Igniting the Next Generation of Digital Creators in the North East

The free, one-day event, which took place on Wednesday 5 November, was dedicated to inspiring the next generation of digital talent. In partnership with Omnicom Media Group (OMG), Sunderland Software City, and YourFilm, the event brought together over 350 students aged 16 to 18 and their teachers for a day of insight, innovation, and inspiration.

Bridging the gap between education and industry

The event aimed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the fast-moving digital industry, offering young people the chance to explore exciting career paths in marketing, design, tech, and beyond. Early feedback from attendees showed a 63% uplift in digital career confidence, highlighting the event’s real impact on students’ future aspirations.

Attendees were offered the chance to network with some of the biggest and most innovative local digital businesses, from business owners to digital communities and educational institutions. Sponsors included Sage, The Army, CyberNorth, and Hedgehog Lab.

A student chats with two representatives at a careers stand during the Aspiration Digital 2025 event, with display banners behind them.

Digital skills matter now more than ever

Research from Aspiration Digital highlights the need for initiatives like this – with 67% of young people saying digital careers were never mentioned at school and 60% finding themselves in digital roles by chance rather than design.

Digital skills are becoming increasingly essential to both individuals and the wider economy. Across the UK, 7.5 million adults (18%) still lack basic digital capabilities, and nearly half of businesses struggle to recruit for data and tech roles. As digital technologies continue to transform industries, the ability to engage confidently with digital tools is vital.

Two women sit in front of microphones during a podcast-style session at the Aspiration Digital 2025 event, with an “Inspiring future digital minds” banner behind them.

A young participant uses a virtual reality headset and controllers during an interactive session at the Aspiration Digital 2025 event, with others watching in the background.

Expanding the movement nationwide

Following the event in Newcastle – a city recognised as one of the UK’s fastest-growing digital hubs – Aspiration Digital plans to launch in Cardiff Metropolitan University in January 2026, with additional university partners currently in discussion. It will also host its seventh annual event at the University of Kent in December 2025.

Reflecting on the event at Newcastle University Business School, Becky Simms, Founder and CEO of Aspiration Digital and Reflect Digital, said: “Aspiration Digital was created to ignite curiosity and inspire students about the exciting career opportunities within the digital sector, an area too often overlooked in the traditional school curriculum.

“I’m absolutely thrilled we’ve been able to bring this event to the North East, shining a spotlight on future digital leaders right here in the region.

“I’m genuinely grateful to the local businesses who’ve backed this inaugural event. Together, we’re creating moments that could change lives and strengthen the future of the region’s already thriving digital community.”

Through events like Aspiration Digital, Newcastle is helping to empower the next generation with the confidence, connections, and skills to thrive in a digital-first world.