Golden Valley tech campus recruitment for youth advisory board closes next Monday

Young people across Gloucestershire have until 31 August to apply for roles on a new youth advisory board for Golden Valley, the £1bn cyber and technology campus under construction in Cheltenham.

The development is intended to serve as a centre for cyber security, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, with work on site planned to support sectors including UK defence, national security and critical infrastructure such as food and agriculture.

Organisers are seeking individuals aged 16 to 24 to provide feedback on the scheme and inform future decisions regarding skills development, education and regional career pathways. Applicants are not required to hold technical qualifications, with the panel seeking varied perspectives spanning technology, AI, education, business, real estate and marketing.

Cllr Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “We want to hear young people’s voices and ideas. Golden Valley is a major investment in Cheltenham and Gloucestershire’s future, so they should have a role in shaping it.”

She added: “The board will give them a direct route to decision-makers and a chance to share their views on education, careers, transport, accessibility, community life and the kind of place Golden Valley should become.”

Situated adjacent to GCHQ in Cheltenham, the site is designed to bring together commercial firms, start-ups, academic researchers, universities, investors and public-sector organisations.

Physical construction has commenced at the site, which is being delivered through a joint venture between Cheltenham Borough Council and property developer HBD, a subsidiary of Henry Boot. The wider development is projected to support thousands of jobs alongside vocational links for local schools and colleges.

Hamer Boot, managing director at HBD, said: “Golden Valley will open up new routes into growing industries, that will play an increasingly important role in the UK’s security and resilience. But we need to make sure young people across Gloucestershire can see and access those opportunities.”

The board will be hosted by the University of Gloucestershire Students’ Union.

Dame Clare Marchant, University of Gloucestershire’s vice-chancellor and Golden Valley skills lead, said: “The jobs and skills people need are changing rapidly, so it is essential that young people help shape how education, employers and major developments respond.”

Applications are open to residents, students and workers in Gloucestershire aged 16 to 24. Selection will take place in September, prior to the board’s inaugural meeting in the autumn.

This initiative follows the start of construction on phase one of the site, which includes the IDEA innovation centre and the ROUTER transport hub designed to deliver workspace infrastructure, green space and sustainable travel connections across the development. Full details on the construction milestone can be found in TechSparx’s report on the phase one ground-breaking.