WYK - Empowering the Next Gen of Digital Talent

Aim

Starting a career is harder than ever. WYK gives young people the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed.

Who we are 

Almost one million young people in the UK are unemployed, an 11-year high. With rising barriers to entry, declining vacancies, the impact of AI, and the lasting effects of Covid, getting a foot in the door has never been harder. And in the UK, the biggest predictor of what you’ll earn as an adult is still what your parents earned. Sometimes the game feels rigged.

We exist to change that.

WYK stands for What You Know - because getting ahead shouldn’t depend on who you know. Since 2020, we’ve helped over 1,200 young people from all backgrounds gain the skills, confidence, and experience to start digital careers. Our free, accessible courses open doors to opportunity and social mobility, helping trainees not just land jobs but thrive - our alumni are promoted at twice the rate of their peers.

Why we’re crowdfunding

Right now, we have over 150 alumni who have completed WYK courses but need extra support to secure permanent roles. By “pulling up a chair” for them, you can provide mentorship, guidance, and resources to help them take that crucial next step. For many young people facing challenges, your support can make the difference between finishing a course and launching a career.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Your support will directly help those currently on programme and alumni by:

• Providing mentors and masterclasses to guide and coach them
• Running digital campaigns to promote trainees and connect with employers
• Sourcing more jobs with local living wages and clear career progression
• Offering extra training and support in confidence, interviews, and resilience

Youth unemployment is rising, and competition has never been tougher -1.2 million graduates recently competed for just 17,000 roles. Without targeted support, many risk being left behind. WYK helps young people build the skills, experience, and confidence needed to break into a rapidly changing digital world.

By joining our mission, you’re creating space for the next generation of digital talent and breaking barriers together. 

How you can help

As a non-profit, our work is only possible with your support. Here are three ways to pull up a chair and get involved:

1. Make a donation
Every contribution helps young people access training, guidance, and career opportunities.

• £10 - £30 covers lunch and travel, removing key financial barriers.
• £50 - £100 supports mentors and trainers delivering masterclasses.
• £250 provides a laptop for learning, job applications, and interviews.

2. Spread the word
Share our mission with friends, family, and your wider network. Awareness helps us reach more young people.

3. Volunteer with us
If you work in digital marketing, media, advertising, or tech, your expertise can help shape someone’s future. Any time you can give makes a difference. Fill out the form, and we’ll be in touch.

This Christmas, pull up a chair for future talent. Give the gift of opportunity and help young people begin their first digital career. Learn more on our website.

This project successfully funded on 31st December 2025