YOUNG people in Sunderland, game for a career in the software industry, will get a unique opportunity to find out about their prospects at a special event tomorrow (March 2).
As part of the city’s Work Discovery Sunderland programme, more than 200 pupils from years nine to 11 will be attending a Software Sector Day, to find out about possible careers in this growth industry.
Organised by Accenture and Sunderland Software City, in conjunction with Work Discovery Sunderland, it will give the young people the chance to talk to experts from a wide range of software-related industries.
The event is being supported by companies including Nissan and HPE, with virtual reality experts Vector 76 demonstrating their software and VR headsets.
Sunderland-based company Geek Talent will also be demonstrating their Career Hacker platform, while representatives from Sunderland College will be giving information about their Next Generation gaming course, which will be launched in September.
The sector day – which is being held at Sunderland Software Centre – is one of many events organised by Work Discovery Sunderland, which include a range of speaker days and Work Discovery Week, which this year runs from July 11 to 15.
Work Discovery Sunderland was created by Sunderland’s Economic Leadership Board Business:Schools Task Group, with the aim of helping students to develop their employability skills and get an insight into various industries before they embark on their careers.
Paul McEldon, co-chair of Work Discovery Sunderland, said the sector day gave young people the chance to talk to experts in the field.
“The software industry is a growth area with some really exciting opportunities for young people,” he said.
“There are representatives from a diverse range of organisations so the young people attending can really get a feel for the many options that are available to them.”
Amy Porter, Skills Manager for Sunderland Software City added: “Software Sector Day is designed to inspire and educate young people about the many organisations, technologies and career opportunities on their doorstep here in the North East.
“By raising awareness of the size and presence of the sector in the region we aim to encourage more young people to move into further study and careers in tech, which not only opens up promising career paths but is vital to the long-term growth and success of the industry, not just here in the North East, but across the UK.”
There are a number of opportunities for businesses to get involved in the Work Discovery Sunderland programme.
Any businesses wanting to get involved – either as sponsors or to offer activities – should contact Steph Rose at stephanie.rose@sunderland.gov.uk.