Did you know in the UK, digital skills are required for 87% of advertised jobs? Or that Leeds has become known as the ‘digital capital of the North’? That might surprise you until you discover that nearly 35,000 people are employed in digital careers in Leeds. The increase in tech careers is a clear trend and the success of the sector is dependent on creating the next generation of local tech talent. 

Leeds Trinity University is a sponsor of Ahead Partnership’s Growing Talent Digital Leeds programme, which aims to cultivate a pipeline of digital talent in Leeds, including widening participation and increasing diversity. 

As a career-led University, we recognise that creating opportunities for students and graduates to engage with prospective employers develops a greater understanding of where their career could take them in their future. Our work with Ahead Partnership directly links to this foundation.  

On Wednesday 28 February we hosted Leap Into Tech – a bespoke lunchtime panel discussion and networking event involving a variety of leading tech organisations from across Leeds. 

Held at our Main Campus in Horsforth, the panel sat front and centre, eager to share their industry knowledge. During the event, we heard from BJSS - a leading technology and engineering consultancy; Boost Talent Ltd - an ethical tech talent solutions provider; Search Laboratory – a team of digital marketers and data scientists dedicated to growth generation; and West Yorkshire Police Digital Forensics Unit.  

The professionals presented their expertise on digital and tech careers, gave their top tips and shared insights into recruitment processes. Plenty of valuable advice was provided that will help students as they search and apply for jobs. The key takeaways were: 

• Tech is for everyone – there are multiple routes into digital careers meaning they can be open to anyone, as long as you have a passion for the industry. 
• Personalise your application – use the role criteria and company values as a framework, as they are telling you what they are looking for. Don’t forget the STAR (situation, task, action, result) technique to answer questions. 
• Recruitment is a two-way process – a company should be the right fit for you too. 
• Build your network – make the most of career and industry events on campus and in Leeds. 

On that final point, I was pleased to see that Leeds Trinity students took their opportunity to network with professionals at Leap Into Tech. Through asking questions and making connections, some students came away with potential work and placement opportunities. Providing platforms for students to do this will only become more frequent as we open our new Leeds City Campus in the 2024/25 academic year.  

I was also impressed with the turnout which demonstrated the strong interest of students in engaging with on campus careers support. It is a joy for me to play my part in organising employability events which help students and graduates work towards a fulfilling future. 

Employer events are part of what we offer to both current Leeds Trinity students and graduates; support continues for three years after graduation. Our experienced team can help students to explore options, secure placements, navigate the job market and find opportunities for further study. We also provide tailored 1:1 appointments to discuss anything career related, from general information and advice to CV building, application writing and interview support.  

For more information on Careers+Placements, visit the University website. 

Holly Siberry is the Employability Projects and Events Officer at Leeds Trinity University.