Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park, Leicestershire has proudly hosted the regional launch of We Discover Industry, a pioneering careers initiative led by the Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub, bringing together education leaders, business partners and stakeholders from across the region.
Launched during National Careers Week and ahead of International Women’s Day, the programme represents a significant step forward in tackling inequalities in access to careers and supporting social mobility across the region.
We Discover Industry will support 500 socio-economically disadvantaged girls through a structured programme of ‘sector internships’, designed to build confidence, enhance career readiness and improve employability.
Beginning in Year 8 and continuing through to Year 10, participants will receive 10 days of meaningful work experience across five key growth sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering
- Construction
- Digital Technologies
- Life Sciences
- Logistics
The programme combines two core elements:
- Female role models working directly with students in schools to build confidence and skills
- On-site sector internships, where students engage in hands-on activities across clusters of businesses
This structured, progressive approach is designed to challenge stereotypes, broaden horizons and support informed post-16 career choices.
Local data shows that many young girls face lower confidence levels, reduced career readiness and limited exposure to high-growth sectors — challenges often influenced by gender stereotypes. Through collaboration between education and industry, We Discover Industry aims to change that — creating early, sustained interventions that connect classrooms to careers and unlock future potential. The Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub is one of only nine hubs nationally selected to deliver this trailblazing “modern and meaningful” work experience programme, supported by The Careers & Enterprise Company.
Gosia Khrais, Director of Charnwood Campus, said: “We are incredibly proud to host and support the launch of We Discover Industry here at Charnwood Campus. This is exactly the kind of initiative that reflects our values — creating opportunity, driving inclusion and strengthening social mobility. I am deeply passionate about building environments where everyone, regardless of background, can see a future for themselves in industry. Too often, talent is not the barrier — access, confidence and visibility are. Programmes like this are vital in changing that narrative. By connecting young girls with real role models, real workplaces and real experiences, we are helping them build confidence, challenge stereotypes and believe in what is possible. When we invest in inclusive opportunities and support young people early, we don’t just change individual futures — we strengthen our economy, our industries and our communities.”
The launch event brought together a wide network of partners, educators and business leaders, highlighting the collaborative effort required to deliver meaningful, long-term change. Attendees heard from programme leaders and partners, including insights into the vision behind We Discover Industry and the role of industry in shaping future talent. The event concluded with an interactive session focused on communication and confidence-building.
As a leading science, innovation and technology park, Charnwood Campus is committed to supporting initiatives that widen access to opportunity and strengthen the regional talent pipeline. We Discover Industry represents a powerful example of how collaboration between education and industry can create lasting impact — helping to ensure that the next generation of talent is diverse, confident and ready to lead.