A number of places on Colourintech training programmes are reserved for DMU students.
Tackling the lack of diversity in technology, students in Leicester are to receive support to get their foot in the door.
Colorintech has teamed up with De Montfort University to provide support and coaching for up to 250 students a year. The company will form the link between students and global companies such as Microsoft, eBay, Salesforce, and Google.
The company collaborates with companies around the world to drive inclusion for entrepreneurs, career starters and working professionals.
Committed to tackling a careers attainment gap which sees unemployment for young black people standing >40% and is compounded by the fact that ethnic minorities account for just 3% of leadership roles in the tech workforce in the UK.
Co-founder of Colorintech, Ashleigh Ainsley, said: “Our ambitions for DMU students know no bounds and increasingly we’re seeing further opportunities open up for them within our partners, community, and network.
"Having strategic leadership from the top not only underpins DMU’s ambition to further student outcomes for all groups but puts them at a significant place as one of the most innovative and progressive institutions in Europe.”
The partnership will provide a set number of reserved places for DMU students on Colorintech’s training programmes.
Founded in 2016 by Dion McKenzie and Ashleigh Ainsley, Colorintech runs programmes with some of the world’s largest Blue Chip Tech Companies to tackle the lack of role models and diverse representation in the industry that they saw while working in Silicon Valley and London.
Mark Prescod, lecturer at DMU said: “Colorintech are the perfect matchmaker for DMU Students who seek a career with the company behind the apps they love and tech companies who see the benefit and the urgency to ensure their organisation is truly open to all.
"This partnership is key to our strategy of empowering students, staff and partners to create a fairer society.”
Written by Kerry Smith
Kerry is editor of Cross Production's Niche Magazine in Leicester and has a degree in film and journalism. She writes about business news, local people, entertainment, and has a particular interest in theatre.
