Tech Talent Expo

Breaking Barriers: A Glimpse into Sunderland's Thriving Tech Ecosystem

Imagine a world where innovation meets opportunity, where your creativity can transform entire industries, and where a career in technology isn't just a job - it's a pathway to shaping the future. This was the powerful message we shared at our recent Tech Talent Expo, an event that's already creating ripples of excitement across our local tech community.

Why Tech Matters More Than Ever

The technology sector in Sunderland isn't just growing—it's transforming the city's landscape. Sunderland is emerging as a Smart City, leveraging cutting-edge 5G technology to create more efficient, sustainable, and connected experiences. The Groundworks Film Studio is bringing Hollywood-level digital innovation to our doorstep, creating a hub for advanced visual effects and digital content creation that's attracting tech talent from across the region.

Meanwhile, the city's burgeoning esports scene is putting Sunderland on the global tech map. With state-of-the-art gaming facilities and a growing ecosystem of digital entertainment professionals, we're proving that technology isn't just about traditional IT roles—it's about creating entirely new industries and experiences. From game development to digital broadcasting, cybersecurity to creative technologies, Sunderland is rapidly becoming a powerhouse of technological innovation.

‍

Shattering Myths and Breaking Barriers

Let's get real about the tech sector. For too long, young people have been trapped by limiting beliefs about what a "tech career" looks like. Many imagine a stereotypical scene: a lone programmer, hunched over a computer, speaking in complex code that seems like a foreign language. The reality? Tech is incredibly diverse, vibrant, and accessible.

Our Tech Talent Expo was designed to get rid of these misconceptions. We heard from participants who believed they weren't "smart enough" or "technical enough" for a tech career. Some worried about:

• Needing perfect grades
• Having to be a math genius
• Believing tech is only for certain types of people
• Thinking you need an expensive university degree

But here's the truth: the tech sector needs diversity. We need creative thinkers, problem-solvers, communicators, and dreamers. Not every tech role is about coding. Consider digital marketing specialists who understand social media algorithms, user experience designers who create intuitive interfaces, cybersecurity experts who protect digital spaces, or esports managers who coordinate global gaming teams.

‍

Our Incredible Speakers

Infinity 27 took centre stage with cutting-edge industry insights, demonstrating the real-world applications of technology across various sectors. Their talk simplified complex tech concepts into engaging, accessible narratives that showed young people the true potential of a tech career.

Jamie Wardle Police Constable Cyber Prevent Officer, delivered a critical session on digital safety and ethical technology. His presentation went beyond typical cyber awareness, highlighting the crucial role of technology in protecting communities and preventing digital threats. Jamie showed how tech careers can be about making a genuine social impact, challenging the notion that tech is just about coding or computers.

The National Careers Service provided practical, invaluable guidance on navigating the tech sector. Their workshop was a roadmap for success, offering clear, actionable advice on education paths, skill development, and career opportunities in the tech world.

‍

Participating Businesses: A Powerhouse of Opportunity

We were incredibly fortunate to host an extraordinary lineup of businesses and organisations, each bringing a unique perspective to our Tech Talent Expo. Joining us was;

• Accenture
• University of Sunderland
• Durham Police Cyber Prevent Unit
• Catch22
• Jackson Hogg
• Serios Group
• Suitability
• Smartworks
• XR Therapeutics
• Cyber North

Each organisation brought something unique to the table, from Accenture's global perspective to XR Therapeutics' innovative approach to healthcare technology. They collectively painted a vibrant picture of the tech sector's diversity and potential.

Our expo wasn't just an event—it was a bridge. A bridge between curious young minds and the expansive, exciting world of technology. We connected potential with opportunity, demystified tech careers, and most importantly, inspired a new generation of innovators.

Why Meaningful Encounters Matter

Events like the Tech Talent Expo are more about information sharing - they're about sparking dreams and showing young people what's possible. When students meet real people working in exciting tech jobs, something amazing happens. Suddenly, a career that might have seemed distant or impossible becomes tangible and exciting. These events show that tech isn't just about computers, but about solving problems, being creative, and making a real difference in the world.

Our expo wasn't just another careers fair - it was a chance for young people to see themselves in roles they might never have imagined. By bringing together professionals from all backgrounds, we showed that there's no single 'type' of person who works in tech. Whether someone is creative, analytical, a team player, or a problem solver, there's a place for them in this incredible industry. These meaningful conversations can change lives, turning curiosity into confidence and potential into real career paths.

‍

Your Tech Journey Starts Here

To every person reading this, whether you are in school, a job seeker, or looking for a change: your tech journey is unique. It doesn't require you to fit into a predefined mould. It requires curiosity, willingness to learn, and the courage to explore.

Sunderland's tech ecosystem is growing, and we want YOU to be part of it.  

The Tech Talent Expo was more than just a one-day event—it was a statement of our city's commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech innovators. We've shown that Sunderland is not just keeping up with the digital revolution but leading the way. Our mission continues beyond this expo: to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and create pathways for young talent to thrive in the tech sector.

‍

Get in touch with us to see how you can start your career in tech!  Please email Jess Sawyers, Schools Outreach Coordinator, via Jess.Sawyers@SunderlandSoftwareCity.com

‍

‍