The programme will see cohorts of local sixth form students from across Liverpool City Region spend the day in the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) Innovation District, giving them the opportunity to visit a number of the unique facilities and organisations located across the innovation district, which were previously inaccessible.
Delivered in partnership with some of the best institutions and cutting-edge businesses based in KQ Liverpool, the purpose of the programme is to showcase the diverse mix of careers on offer within the innovation sector and to create tangible aspirations for local talent.
Students will visit the Digital Innovation Facility, Manufacturing Technology Centre, Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions and the Royal College of Physicians at The Spine, giving an insight into daily working life in an innovation district.
Rachael Patterson, Policy and Marketing Manager at KQ Liverpool, said: “We’re excited to be launching our school’s programme which we have worked closely with key KQ Liverpool stakeholders to create. We want our innovation district to be a playground for young people’s imagination and we will be opening previously unopened doors to make this happen.
“Being a Better Neighbour to our surrounding communities is a key part of KQ Liverpool’s 2025 Vision and this programme is just one initiative we are delivering to help ensure that opportunities within the innovation economy are opened up to all.”
KQ Liverpool is a rapidly changing part of Liverpool City Centre, propelled in particular by the exponential growth of its knowledge economy. As such, a number of world-leading businesses have been attracted to the innovation district, creating new and unique opportunities for young talent.
Colin Sinclair, CEO of KQ Liverpool, said: “In just a few years Paddington Village in KQ Liverpool has risen from the ground, with organisations such as the prestigious Royal College of Physicians and innovative digital bank Cashplus opening up their Northern Headquarters on the site.
“As the innovation district continues to develop and evolve, it is crucial that local communities benefit from its growth and importantly local students are fully aware of the opportunities available to them right on their doorstep.”
Students will have the opportunity to hear from professionals in a live working environment with the chance to ask questions and gain a better understanding as to the many different routes that can lead to a career in the health and life sciences, tech, digital and creative sectors.
Ian Bullock, CEO at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “The Spine was designed to be one of the world’s healthiest workspaces for mental and physical wellbeing in the UK and we hope that by welcoming students into our Liverpool home we will be able to inspire the future workforce and get local young people excited about the opportunities available to them.
“Showcasing roles across education, communications, project management, digital marketing, events and finance – to name but a few – we will be demonstrating the diversity of careers on offer at the Royal College of Physicians as part of the programme.”
The programme is initially being piloted with six local schools and colleges, with the pilot being used to gain feedback on the programme from students, teachers, career leads and partner organisations to help scale it up in the future.
If you’re interested in learning more about KQ Liverpool and the Sixth Form into Science schools programme get in touch by emailing hello@kqliverpool.co.uk
