At Sharp, we believe in the power of innovation, collaboration, and nurturing future talent. That’s why we’re thrilled to be hosting an exciting event in partnership with our valued client, South Essex College. Together, we’re welcoming seven bright and ambitious students to present their own technology solutions as part of a unique challenge designed to inspire creativity and real-world problem solving.
The Challenge: Real-World Innovation with Microsoft Power Platform
Students were asked to:
• Choose an industry they’re passionate about
• Identify key challenges within that sector
• Use Microsoft’s Power Platform to develop a tailored solution
• Present their ideas through a detailed PowerPoint deck, including:
• Industry insights and challenges
• Product value and benefits
• Process diagrams and user personas
• Wireframes and user interface concepts
• Observations and development challenges
This initiative not only encourages students to explore the capabilities of Microsoft’s low-code platform but also gives them a taste of what it’s like to work in a dynamic tech consultancy environment.
From Classroom to Microsoft HQ
All entries were reviewed by their lecturers, with the top submissions sent to Sharp for evaluation. A panel of Sharp leaders—Simon Warnes (Commercial and Corporate Sales Director), Ben Welton (Education and Managed Services Director), and Tristan Broom (Head of ERP)—carefully assessed each proposal. From these, a shortlist of candidates was selected to present their solutions in person at Microsoft HQ in London.
This is more than just a competition—it’s a launchpad. Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their work to industry professionals, gain invaluable feedback, and compete for top honours.
A Full-Circle Moment: Welcoming Back a Former Winner
We’re also delighted to be joined by Luca Jaworski, who won the competition last year and has since joined Sharp as an Apprentice Technical Engineer. Over the past eight months, Luca has become an integral part of our team, bringing fresh ideas, technical curiosity, and a passion for innovation. His journey from student competitor to valued team member is a shining example of what this initiative is all about—creating real opportunities for young talent to thrive in the tech industry.
Why This Matters
This event is a testament to Sharp’s commitment to education, innovation, and community. By partnering with South Essex College, we’re not only supporting the next generation of tech leaders but also reinforcing our mission to help organisations across the UK work smarter and safer through technology.
We’re incredibly proud of the students’ creativity, technical skills, and passion for solving real-world problems. We can’t wait to see what they present—and we’re even more excited about the future they represent.
Testimonial from the College Principle, South Essex College
"Partnering with Sharp on this Power Platform Challenge has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our students and staff alike. The opportunity for our learners to engage with real-world business challenges, develop innovative solutions using Microsoft technology, and present their ideas to industry professionals is truly invaluable.
What makes this initiative so special is the genuine investment Sharp has made in nurturing young talent. The presence of their leadership team—Simon Warnes, Ben Welton, and Tristan Broom—on the judging panel, along with the return of last year’s winner, Luca Jaworski, now an Apprentice Technical Engineer at Sharp, speaks volumes about their commitment to education and future skills development.
This event has not only inspired our students but has also given them a tangible glimpse into the world of technology and consultancy. We are proud to collaborate with Sharp and look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.”
– John Newton
College Principle, South Essex College
