Curiosity, collaboration and co-creation: using Grand Challenges to develop employability and tackle 21st Century problems

Abstract

Taking action is crucial at all stages of career development learning to develop skills and employability with no particular career goal, or for specific career ambitions. This article explores the concept of grand challenges in the context of education for employability through the case study of an extra-curricular programme at a UK university. We describe the programme, examine the collaborative way the team works utilising a distributed leadership model and consider the impact the programme has had on students, staff and the institution. We conclude that this approach successfully introduces students to the concepts of sustainability, social justice and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and changes the way that many educators globally approach their teaching.