Digital Entrepreneurs Inspire Students to Express Their Talent

A group of Manchester students turned to technology to help make their CVs stand out in a competitive jobs market.

A unique programme that delivers a careers, employability and participation learning experience for high school pupils launched in 2018 and recently celebrated its first students in Manchester.

The Digital Entrepreneurs, Vloggers and Ambassadors (DEVA) Network creates an employability resource for young people, designed to support them develop and articulate their professional career identity.

By engaging in the process of creating a video CV, students are able to gain a knowledge and understanding of soft skills, awareness and insight into job readiness that’ll help to develop their confidence and motivation.

The first cohort contained 165 students from Salford City Academy and Harrop Fold School in Salford. They completed a six-week programme created by IN4.0 EDUCATION, a community interest company and a division of the specialist training and consultancy service IN4.0 Group, in partnership with the University of Salford.

Video artists, YouTubers and digital entrepreneurs supported the pilot DEVA programme and mentored the students during a full day masterclass and a series of workshops.

The programme also included a visit to the University of Salford at MediaCity and lessons on career pathways and interview skills, concluding with the creation of video CVs to help the students secure work placements.

The group of 13-15 year olds who took part in the first programme included 12 students with special educational needs.

The programme was funded for schools by Greater Manchester Higher as part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme. Wates Foundation were also a sponsor and CVvid Careers were the delivery partner for the careers programme and filming of the video CVs.

Mo Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, said: “DEVA is all about taking digital entrepreneurs and video artists who can mentor young people and give them the confidence to create a video CV for themselves and learn about the opportunities in digital careers.”

“It is empowering young people to showcase their talent, create CVs and send them to employers who will give those students work placements and eventually even apprenticeships and full time jobs.”

Adriana Braje, a DEVA mentor and an established YouTube influencer, said “Video CVs are more effective than written CVs in appealing to prospective employers. People want to know people through their personality, dedication and skills. I don’t believe there’s a better way to showcase yourself than through video.”

The DEVA programme concluded with a special celebration event at Salford City Academy, where students received awards for their video CVs.