Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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Tech challenge by university and Premier Farnell shortlisted for award
The Premier Farnell Technology Challenge, which was won by Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley, saw 16 schools across the region competing to create a piece of technology to help someone with a visual or sensory impairment.
Over 400 pupils took part in the workshops - designed by Leeds Beckett and Premier Farnell – which aimed to to raise young people’s aspirations and help them to explore careers in the digital and tech industry.
The challenge has now been shortlisted for a Campaign Tech Award, in the ‘Tech For Good’ category.
Duncan Folley, Principal Lecturer in the School of Computing, Creative Technologies and Engineering, said: “It is great that this challenge has been shortlisted for this award. The challenge gave students the opportunity to use their creativity and tech skills to come up with innovative designs.
“They were able to put their technical skills into practice - the kinds of skills needed to succeed in this industry.
“It also allowed our undergraduate students to share their expertise and experiences of what they have learned on their courses, and gain valuable experience of working with young people from across the region.”
The challenge is organised with local social enterprise Ahead Partnership, which has supported more than 95,000 young people with real-life, hands-on experiences designed by local employers.
The competitions are part of the FutureJobs programme, a fully-funded service from aspire-igen, Leeds City Region LEP and the European Social Fund.
Stephanie Burras CBE, Chief Executive of Ahead Partnership said: “Over two million people work in digital in the UK and in this region, where demand is ever-increasing, it’s imperative that we help young people see the diverse opportunities available.
“We’re delighted that Premier Farnell have been shortlisted for this award for directly tackling this demand by challenging young people’s perceptions of the tech industry, helping them develop their creativity and focus on innovation.”