In West Yorkshire, particularly Leeds, the local tech sector has been growing significantly. Over the past decade, digital occupations in Yorkshire and the Humber have grown at an annual average rate of 7%. However, there remains barriers and unequal representation within the digital sector, particularly for historically underserved areas, and groups, where there is lower social capital, occupational awareness, opportunities to upskill and conscious/unconscious biases in hiring and talent attraction.

Solution

Since 2021, BJSS has proudly partnered with the Ahead Partnership, a Leeds-based social enterprise dedicated to helping young people — especially those from less advantaged backgrounds — achieve their aspirations.

By connecting schools, businesses, and local communities, the Ahead Partnership supports a more diverse, inclusive, and socially mobile talent pipeline for the economy.

Our collaboration spans several impactful initiatives, including:

  • Growing Talent Digital Leeds: An award-winning programme designed to inspire young people to embrace digital skills as a gateway to exciting and rewarding careers.
  • Girl Tech Leeds: A targeted initiative addressing the lack of female representation in the technology and digital sectors. Through networking with role models, exploring career pathways, and engaging in hands-on experiences, young women from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to consider careers in tech and digital industries.

Outcome

In 2024 alone, our volunteers working with just the Growing Talent Digital Leeds programme made a remarkable impact, supporting over 42 live events and reaching more than 11,000 students.

The results speak for themselves, with students sharing their transformative experiences:

  • 79% are interested in a future career in digital
  • 85% are confident in what the digital sector is
  • 89% are aware of the skills, qualifications, and/or entry routes into the digital sector
  • 85% are motivated to work harder in school
  • 90% are thinking about their goals after school.

Together with the Ahead Partnership, we’re not just opening doors to careers in digital — we’re empowering young people to dream big, work hard, and achieve their aspirations, helping to shape a more inclusive and innovative future.

Our partnership continues in 2025 with plans to continue supporting students across West Yorkshire most in need.

Learn more about our social value strategy.