Connecting Classrooms and Careers Through Industry Engagement

Industry Engagement plays a vital role in helping young people connect classroom learning with the real world. By meeting professionals working in technology, students gain valuable insights into future careers while seeing first-hand how the skills they are developing can be used beyond education.

These interactions often increase motivation and give students a clearer sense of purpose in their learning, while also introducing them to positive role models they may not otherwise have the chance to meet.

As part of Apps for Good’s 15-year celebrations last year, we brought together students from The St Marylebone CE School and Bronwyn Barnett, Director of Product AI and Automation at OVO, for a discussion about technology, AI and preparing young people for digital futures.

The students began by asking Bronwyn how she felt technology has changed the world for the better over the past 15 years. She reflected on how much her world has changed as a result of technology, saying “I’m part of the generation where I’ve been part of that revolution.”

She described the ways technology has enabled her to learn, connect and take action at a pace that would not previously have been possible.

“It’s enabled me to just learn things at a different rate, last year I got really into gardening, this year I’ve been reading like mad… It’s enabled me to do things I wouldn’t previously have been able to do, whether it be learn, and then act on them.”

The conversation then turned to how young people can prepare for future careers in tech. Bronwyn encouraged the students to think critically about the tools they use and the information they receive, particularly as AI continues to evolve.

“Really understand your own critical thinking skills. So that’s the ability to analyse, form an opinion that’s objective and that isn’t what has sometimes been served to you. [The thing] is about AI is AI can be very confident in its responses…”

Hearing directly from a professional working at the forefront of technology helps reinforce the relevance of what students are learning, encouraging them to think more deeply about their own futures.

Zi Nan, Gracie, Hebe and Feriel from St Marylebone CE School were finalists in our 2025 Showcase with their prototype app, Eco-Crafts, which aims to reduce waste through creative crafting. Throughout their showcase journey, the students met Industry Volunteers and pitched their app idea to a panel of judges, building confidence while strengthening their communication and teamwork skills. During their conversation with Bronwyn, the students were able to speak confidently about their idea.

Bronwyn put her own questions to the students, prompting a discussion about how to encourage more girls to explore computing and the importance of visible role models. Zi Nan shared that one of her role models was Ada Lovelace, describing how she thought it was “really cool” that she had helped to make the first computer. Having been introduced to Ada Lovelace at school, this example shows how exposure to positive role models can shape young people’s aspirations.

“I think that role models play a big part, because girls in school can see that they can do it as well and they can see what’s possible and I think it’s just nice to have someone to look up to.”

The conversation also highlighted how projects like Apps for Good help young people see how their ideas can work in the real world. When asked how they would encourage others to take part, one student spoke about the freedom and creativity the course offers.

“I’d say that it’s a really fun, experimental thing that has a lot of creative freedom and gives you the opportunity to do whatever you want and to have it go towards a good cause. I think that’s a great opportunity.”

This thoughtful discussion demonstrates the power of Industry Engagement in supporting young people to develop essential skills, gain real-world insights and feel inspired by positive role models. By offering simple and flexible opportunities for schools to connect students with industry, Apps for Good helps young people build confidence, collaborate effectively and stay motivated as they learn how to use technology responsibly and creatively for good.

Industry Engagement is embedded into all of our free computing courses. Virtual sessions bring real-world expertise straight into the classroom to inspire and engage students. Visit our courses page to find out more.

See Industry Engagement in action and watch more from the interview in our short edits here and here.