Software developer Josh Benson is working to inspire the next generation to follow in his footsteps through his passionate support for a national schools technology competition run by his employer.
Now in its fifth year, PA Consulting’s Raspberry Pi competition is aimed at pupils from Year 4 to Year 13.
“It's a fantastic competition, giving schools the chance to create something amazing and submit it.” said Josh. “Finals day involves meeting some big names in technology. I think it's vital to help kids get into technology and coding, inspiring them to change the world one brilliant invention at a time.”
Josh has been working for PA Consulting since September 2015. “I am a software and innovation consultant, and work in many different projects, from large IT transformations to quick and impressive prototypes. I have a huge passion for technology, and I'm interested in projects that can make people's lives better.”
He helps to run the Raspberry Pi competition by giving up time to serve as a coding mentor, assisting schools with any technical issues through offering advice and guidance. “I have also run a learn-to-code session with a selection of kids from different schools at my office, which has encouraged more teams to apply,” he said.
This year’s competition theme is Innovation for All: entrants are asked to develop innovations that will improve the lives of people who have conditions that limit their ability to do things that most take for granted. Raspberry Pi is the name of a series of small, single-board computers developed in the UK to promote the teaching of computer science in UK schools and in developing countries.
Josh’s career has gone from strength to strength, based on the foundations laid when he was at School. “I found QE tough at the time, but it has helped me become more disciplined in work, curious about new opportunities, and keen to expand my horizons.”
Josh went to Manchester University from 2005–2010, taking a first in his Master’s degree in Computer Science. While a student, he was involved in various university societies and activities, including the Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Jewish Society, squash, football and Tae Kwon Do.
During a period in which he worked as a software developer for the betting company, OpenBet, from 2010–2012, he served as a volunteer with the educational charity, Limmud, organising and marketing large Jewish festival-style events.
From OpenBet, he went to Capco, a global business and technology consultancy, where he was an innovation developer, taking a leading role in creating apps for use as part of the company’s internal digital strategy. He left Capco in August 2015 to join PA Consulting.