StateTalking sent two amazing speakers into a Manchester primary for STEM Week.

Danielle Ramsbottom, CEO, technology and digital recruitment company CloudCo Solutions and consultant Jo Liston, who has had a varied career with tech companies, went into St Kentigern’s RC Primary School in Fallowfield.

Danielle said: “I can’t think of a better way to start a Thursday morning than hanging out with 60 eight and nine year olds as part of their STEM Week.

“It really is battery charging and hopefully these inspirational Year 4s will go home and show their parents and carers that this morning they all invented something and that one day they may get to put that into practice.”

As a parting shot, Danielle said she hoped that some of them would choose tech roles in the future and was somewhat surprised at the response.

“Well you won’t be there Miss, as you will have well retired by then,” quipped one of the children.

“Back to earth with a bang!” said Danielle.

Jo went for the “relatable” angle, starting with a story about driving off with her laptop on the roof of her car.

“Definitely not my finest moment,” she said, “but it was a reminder that mistakes happen to everyone. What matters is how we learn, adapt and move forward.”

Jo went on to explore how school subjects and extra curricular experiences, teamwork, creativity, relationships and problem solving can all help to prepare students for the workplace.

“The students asked many brilliant questions,” she said, “and were fascinated that I’ve worked for French, American, Japanese and Indian companies all while living in Greater Manchester.  It sparked great conversations about how global and varied careers can be.”