Huawei becomes Patron of The Prince’s Trust in celebration of 15 years in the UK

Supporting The Trust’s ‘Get Started’ programme in Reading, Bristol and Southampton, helping young people develop new digital skills

[Reading, UK, March 4, 2016] Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, which this year celebrates 15 years in the UK, is pleased to announce that it is now a Patron of The Prince’s Trust.

Huawei has been a member of The Trust’s Technology Leadership Group since 2006 and today’s announcement renews the company’s commitment towards the technology education programme of the charity.

The ‘Get Started’ programme is aimed at young people who are 16-25 and not currently engaged in education, employment or training. Through Huawei’s support of three ‘Get Started’ workshops in Reading, Bristol and Southampton, new technical skills in games design and robotics will be taught to young people to better equip them for their future career and life choices.

At Reading College, young people on the ‘Get Started’ programme enjoy demonstrating the Robots they have built together in teams.

Gordon Luo, Huawei UK CEO, awards certificates to the young people on the ‘Get Started’ programme sponsored by Huawei.

Doja Odunowo (second right), a network engineer from Huawei, with young people on the course.

Martina Milburn CBE, Chief Executive, The Prince’s Trust said: “Huawei has been a supporter of The Prince’s Trust since 2006 and I am delighted that it has now reached Patron status in its support of the charity this year. In particular, Huawei’s support for the ‘Get Started’ programme will help us provide even more young people with the digital, teamwork and communication skills they need as they get their lives back on track.”

The Mayor of Reading, Councillor Sarah Hacker, said, “It is great to have Huawei in Reading, working together with the Prince’s Trust, the local college and community, to make a change to their futures. The ‘Get Started’ programme signifies the great work that Huawei and The Prince’s Trust are doing to help inspire and improve the career prospects of young people. I am pleased Huawei is celebrating its 15th anniversary in the UK in such a meaningful way and is promoting STEM subjects and digital skills among young people in such an impactful way.’

Gordon Luo, CEO of Huawei UK, said: “This year marks the 15th anniversary since we started operations in the UK and as a long-term investor, we are committed to contributing to the local communities that we operate in. We are excited to be working with The Prince’s Trust to provide young people with the opportunity to develop new digital skills – this is a challenge we all face. Helping young people is important to us and as technology becomes more ingrained in everyday life, this opportunity to help develop the skills of the next generation is important.”

As part of its commitment Huawei also holds an annual Winter Concert to raise money for the charity.