout sessions covering:
• AI Agents, Cybersecurity, Digital Storytelling, Cloud Computing and Programming.
• The employers are: Cisco, IBM, Accenture, BBC, CDW, Softcat and more to be announced soon!

 

• Day 2 will be an insight day at a tech company based in Manchester (2nd July)

• Students will be divided between each of the employers mentioned above
• They will spend the day inside a tech company, gaining insight into roles, pathways, and workplace culture.
• They will learn how to prepare for interviews with AI and how to communicate with confidence.
• Students will also participate in a group business case study and receive feedback from employers on their presentations.

 

Who is this programme for?

• Y12 students based in Greater Manchester or within commutable distance who are interested in learning more about tech, AI and different careers within the industry and/or apprenticeships within the tech industry. We are hoping to open this programme up to Year 13s as well and will be in touch if this becomes a possibility.
• This programme is open to all students; however, it is primarily a social mobility programme aimed at students from lower socio-economic backgrounds who may receive free school meals or the sixth form bursary.
• The tech industry is very broad! Students do not need to be tech experts, and we’d like to encourage students who may be interested in technical and non-technical roles to apply.

 

Key Details:

• Dates: Wednesday 1st July & Thursday 2nd July 2026.
• Times:  9am – 4pm both days.
• Day 1 address: UA92, Brian Statham Way, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0PU
• Day 2 address: Students will attend one of the Manchester employer offices (including Cisco, BBC, IBM, Accenture, Softcat, CDW and more)
• Food is provided and travel is reimbursed

 

Application process

• Applications are now open for students. Click here to apply!
• Deadline: Sunday 26th April 2026 at 8pm.
• Offers will be communicated in mid May 2026.

 

Please email us at discovertech@connectr.com if you have any further questions, I’m happy to chat about it more!