BRADFORD has this week been hosting an out-of-this-world experience for thousands of schoolchildren and students as Tech Week gets under way.

This is the city’s second digital festival following last year’s successful inaugural event which saw young people across the district take part in workshops, talks, seminars and activities.

Bradford Tech Week for 2021 has been organised by Tim Rogers, director of Future Transformation, and Mark Cowgill, director of Exa Networks, which are both based in the city.

Mr Rogers said he was passionate about inspiring young people to consider careers in tech and the digital industries.

“Last year’s event was very successful despite taking place during lockdown. This year’s event is bigger and better as Covid restrictions have ended so we are able to go into schools and hold face to face activities.”

Tech Week included the first live Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) show taking place at Kala Sangam in the city centre. The journey of an astronaut leaving earth and living and working on the international space station, has proved very popular.

There was also an online gaming workshop supported by CityFibre to show young people the opportunities in the industry.

Mr Rogers said: “Tech Week provides the awareness to young people, parents and teachers know that there is a very strong, vibrant and bright future here in terms of career opportunities.

“We have the youngest city in the country and therefore a huge talent pool and labour force, with the right skills Bradford has the opportunity to thrive.”

Kim Johnston, of CityFibre said the firm was delighted to be supporting Bradford Tech Week again.

"As we build our full fibre network across the city we are futureproofing the broadband needs of local residents and businesses. To make the most of this infrastructure we look for ways to enhance the digital skills of the young people in the region and provide insight and inspiration on future career opportunities in the tech and digital sectors."

Nick Scaife, of Bradford College, said: “The main aim of Bradford Tech Week is to highlight careers in the technology field. We will look at current trends in the area as well as looking at what kinds of jobs will dominate in the future."

The event has been sponsored and supported by a number of organisations, including CityFIbre, CCS Media, Bradford College, Keighley College, the University of Bradford, Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Digital Makers, Bradford Grammar School and Space Hub Yorkshire. For more information about Bradford Tech Week go to futuretransformation.org/tech-talks and exa.net.uk/about-us/social-values/.

The inaugural Tech Week held last year, was launched by Bradford Means Business, the T&A, LOCALiQ and Exa networks.

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