Breaking Barriers in tech

Breaking Barriers: SCC And The Rigby Foundation Empowering Job Seekers in Tech. How SCC and The Rigby Foundation are creating opportunities and breaking down barriers in the digital workforce.

The tech industry has come a long way since Rigby Group’s first IT business was founded 50 years ago. And yet, we know that for many job seekers breaking into the tech industry can feel like an impossible challenge.

Giving back to society has always been a core belief of Rigby Group. That’s why, in this anniversary year, The Rigby Foundation has launched its latest groundbreaking partnership – working with SCC and the charity Generation UK to turn that challenge into an opportunity.

The first employability training day, held at SCC’s Birmingham headquarters, brought together 21 job seekers looking to start careers in technology. Some had faced long periods of unemployment. Others had never even considered a career in tech before. But they all had one thing in common - a determination to change their futures.

Through hands-on coaching, practical workshops, and real conversations with industry professionals, participants gained critical skills in job applications and interview techniques. But more than that, they gained confidence.

“This was so much more valuable than I expected,” said one participant. “I feel prepared for interviews now. I know what to expect. Meeting real employers in a supportive setting has given me the confidence I needed to take the next step.”

SCC volunteers played a vital role, sharing their own career journeys - the struggles, the setbacks, and the breakthroughs - showing attendees that success isn’t always a straight line.

“The day we spent with SCC was hugely inspiring,” said Victoria Brown, Head of Fundraising at Generation UK. “Hearing from people who have navigated their own challenges made all the difference. It gave our learners hope and a clear sense that they, too, can find their place in this industry.”

LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

More than just a training session

Beyond the workshops, attendees got an inside look at SCC’s operations, including a tour of SCC Recyclea, where they saw sustainability and tech innovation in action. They also connected with SCC’s REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage) Network, drawing inspiration from the personal stories of employees who overcame their own career obstacles to forge a path forward.

For James Long, Talent Acquisition Business Partner at SCC, the experience was just as impactful for the mentors as it was for the learners.

“We set out to support these job seekers but in doing so, we also learned from them, gaining fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of purpose,” he said. “This is just the beginning. I can’t wait to run more sessions like this and help even more people build a future in tech.”

A commitment to the future

The impact of this initiative goes beyond a single event. SCC and The Rigby Foundation are committed to expanding these training days, reaching more people, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.

“With the UK’s digital skills shortage, initiatives like this are essential,” said Sonia Chhatwal, Executive Director of The Rigby Foundation. “We want to create lasting, sustainable opportunities for those who need them most. Partnering with Generation UK has been an incredible step forward, and we’re excited to build on this success.”

For SCC, this is about more than just filling job vacancies - it’s about changing lives.

“Even if we had helped just one person, we would have called the day a success,” said Mandy Tregenna, People Experience Manager at SCC. “But we helped every single learner in that room. That’s what this is all about.”

In our 50th year, the work you do in contributing towards the successful businesses right across Rigby Group continues to make it possible to give back to the societies we work in. For example, SCC France made a significant donation to the reconstruction of Notre Dame cathedral while colleagues in Spain directly aided flood victims in Valencia.

The Rigby Foundation has a continuing focus to support young people in the West Midlands towards meaningful and sustainable employment, while the Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust is supporting a Centre for Enterprise at Liverpool University and the new Digital Futures Institute at Aston University.

On behalf of everyone that has received support from a Rigby Group charitable donation, throughout our 50 years: thank you! It is just the beginning.