Students from the School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Westminster have teamed up with Full Stack Web Development learners from the Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) to take part in the Adult Education Digital programme – a collaborative initiative designed to bridge the gap between education, real-world experience and career development in the tech industry.
The programme is an example of the University’s work at Zone29, which is delivered in partnership with local organisations to offer programmes to individuals in the local community so that they can gain the skills that London’s employers seek. Running from 19 June to 10 July, the programme paired adult learners with student mentors involved in the digital and tech sectors. Designed to promote skill development, peer learning and career readiness, participants were offered valuable exposure to contemporary web development practices, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced developer tools and practical strategies for professional growth.
Each mentoring session was carefully designed to maximise impact. Mentors shared presentations of their own digital projects, bridging the gap between theory and practice, while offering learners real-world insights into the application of modern web technologies. The programme also included Q&A sessions and small group work led by student mentors, giving learners the opportunity to explore technical skills and career development through focused, personalised conversations and expert insights. One-to-one interactions enabled particpants to seek tailored advice on portfolios, career pathways and specific challenges, which many WAES learners described as a key strength of the programme.
Vishesh Mahajan, Cyber Security and Forensics BSc Honours student, said: “I genuinely enjoyed chatting with people and getting to know them. Many had such rich experiences and were now exploring new directions in their careers, which made the conversations really inspiring. Everyone was so open and easy to talk to, which made the whole experience even better. I loved being able to talk about the projects we’re doing in our modules, but what really stood out to me was hearing about some of the amazing work others have done. It was a great mix of learning and sharing fresh ideas. I walked away feeling really motivated.”
Simay Sali Sevik, Development Manager at the University of Westminster, added: “Seeing our students mentor mature learners as part of our outreach activities was a powerful reversal of roles. These exchanges not only built confidence but also fostered meaningful connections across our communities.”
Alison Muggridge, Assistant Principal in Curriculum and Quality at WAES, added: “It was a fantastic opportunity for both WAES learners and students from the University of Westminster to use their combined knowledge to support their roles and careers in tech. It was a great two-way partnership which I would love to see continue to future cohorts and students.”
The programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
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