RISE UP Hits BBC Radio 4 With The Latest Building Aspirations Programme

We’re proud to share that RISE UP was recently featured on BBC Radio 4’s prime time breakfast show with Nick Robinson, highlighting the growing concern around the number of young people at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training), particularly young women with fewer qualifications.

The segment followed one of our incredible programme participants, Ra’eesah, who shared her story of transformation through our latest Building Aspirations: Digital Tech Edition programme which was a three-day immersive experience designed to equip young people aged 18–24 with the skills, confidence, and connections to access meaningful careers in digital tech.

It’s not about fixing young people. It’s about fixing the systems that shut them out. We’re here to unlock access, not just ambition. - Roman Dibden, CEO, RISE UP

What the Programme Delivered

Over three packed days in Manchester, 11 young people, (10 of whom came from BAME backgrounds) took part in bespoke workshops, employer-led sessions, and networking events designed to unlock opportunity and change the narrative around youth employability.

Highlights included:

• CV Building & Interview Skills with a digital tech focus, led by Adam Ellis from Hippo Digital’s talent team - offering real insight into what employers are actually looking for in candidates.
  

• A 3-hour hands-on Agile workshop, delivered by Adam Friday (Hippo), that brought key project management and teamwork principles to life through engaging group activities and real-world context.
  

• Sessions on finding purpose, overcoming fears, and mastering effective communication, culminating in powerful elevator pitch presentations from participants.
  

• A speed networking event and panel discussion, giving participants the chance to build relationships with professionals from companies like Santander, Department for Education, and Hippo Digital.
  

• Expert-led money management and budgeting workshops, delivered by Vincent Naylor from Santander, ensuring practical life skills were part of the learning too.

In Their Own Words…

I loved this programme so much – my perspective on a lot of things has changed in a really positive way. I’m feeling much more optimistic about my future. – Ra’eesah Nagdee, participant (featured on Radio 4)

“Thank you for the opportunity to take part in the Building Aspirations event. It gave great insight into the IT world and taught us how to present ourselves clearly and confidently.”– Elijadavids Owusu, 19, participant

“I really enjoyed the programme and appreciate all the effort that went into making it such a great experience!”– Ayodamola Osunnuga, 23, participant

“RISE UP created an environment where young people felt welcomed, heard, and ready to grow.”– Hippo Digital, programme partner

“The young people were so engaged and clearly wanted to be there. I wish them all continued success.”– Tara, Santander, panellist & speed networking guest

Celebrating Success

We rounded off the programme with celebration and recognition:

• A £50 Amazon voucher was awarded to the participant who best identified the roles of professionals during our speed networking session.

• Hippo Digital donated a brand-new laptop to the most engaged participant over the three days - a powerful tool to continue their digital journey.

What’s Next?

This programme showed, once again that young people aren’t lacking ambition.They’re lacking access.

And when you create the right space, the right support, and the right connections, the results speak for themselves.

To digital employers: If you have work experience opportunities, entry-level roles, mentoring schemes, or internships, we want to hear from you. The young people we work with are ready - they just need someone to open the door.