Adam, 17, lives in Belfast in Northern Ireland and runs coding events for young people. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
I'm Adam, I'm 17 years old and I run coding events.
I'm currently studying for A-levels in Maths, Economics and in German, but also, on the side, I run a business called Future Summits. Future Summits is an organisation that wants to get more teenagers involved in the tech industry. I think being an A-level student is definitely useful preparation for running these events as it gives me essential skills in time management, planning and critical thinking as well. I think from a young age I've always been fascinated by technology and the transformative power it has on the world around us. Some of my earliest memories involve using technology, whether it's at my Grandad's house using Paint or designing websites. I set up my first event three years ago when I was 14 years old. After attending a grown-up tech event and realising I was the youngest person there by about 15 years, I thought it would be interesting to do something similar for the teenage audience. The morning of the event is taken up with speakers. Usually, we try to get inspirational speakers that are of a young age themselves and then the afternoon is taken up with what's called a 'hackathon'. A theme will be set for the hackathon and the attendees will gather in groups to design apps around that theme with prizes then being awarded at the end. Our events offer young people a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and share skills and communicate on new ideas in a fun and engaging atmosphere. The future of the tech industry and coding in general requires that young people get more involved in the industry and equip themselves with the necessary skills to succeed. There's no reason why other young people can't do the same and create our own futures as well and the future of the tech industry.
I want to get more teenagers involved in the tech industry.
- Adam is curious about how things are built and started creating websites in his spare time
- After going to coding events for adults, he decided there should be something similar for teenagers
- His events bring young people together to learn how to build websites and phone apps.
What to expect if you want to be an events manager
- Events manager average salary: £21,000 - £40,000 per year
- Events manager typical working hours: 37 to 39 hours per week including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
What qualifications do you need to be an events manager?
You could get into this role via a university course, a college course (such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma, or a T-level – England-only), an apprenticeship, working towards the role, volunteering or applying directly if you have relevant experience. Check with your course provider which alternative qualifications they accept.
Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service, GOV.UK
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the GOV.UK website for more on T-levels.
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).
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