Asda and Netcompany among Leeds employers "inspiring young women" with careers in tech

Last week saw digital employers from across Leeds meet with 120 young women from 8 schools in the city, at an event designed to raise awareness of careers in digital and technology.

Taking place at the Asda Merchandising Centre of Excellence and Exhibition Centre on March 23, #GirlTechLeeds was delivered by Ahead Partnership and saw 12-14 year-old students from eight secondary schools in the city meet face-to-face with female role models working at organisations that employ digital talent.

Attending companies included Netcompany, Asda Leeds City Council, Hays, Sulzer, Aire Global, and Lion + Mason.

Throughout the tech and digital careers experience day, the young women had the opportunity to get involved in tech workshops and a networking treasure hunt, as well as attending Q&A panels and speaker sessions from inspiring professionals already succeeding in roles at Strata Homes, Data Shed, and Leeds Academic Health Partnership.

After learning about the different roles available to them and the skills required to succeed, 100 per cent of the female students that attended said that they understood what skills they need to get into digital following the event, an increase from just 77 per cent prior to the event.

Stephanie Burras CBE, chief executive of Ahead Partnership, said: “Our #GirlTech events are extremely popular, with volunteers from a diverse range of businesses and organisations keen to get involved, share their experiences and promote the opportunities available to young women beyond school.

“Our recent Leeds event was a great success; the feedback that we have already received shows that the students found it really informative, and the wide range of organisations that supported the activity demonstrates the real breadth of opportunity available to those hoping to thrive in a digital career.”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council, executive member for economy, culture & education, Headingley & Hyde Park Ward, added: “As an employer of future digital talent, we have a responsibility to ensure that young women know about the different opportunities out there for them and understand the skills that they already have and can develop to pursue their aspirations.

“By working with Ahead Partnership to support employers of digital talent across Leeds through this type of activity, we’re able to make a practical intervention and generate a bigger collective impact, helping to ensure that digital careers are accessible and opened-up to everyone.”