As the region’s digital economy expands at a rate 125% faster than the national average, Leeds Digital Mini-Fest is set to host a flagship event designed to bridge the growing divide between education and the rapidly evolving tech job market.
Taking place on 21st April, the panel session, “Bridging the Tech Skills Gap: From Education to Employment,” brings together a powerhouse of academic and industry leaders. Organised by Leeds Digital, the event features experts from Leeds Beckett University, Leeds University Business School, Corecom Tech Academy, and Generation UK.
Chaired by Kirsten Brumfitt, chief people officer at PEXA UK, the panel will explore how the surge in AI and data science is fundamentally reshaping the Northern workforce and what must be done to prepare the next generation for high-value career pathways.
The panel speakers include Sarah Robinson, business development officer- degree apprenticeships, Leeds Beckett University; Jess Sewter, chief partnerships officer, Generation UK&I; James Taylor, MD, Corecom Tech Academy; and tbc, Leeds University Business School.
This flagship session is a cornerstone of the Mini-Fest (21-23 April), a three-day event showcasing the innovation driving Leeds’ status as a global tech hub. The festival arrives at a time of significant growth; Leeds is now home to over 9,000 digital companies and is recognised as the UK’s premier location for tech scale-ups.
Deb Hetherington, entering her first full year as festival director, commented: “Leeds has evolved into a powerhouse for data and AI. We are seeing that translate directly into a new generation of digital roles, from AI ethics specialists to machine learning engineers. This panel event is aimed at HR and C-level executives looking to enhance their staff’s development, or hire new talent in tech, together with sector workers with an interest in helping bridge the skills gap. Anyone interested in finding out about ways to strengthen their skill set is more than welcome to attend.”
The Mini-Fest is supported by the headline sponsor, CGI, and platinum sponsors, Skipton Group, alongside a dedicated roster of partners, including Nexus, Accenture and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Deb added: “The Mini-Fest is designed to highlight the career path momentum across the tech sector. We are showing how data and AI open doors for talent across the North and are creating a sustainable, high-growth economy that works for everyone. It is a defining moment for the city as we look toward the next few years of innovation. With the digital sector contributing significantly to regional GVA, the Mini-Fest serves as a vital precursor to the annual festival.”
The full schedule for the April Mini-Fest is now live at https://leedsdigitalfestival.org/events/, with the main two-week annual festival scheduled to return from 21 September to 2 October 2026.
