Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Tech: An Insight Day with Amazon Web Services
Girls in Cloud: From Curiosity to Careers
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the technology behind many of the services people use every day – from streaming platforms and mobile apps to tools used in healthcare, education and scientific research. AWS helps organisations of all sizes build and run technology, and its services are trusted by millions of customers around the world.
AWS believes that technology should be built by people of all backgrounds and experiences and invests in programmes to remove barriers and help people build the skills they need to launch careers in technology. This commitment is reflected in the work experience it delivers with Futures For All.
In June 2026, AWS welcomed young people to their London office for a day's work experience programme to give students practical insight into careers in technology. The programme was designed to inspire students from underrepresented backgrounds to explore careers in technology and gain hands-on experience, with a particular focus on encouraging young women into the sector. The day was delivered by AWS employees who volunteered their time to give back. As prior technical skills and coding knowledge were not required to take part, the opportunity was open to students of all experience levels, including those who had not previously considered a career in technology.
“Work experience and Insight Days help young people see themselves in careers they might never have considered. For young women in particular, seeing real role models and having hands-on experience breaks down stereotypes about who technology is 'for'. It builds confidence, demystifies the industry, and shows students that there are many different routes into tech. By opening our doors to young women, we can help ensure that the people building future technology reflect the diversity of the people who use it.”
Simmi Bansal, AWS Enterprise Support Manager
Inside the Work Experience
The Insight Day involved a mix of speaker sessions and interactive activities, giving young people the chance to meet and learn from people working across different teams at AWS. Through employee stories and insights, students gained an understanding of tech careers and pathways, including both technical and non-technical routes, apprenticeships, degrees and career changes.
A key part of the work experience was an app-building task. Students worked together in small groups to build and refine their own AI-powered app according to a brief, using PartyRock (an AWS generative-AI tool), before presenting their work to peers and professionals.
“The hands-on PartyRock app-building activity was a standout success. Students who arrived unsure whether technology was 'for them' were, within the hour, confidently building and presenting their own AI-powered apps – with no coding experience. One group's excitement at winning the app competition (their favourite part of the whole day) captured exactly what the event set out to achieve: turning curiosity into genuine enthusiasm for tech.”
Doja Taxidis, Technical Account Manager, AWS Enterprise Support
The Work Experience Impact
Alongside challenging misconceptions about the tech industry, including the assumption that it is male-dominated, the work experience developed students’ technical ability, curiosity, creativity and teamwork skills. They left with more confidence, clarity and interest in pursuing careers in tech – and a greater understanding that the sector is for everyone, regardless of background or gender.
Feedback following the Insight Day showed that:
100% of young people learned something new.
75% would consider studying technology.
84% would consider a career at AWS.
“I really enjoyed the workshop — it was really fun and I learned many things. Thank you.”
Student
Advice for Young People
“Say yes to opportunities, even if you don't feel 100% qualified – you don't need to tick every box to apply or to belong. Stay curious, ask questions, and don't be put off by the idea that tech is only for a certain type of person. Seek out role models and allies, and remember that it's okay not to have your whole career mapped out — many paths will get you there.”
Doja Taxidis, Technical Account Manager, AWS Enterprise Support
Employer Insights
“Events like this are a powerful, low-barrier way for businesses to give back, strengthen their talent pipeline, and help build a more diverse and representative industry. The benefit to the volunteers and the organisation is just as significant as the benefit to the students.”
Simmi Bansal, AWS Enterprise Support Manager
Discover Work Experience for Yourself
Whether you’re keen to apply for work experience or provide some for young people, head to our Work Experience Finder to get started.
Our Talks Library is also available as a resource of insights into different sectors.
