Margot James MP met a group of technology experts for a roundtable talk at the soon-to-open North East Futures University Technical College (UTC) in Newcastle.
The Minister for Digital and Creative Industries did admit that the North East is facing greater challenges in securing the skills it needs for the digital age than other parts of the country. But she went on to say that the region is blessed with tech-focused universities and a business community that fosters a collaborative approach not seen elsewhere.
The multi-million-pound UTC scheme, where the event was hosted, was getting ready to open to students in September. Located in Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter, the college will specialise in digital technology and health science courses for 14- to 19-year-olds.
Speakers:
- Mark Larsen, MD of Accenture Newcastle
- Klaus-Michael Volgelburg, chief technology officer at Sage
- Prof. John Fitzgerald, head of Newcastle University’s School of Computing
- Andrew Besford, Government Digital Service Deputy Director
- Rebecca Strachan, Northumbria University professor of digital technology and education
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Digital Minister warned of North East skills gap during Newcastle talks, Bdaily