Let’s Talk StartUp Sherpas
Bridging the Skills Gap with Kathy Walker, StartUp Sherpas
Kathy Walker is the Co-Founder and CEO of StartUp Sherpas, an edtech company delivering remote work experience and career readiness programmes for young people through a digital platform. Her mission is to bridge the gap between what students learn in school and the rapidly changing skills demanded by employers.
With a background in innovation and entrepreneurship, Kathy has led StartUp Sherpas to reach thousands of young people across the UK, helping them build the entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills needed for the future world of work.
Listen in to hear:
· Why the traditional education system struggles to keep pace with industry needs.
· How StartUp Sherpas is using technology to make skills development accessible at scale.
· The value of innovation and entrepreneurship as tools for career readiness.
· How employers and educators can collaborate to prepare young people..
· Kathy’s insights on building confidence, creativity and resilience in the next generation.
Understanding the Skills Gap
The world of work is evolving faster than ever, and the skills employers need - creativity, adaptability, and innovation are often missing from traditional education. StartUp Sherpas was founded to fill that gap, connecting classroom learning with real-world experience.
The Role of Technology in Skills Development
By delivering digital work experience programmes, StartUp Sherpas makes it possible to reach young people regardless of geography or background. Their platform combines guided challenges, mentoring, and reflection to help learners build transferable skills in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Empowering the Next Generation
Kathy believes entrepreneurship should be part of every young person’s career journey. Beyond teaching business concepts, StartUp Sherpas focuses on cultivating the mindset and confidence needed to tackle complex, evolving problems in any industry.
Advice for Educators and Employers
Kathy encourages educators and employers to collaborate in creating flexible, accessible routes into work. Whether through digital internships or industry-led projects, partnerships can help ensure young people gain the skills and experience that truly prepare them for the workplace.
Explore the Episode
This episode explores how technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship can transform how young people prepare for the future of work. From scalable digital programmes to mindset development, Kathy shares practical insights for anyone interested in closing the skills gap.
If you’re passionate about preparing young people for meaningful, future-ready careers, listen in to discover more about StartUp Sherpas and their mission to empower the next generation.
“Schools do a fantastic job, but the world of work is changing too fast. We need to find new ways to bridge the gap and help young people build the skills they’ll need for the future.” - Kathy Walker
Platform Demo:
Click the Image to watch
StartUp Sherpas website: https://startupsherpas.org/
Connect with Kathy Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-walker-sherpas/
Need Social Value Support?
Samtaler works with organisations to strengthen social value delivery, strategy, and bid performance. Whether you’re just starting out or want to boost your scores, we’re here to help. 📧 hello@samtaler.co.uk
Recent Content:
Sign up to The Social Value Files for inspiration and practical ideas to create social value for your business.