Young people across Gloucestershire are being reminded that there is still time to apply to become members of a new Youth Advisory Board for Golden Valley, the £1 billion cyber and technology campus in Cheltenham.
The campus is being developed as a nationally significant centre for cyber security, AI and emerging technologies, with innovation at Golden Valley expected to support areas including UK defence, national security and the resilience of critical sectors such as food and agriculture.
Golden Valley is recruiting people aged 16 to 24 to become founding members of the board, contribute their views on the development and influence plans for skills, education and future careers. The Board will be hosted by University of Gloucestershire Students’ Union.
Applicants do not need a technical background. Golden Valley is keen to hear from young people with a wide range of interests, including technology, AI, education, business, real estate and marketing.
Councillor Rowena Hay, Leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said:
“We want to hear young people’s voices and ideas. Golden Valley is a major investment in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire’s future, so they should have a role in shaping it.
“The board will give them a direct route to decision-makers and a chance to share their views on education, careers, transport, accessibility, community life and the kind of place Golden Valley should become.
“We want to hear from young people with different interests, backgrounds and experiences, so the benefits of Golden Valley are felt across our communities.”
Located next to GCHQ in Cheltenham, Golden Valley will bring together businesses, start-ups, researchers, universities, investors and public-sector partners working across cyber, AI, secure communications and emerging technologies.
Work has now started on site at Golden Valley, which is being delivered through a joint venture between Cheltenham Borough Council and developer HBD, part of Henry Boot.
The wider development is expected to support thousands of new jobs and create new opportunities for local people, businesses, schools and education providers.
Hamer Boot, Managing Director at HBD, added:
“Golden Valley will open up new routes into growing industries, that will play an increasingly important role in the UK’s security and resilience. But we need to make sure young people across Gloucestershire can see and access those opportunities.
“The board will help us understand the barriers they face, what support would make a difference and how we can create clear pathways into training, employment and entrepreneurship. We also want to understand what would give young people greater confidence in their future.”
Skills development and job creation are central to the plans. The Youth Advisory Board will advise the Golden Valley team on education, training, careers and how young people can become more involved in the development.
Dame Clare Marchant, DBE, University of Gloucestershire’s Vice-Chancellor and Golden Valley Skills Lead, said:
“The jobs and skills people need are changing rapidly, so it is essential that young people help shape how education, employers and major developments respond.
“You do not need to know how to code or already have a career plan to make a valuable contribution. We want to understand young people’s ambitions and how the opportunities that Golden Valley presents can help them fulfil their potential.”
Bianca Holland, Education and Community Officer for University of Gloucestershire Students’ Union, said: “Young people have a huge stake in the future of Golden Valley, and we want to make sure their voices are heard from the very beginning. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved, share their ideas and help shape the decisions that will affect their future.
“What I would say to any young people interested in applying is that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain – from building confidence and gaining valuable experience to making connections with leaders across industry, education and the public sector. Most importantly, this is your opportunity to have a say in shaping the future opportunities that you and your generation will inherit.”
Applications are welcomed from people aged 16 to 24 who live, study or work in Gloucestershire and are willing to share their ideas and listen to others.
This could include students, apprentices, early-career professionals, young entrepreneurs, community volunteers or anyone interested in the county’s future.
Board members will have the opportunity to build their confidence, strengthen future university or apprenticeship applications, develop their professional networks and gain experience of influencing decisions.
Applications close on 31 August, with the Board being selected in September, ahead of its first meeting in the autumn.
Golden Valley will build on Gloucestershire’s 70-year heritage at the heart of UK intelligence and national security, strengthening the county’s position as a leading UK hub for cyber security, AI, secure communications and defence technology.
Complete your application today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=U7fLnrmoG0-yBpcWknmKZ1ifYaGWS9lBi_qG8VzB3gtUNVhOWTAyVzdGRENSSlRISDVXRzhZNDY3Vi4u&route=shorturl
Find out more by visiting: https://www.goldenvalleyuk.com/youth-advisory-board
