Barnsley Digital Symposium

Connecting education and industry: Barnsley’s first Digital Symposium

Barnsley’s first Digital Symposium in 2025 brought the world of digital careers to life for more than 400 Barnsley College students, demonstrating the powerful role industry partners can play in inspiring the next generation.

Delivered as part of the Great Childhoods Ambition, the two‑day event created a unique opportunity for employers to showcase their work, share real‑world insight, and connect directly with young people at a key point in their career journey.

Partnership collaboration

A defining strength of the symposium was the depth of collaboration between Barnsley Council, Barnsley College, and more than 20 digital organisations. Industry partners were central to the event’s success, offering their time, expertise, and resources to deliver authentic experiences that gave students direct access to professionals working at the forefront of the digital sector. This partnership approach ensured learning was practical, relevant, and rooted in real career pathways.

Across both days, partners led workshops and talks that helped students explore digital career routes, build confidence in engaging with employers, and better understand the skills needed for emerging roles. High‑profile organisations including Microsoft and HSBC were joined by creative and specialist digital businesses such as Deadline Digital, Into Games, and PitStop Productions, covering areas ranging from creative storytelling and video production to gaming, audio, and sound design. These contributions gave students invaluable insight into the breadth of opportunities available within the digital industry.

Our ambition

The Digital Symposium also supports Barnsley’s ambition to become the UK’s leading digital town, a key priority within the borough’s Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy. By bringing educators and employers together, the event strengthened relationships with industry and laid the foundations for ongoing collaboration. Continued partner involvement will be vital in expanding Barnsley’s digital talent pipeline, opening doors for young people, and ensuring they develop the skills needed for modern digital careers.