Skills and Education

Update: During this time of school closures and self-isolation brought on by COVID-19, we are committed to continuing our support of the regions school students. We are developing content, both informational and activities to help continue our offer of improving students understanding of the regions technology sector and the careers it offers. Please click the link below to get access to our new and growing library of content to access.

 

The digital technology sector is becoming one of the leading industries in the UK.

By 2020 it is predicted that the North East will be home to 2,500 software companies, employing over 25,000 people and contributing £1.1bn to the regional economy. This is double the UK’s annual growth rate. But – the one thing that could hold us back is a lack of suitably skilled people to work in the sector.

Sunderland Software City is helping narrow the digital talent gap, delivering initiatives to meet the needs of businesses, ensure there is new talent with the necessary skills to enter the workforce and inspire young people about the potential of careers in technology and digital entrepreneurship.

Our skills and education initiatives include:

  • Working with industry partners such as The Tech Partnership, Tech Nation and Government to inform policy, drive initiatives and make sure the needs of industry are represented regionally and nationally
  • Supporting local authorities to facilitate Work Discovery activities to raise awareness of tech careers and inspire the next generation of digital talent, working with schools, colleges and universities across the region and beyond.
  • Working with our University and further education partners to support placement programmes, pairing software companies with top students and graduates from regional universities and colleges.
  • Championing the region’s sector nationally and internationally, to help attract talented people by promoting not just the strength and success of the sector but also the benefits of living and working in the North East.

 

If you are in business, or education and training, and want to explore how we can work together to make sure the North East has the skills needed for the future, please contact Jill McKinney, Head of Skills & Training.