Disabled young people are invited to apply now for an annual IT competition designed to test ability, creativity and skill.

The UK IT Challenge is an annual competition for disabled young people hosted by Shaw Trust, a charity helping to transform the lives of young people and adults across the UK and internationally, and supported by BT.

Taking place from Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 July at BT’s Adastral Park, Ipswich, 50 disabled young people aged between 13-24 years old from across the UK will come together to compete on a number of different IT challenges designed to test ability, creativity and skill.

There will be individual challenges, team challenges, fun stuff, interesting stuff and motivating presentations from people who prove that having a disability is no barrier to success.

To make sure it is a level playing field, everything is adapted and adjustments made according to the requirements of each young person taking part.

The top four winners from the competition will go on to represent the UK at the Global IT Challenge in Asia in November. Other prizes include laptops, tablets, work experience opportunities, online training and much, much more.

Jon-Paul, Winner of UK IT Challenge & Global IT Challenge 2018, said:

“The UK IT Challenge was an AMAZING experience. If you love computers and IT, go for it, give it ago, who knows where it will take you!”

A parent who chaperoned their son to the UK IT Challenge 2018, said:

“It taught me lots about my son and his determination, his ability to overcome his disabilities. Seeing all the delegates try their best, they were all inspirational. Knowing my son has opportunities in the future I didn’t believe possible.”

A teacher chaperone, said:

“It was a chance for students to shine. It was a fabulous chance for them to see that life for those with disabilities doesn’t have to be a prescriptive path.”

Apply now by visiting: www.shaw-trust.org.uk/UKITChallenge. Closing date is Sunday 31 March.

About UK IT Challenge

UK IT Challenge is an annual competition for disabled young people hosted by Shaw Trust, a charity helping to transform the lives of young people and adults across the UK and internationally, and supported by BT.

Taking place from Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 July at BT’s Adastral Park, Ipswich, 50 disabled young people aged between 13-24 years old from across the UK will spend three days competing on individual challenges and team challenges as well as enjoying fun, interesting stuff and motivating presentations from people who prove that having a disability is no barrier to success.

The UK IT Challenge for Disabled Young People is part of a global movement to:

  • Reduce the ‘digital disability divide’
  • Provide better access and investment in ICT
  • Help promote IT policy and training
  • Create a truly inclusive world where no-one is left behind.

For more information please visit: www.shaw-trust.org.uk/UKITChallenge

About Shaw Trust

Shaw Trust is a charity helping to transform the lives of young people and adults across the UK and internationally.

Our specialist services help people gain an education, enter work, develop their career, improve their wellbeing or rebuild their lives. As a charity we add value to every service we deliver by investing back into the people and communities we support.

Shaw Trust is one of the largest 25 charities in the UK. Comprising Shaw Trust, Prospects, Ixion and Shaw Education Trust, we use our 75 years’ combined experience to support people to develop their potential. By joining together we are working to reach one goal: to help transform the lives of one million young people and adults each year.

Our 3,500 staff and 1,000 volunteers provide joined-up services for government, local authorities, combined authorities, employers, stakeholders – including the Department for Work and Pensions, Education and Skills Funding Agency, clinical commissioning groups and NHS Trusts – and individuals.

For more information please visit: https://www.shaw-trust.org.uk/