Leeds Digital Diversity Initiative

A city-wide digital initiative launched in Leeds to help address skills gap.

11:20 10 September 2021

Social enterprise Ahead Partnership is working with a number of digital organisations and the public sector as it launches a city-wide initiative that aims to address the growing skills gap in Leeds. 

 

There are currently more than 35,000 people employed in the digital sector in the city but many businesses still find it challenging to find candidates with the right skills. The scheme aims to take action to develop and diversify the city's future pipeline of digital talent. 

 

The Growing Talent Digital Leeds is scheduled for 30 September and will be held at BJSS' Leeds city centre headquarters as part of Leeds Digital Festival. Businesses, employers and the business sector will be given the opportunity to find out how they can get involved and support the initiative.  

 

Stephanie Burras CBE, Chief Executive at Ahead Partnership, said: “The importance of digital in today’s working world is only increasing, and so we’ve been delivering a number of initiatives throughout recent years to support the future success of the industry. Now, with the pandemic only emphasising the need for skilled digital talent, Growing Talent Digital Leeds is a really timely programme that will engage a wide range of young people with the sector for the benefit of their future careers.

 

“Leeds has a thriving business community, and digital plays a significant role in this – from the tech companies and start-ups who operate from the city centre to the skilled digital workers that play a pivotal role in organisations in other industries. It’s fantastic to see so many of these organisations across the city signing up as partners and pledging their support to the initiative. We can’t wait to get started.”