Sodexo inspire next gen of FMs

Sodexo was inspiring young people to get careers in science, technology and engineering at the TeenTech event at London’s Olympic Park last week (27 November).

TeenTech is an award-winning, industry-led initiative, designed to help the younger generation understand the opportunities available in today’s contemporary, technology-driven workplace. Former Tomorrow’s World presenter Maggie Philbin, TeenTech’s chief executive and among its founders in 2008, was also at the Copper Box.

Sodexo technical services employees Dave Deasy, Tony Burdett and Nick Hoarty were among exhibitors engaging with pupils aged between 13-15 from 30 London schools, helping them to make informed GSCE choices and breaking down pre-conceptions about the industry.

Two of Sodexo’s technical services apprentices – Sam Bright and Matt Coleman – also attended the event acting as ambassadors, taking small groups of young people around the exhibits and encouraging them to consider careers in engineering and facilities management.

TeenTech events are run around the country. This is the second event in which Sodexo has taken part.

Sodexo’s maintenance and engineering portfolio includes the provision of services to static sites as well as mobile technical services solutions, and has a national footprint across wide-ranging client organisations in both public and private sectors.

Dave Deasy, Sodexo technical services development manager, who led the team at the event, said: "We want to show people that engineering offers an interesting and rewarding career, so we’re trying to fire young people’s imaginations. When I was an apprentice people invested time in me and I think it's only fair I invest in the next generation.

"The young people I’ve met here are really keen to find out about what you do. We try to make sure they walk away with aspirations, and that they understand if you want to have a great engineering career in facilities management, there are lots of options open to you.”