Girls Talk are excited to announce that applications for our technology talent accelerator programme Step UP are now open for the 2026 co-hort which is the final YEAR of the programme!

Step UP is a 6 month tech talent accelerator programme taking place from January-June 2026 funded and supported by Virgin Media O2, BT, and Vodafone for students who identify as female at university that provides access to professionals and skills development training in the Technology Sector.

We are particularly interested in second or penultimate year students who are considering applying for graduate programmes that start in 2027. However, this is not a requirement. 

Delivered and managed by Girls Talk, this programme will provide 60 students in the UK the following:

-A mentor from a sponsoring business who they will meet for monthly one hour virtual mentoring sessions to receive structured support and guidance to pursue a career in Technology  

-Monthly virtual skills development masterclasses led by influential business professionals

-An exclusive virtual Tech Summit meeting Senior Leaders & recruiters from all sponsoring businesses in March 2026

-Have the opportunity to apply to available internships and graduate jobs at sponsoring businesses 

-Collaboration on a group project with other mentees which will be showcased at graduation

This is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring women in Technology to get their foot in the door, in time for when they graduate from university!

A  virtual careers technology summit will take place in March 2026 for all participants to meet representatives from all businesses, take part in workshops where you can meet in-house technologists,  recruitment teams, Senior Leaders and discover the variety of opportunities within the technology sector and across all businesses. This summit is a fun and interactive opportunity for all participants to go behind the scenes in some of the world’s top businesses in Technology.

Students will be interviewed on a rolling basis with the final decisions made by December 2025. We encourage you to apply early as possible to secure your place. 

Girls Talk are looking for committed individuals, who can demonstrate the professionalism required. Please think carefully before applying if you can commit to attending 2 virtual hours a month to the programme, alongside working on a fun group project with other mentees. In addition, take serious consideration on whether you have the professional skills of responsive communication. 

If the answer is YES, apply below! 

The official launch of the programme will take place at the end of January 2026, the virtual careers summit in March 2026 and graduation in June 2026 in London. 

To apply for a place please complete the application form below.

Visit our website for more information about our organisation: http://girlstalklondon.com

Best of Luck!

If you have any questions about this programme please email info@girlstalkcorporation.com

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