Alex Whittles is an internationally-recognised speaker and is one of a handful of experts in the UK to hold Microsoft’s coveted Most Valuable Professional (MVP) status.
However, such recognition does not diminish Alex’s passion for staying connected to the local community.
Indeed, in his role as a STEM Ambassador, one of Alex’s key ambitions is to deepen Purple Frog’s role within the community by sharing his global knowledge at grass-roots level.
And, he does this by offering his time and expertise to schools for free and bringing technology to life in the classroom.
As a core STEM subject, Alex delivers a range of after-school technology workshops and clubs for secondary school students.
He is also part of the Bloodhound SSC (world land speed record attempt) education engagement programme, taking his passion for the technology behind the programme into schools, colleges, clubs and groups to inspire a new generation.
He says: “It’s so important for young people in today’s rapidly changing world to have the opportunity to connect with professionals in a range of different industry sectors.
“Career planning is not easy and when you are presented with so many options it can be difficult to make the right choices.
“Providing workshops and visiting schools is a great way for me to pass on some of my knowledge and give students an insight into the world of technology-related jobs.
“Our work placement schemes also enable us to give students an invaluable taste of life in the workplace where they can get real hands-on experience.”
Alex has been a STEM ambassador for 3 years and students attending Alex’s school-based workshops and after school clubs have embarked on numerous technology projects including supporting an after-school club at William Brookes School, speaking at a Careers Insights evening at Haberdashers’ Adams School in Newport and helping at a STEM day at RAF Cosford.
He says: “At the end of the sessions, it’s always hugely encouraging to hear pupils say they want to peruse a career in technology. Volunteering has the potential to influence lives and that’s why it’s important for industry leaders to stay connected with their community – no matter how far-reaching or global their company may be.”
Alex, who founded Purple Frog 13 years ago develops business intelligence technology solutions.
It’s expertise is taking all forms of business data, wherever they may originate and transforming them into meaningful business intelligence.
