Industry views
16 Mar 2023

Paving the way into a tech career for young girls

During this session we discussed how we can encourage the next generation to develop digital skills and how can we best support them when choosing a career path into tech.

Following from the launch of our second iteration of our Local Digital Capital Index which is a guide that describes the impact and value technology can bring to a region, showcasing its strengths and providing direction for development, we are hosting a series of panel discussions aimed at understanding different areas of the UK and the work being done to grow and strengthen the local tech ecosystems.

We were delighted to be joined by:

  • Emily Hall-Strutt, Director of Next Tech Girls,
  • Naamua Dodoo, Graduate Software Engineer at Tesco,
  • Lauralei Chapman-Ludgate Account Director at Makers,
  • Nimmi Patel, Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity at techUK

Get in touch with us if you would like to join us to discuss any challenges and opportunities in your area and how can we support your local tech ecosystem at [email protected]

techUK – Building Stronger Local Economies

techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience. We provide opportunities for our members and local stakeholders to meet, build relationships, and collaborate to drive forward local projects. For more information or to get in touch, please visit our Nations and Regions Hub and click ‘contact us’. 

Nations and Regions – related resources:

 

nations_regions_generic_card_1200x675px_final.jpg

 

Nimmi Patel

Nimmi Patel

Associate Director - Skills & Talent Policy, techUK

Nimmi Patel is the Associate Director - Skills & Talent Policy at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. She is a member of the UK government's Digital Skills Council, an external advisory body within the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), which provides expert advice and fosters collaboration to address the UK’s evolving digital skills needs and ensure the workforce is equipped for the digital economy. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of the Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre’s research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers, and governments. 

Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She also took part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme and is the Education and Skills Policy Co-lead for Labour in Communications.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
07805744520
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimmi-patel1/

Read lessmore

Ileana Lupsa

Ileana Lupsa

Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK

Ileana Lupsa is the Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, at techUK.

Ileana studied electronics, telecommunications and IT as an undergraduate, followed by an MSc in engineering and project management at Coventry University.

She refined her programme management expertise through her most recent roles working in the automotive industry.

Ileana is passionate about sustainability and creating a positive impact globally through innovation.

Email:
[email protected]
Twitter:
@IleanaLupsa
Website:
www.techUK.org
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/ileana-lupsa

Read lessmore

Matt Robinson

Matt Robinson

Head of Nations and Regions, techUK

Matt is techUK’s Head of Nations and Regions.

Matt joined techUK in June 2021 and leads techUK’s engagement with Devolved Government, Combined Authorities and Elected Mayors across the UK. He works with techUK’s members on growing and strengthening the digital economy across the UK including devolution, regional growth and developing tech ecosystems. 

Matt was a City Councillor for 16 years (2010-2026), a former Parliamentary candidate and West Yorkshire mayoral candidate, he brings a first-hand understanding of how national policy is received and delivered locally. 

Matt sits on a number of boards and bodies to help the tech sector including as a Non-Executive Director for the Tech for Good Alliance and a member of Manchester Digital Strategy Advisory Board. 

Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services. 

Email:
[email protected]
Website:
techuk.org,,techuk.org,,techuk.org,,techuk.org,,techuk.org,,techuk.org,,techuk.org,,techuk.org,

Read lessmore

 

Return to listing