One of the most rewarding parts of working at Makers is seeing the impact our alumni go on to have.
The engineers, leaders and changemakers who complete our programmes don't just build new careers. They go on to shape teams, organisations and industries.
That's why our CEO, Claudia Harris, was delighted to join an International Women's Day panel at Accenture earlier this year.
The invitation came from Makers alum Sarah Peel, who hosted and moderated the discussion alongside fellow panellists Kate Abbott, Siara Mahal and Arnie Armstrong.
Since completing her training with Makers, Sarah has gone on to build a successful career in technology and is now helping lead important conversations about inclusion, opportunity and the future of work at one of the world's largest consulting firms.
As Sarah shared in her Makers testimonial:
"Makers creates a space where learning feels safe, engaging, and deeply human. The hands-on projects are the perfect level of complexity to build real understanding. It's a truly standout start to any tech journey."
You can hear more about Sarah's journey in her alumni spotlight video below.
The panel brought together a diverse audience of men and women for a lively discussion about the realities of workplace experience.
Together, the panel explored how women are supported in their careers, where barriers still exist, and how organisations can create environments where more people have the opportunity to thrive.
One of the most interesting aspects of the discussion was the recognition that many workplace barriers are not always intentional. Often, they are embedded in habits, expectations and ways of working that have developed over time.
Conversations like these matter because creating more inclusive workplaces isn't only about supporting women. It's about building stronger organisations where talent can flourish wherever it is found.
The event formed part of a wider programme of International Women's Day activities taking place across Accenture's UK offices, including a presentation from author and broadcaster Elizabeth Day.
For Makers, the afternoon was also a reminder of something we believe deeply.
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not always equally distributed.
A huge thank you to Sarah Peel for the invitation and excellent moderation, and to Accenture for hosting such a thoughtful discussion.
The Makers team is dedicated to transforming lives by building inclusive pathways into tech careers. With a mission to align their success with their students' success, Makers challenges traditional education models by integrating training with employment support, helping aspiring developers find roles where they can thrive.