What's in this episode? Welcome to the next episode in our #voctechpodcast series! Beam is the world’s first crowdfunding platform that helps people from disadvantaged backgrounds train up and get into rewarding work. In this weeks episode, we talk to Beam's CEO, Alex Stephany, about crowdfunding for social good, and the importance of grit, alongside training, education and support networks.  We also run the first of our FE features where our presenter, Ian Hurd is in conversation with Rory Meredith, Head Of School for Creative Industries at Coleg y Cymoedd and Visiting Lecturer at the University of South Wales. They talk about preparing for the future in FE.  Thank you to Ufi Charitable trust and Ufi Ventures for supporting this series. Go and check out their fine work in developing innovative vocational technology to support workplace skills development.  You can follow the series conversation using #voctechpodcast and #voctech Enjoy and have an excellent week! People Sophie Bailey is the Founder and Presenter of The Edtech Podcast | Twitter: @podcastedtech Alex Stephany, CEO, Beam | Twitter: @AlexStephany Rory Meredith, Head Of School for Creative Industries, Coleg y Cymoedd and Visiting Lecturer, University of South Wales | Twitter: @rorym4music Ian Hurd, Presenter, The Edtech Podcast | Twitter @Ian_R_Hurd  Show Notes and References   Check out https://theedtechpodcast.com/edtechpodcast for the full show notes  Tell us your story We'd love to hear your thoughts. Record a quick free voicemail via speakpipe for inclusion in the next episode. Or you can post your thoughts or follow-on links via twitter @podcastedtech or via The Edtech Podcast Facebook page or Instagram.