Event | Thinking creatively to solve the tech skills shortage

Thinking creatively to solve the tech skills shortage

The talent shortage within the tech sector has been well reported with the demand for tech talent showing no sign of slowing down. But could your business be fishing in the wrong talent pool?

During this event, we’ll explore the concept of hidden workers, and how by expanding their hiring sources, businesses in Leeds can find people with the skills they’re searching for.

You’ll hear from unemployment charity, Generation, about how its data engineering programme is giving opportunities to unemployed people from diverse backgrounds; from Infinity Works about our Academy is helping experienced workers switch to a career in tech, and about the work we’re doing with clients to reskill their people through bespoke training.

So if you’re wanting to learn how your business can reach more highly-skilled tech talent, or you’re interested in exploring different routes into the industry, then this event is one not to be missed.

Who should attend?
This in-person event will be of interest to any business leaders or HR professionals looking for ways to solve the skills shortage, or for anyone interested in learning more about a career in tech, whether you are a student, or a seasoned professional looking for a career change.

When?
Wednesday 21 September @ 18:00

Where?
Infinity Works, Apsley House, Wellington Street, Leeds, LS1 2EQ

Agenda
18:00 – 18:30: Registration / Food and drinks networking
18:30 – 18:50: Clement Pickering, Director of Academy at Infinity Works
18:50 – 19:05: Linzi Carlin, my tech journey
19:05 – 19:15: Refreshment break
19:15 – 19:35: Jess Sewter, Partnerships Director for Generation
19:35 – 19:50: Umar Mahmood, my tech journey
19:50 – 20:00: Any remaining Q&A and close

Sign up above to reserve your space for this fantastic event.

Our speakers

Clem Pickering

Clem Pickering is a technology leader with over 23 years experience in the tech sector. In his current role as Director of Academy for Infinity Works, part of Accenture, he's responsible for helping people from all backgrounds get a great start to their tech careers and consulting with clients to do likewise. During his career he's been involved in leading and consulting on many areas of technology, including software engineering, testing, agile and DevOps, and helped build modern and inclusive company culture. He's also an enthusiastic trainer, facilitator and ICF qualified coach.

Jess Sewter

Jess Sewter is Partnerships Director for Generation in Leeds. Generation is a charity that trains, supports and places people from diverse backgrounds into life changing tech and data roles, otherwise inaccessible to them, while providing employers with the highly-skilled candidates they need. Jess has been working in education, employment and skills for over 20 years and is on a mission to remove barriers to help people access the training they need and make high growth sectors more accessible to a wide range of diverse and motivated talent.

Linzi Carlin

Linzi Carlin is a Consultant Software Engineer and Academy Instructor at Infinity Works. With degrees in Anthropology, Research Methods, and Social Policy, Linzi learned to code in her early forties, seeking a career change following a six year break in which she cared for her children. Her route into tech started with Sky’s Get Into Tech programme, before she joined the Infinity Works Academy, and later became an instructor on the very same Academy. When not nurturing the next generation of tech talent, you’ll find Linzi taking long walks in the woods, knitting, and spending too much money on yarn.

Umar Mahmood

Umar Mahmood is a Senior Associate Consultant, working with multidisciplinary teams across Infinity Works to support clients on their cloud journey. Hailing from Oldham, Umar went to school in Manchester, before going on to study Computer Science at the University of Salford. After being unsure of his career path following graduation, Umar expressed his interest in tech and found himself connected with Generation Data Engineering Bootcamp. During the Generation programme, Umar learnt of the Infinity Works Academy which he joined as an Associate Consultant before being promoted to a Senior Associate Consultant in 2022. In his spare time Umar likes to get involved in community and charity activities, from organising cake stalls to being backstage support at charity concerts. He will also often be found watching football matches, and nurturing his passion for tech with the online gaming community.

Don’t miss out on our other events for Leeds Digital Festival:

Disruption through technology, a spotlight on Leeds brands | Thurs 22 Sep 17:45 – 20:00
Net Zero Cities, a city sprint in action | Tues 27 Sep 18:00 – 20:00
Women in Tech Networking Breakfast | Thurs 29 Sep 08:30 – 10:30