Talent of Tomorrow Returns to Altrincham FC for another successful event
On 18th October, Wiseup Networks proudly hosted our second Talent of Tomorrow event at Altrincham Football Club, bringing together businesses, education providers, and local partners in AFC’s John King hospitality lounge. With over 80 guests in attendance, the day once again proved to be an inspiring showcase of how collaboration can open doors for young people.
Tailgating off the back of a fantastic October, Saturday’s event proved to be a wonderful mix of food, football and future talent. After running our Pathfinder Programmes for the last couple of years and seeing the tangible impact it’s had on our mentees, we were thrilled to be able to shout about this. Check out the video below for a taster of how our programmes positively impact those involved!
What motivates us
Professional connections can mean the difference between discovering new opportunities and missing out altogether. Backed by data, this unfortunate truth shapes how we design our programmes.
The stats
- 32% of 25–29-year-olds from a higher professional background go on to work in higher professional occupations, compared with only 7% from a lower working-class background (Social Mobility Commission, 2022).
- 34% of 16–25-year-olds said they got a job through a personal connection (Vice, 2023).
These figures highlight why we do what we do: creating spaces where young people can build networks, gain confidence, and connect directly with employers who can help them take the next step.
Reflecting on our recent impact
The event also gave us a moment to look back on what’s been an incredible year for Wiseup Networks:
- 124 students supported, including Year 12/13, university, and SEND students
- 496 hours of mentoring delivered - with mentors guiding their mentees before, during, and after work experience
- 620 office days completed, giving students invaluable hands-on exposure to the world of work
We were also proud to celebrate our recent award win at Greater Manchester Chamber’s Excellence Awards, where we took home the Skills and Talent Champion Award. Being recognised for the growing impact of our mission to bridge the gap between education and employment, along with the impact this has on talent will continue to be a great honour for us, and one that we’re proud to shout about!
Looking forward
Of course, no Talent of Tomorrow day would be complete without a bit of matchday fun. Guests rounded off the event by cheering on Altrincham FC in the match against Woking, and although the match result wasn't what we'd hoped for, the day was still a resounding success.
With two fantastic events now behind us, we’re already looking ahead to what’s next. Stay tuned for Talent of Tomorrow Day, round three...
