Last week, Newcastle College University Centre hosted Generation North East: Building Tomorrow’s AI Workforce Today, a landmark two‑day event that brought together the region’s brightest leaders, boldest innovators and most ambitious partners, all united by one mission: to position the North East as a powerhouse of AI talent and technology.
The conference highlighted the momentum building across the region following its designation as an AI Growth Zone, celebrating the skills, creativity and collaboration that are rapidly establishing the North East as one of the UK’s most dynamic and future‑ready AI hubs. Delegates from business, education, policy and technology came together to explore how AI can drive growth, transform industries and reshape the future of learning.
Across both days, attendees engaged in keynote speeches, panel discussions, masterclasses and case studies delivered by influential voices from across the AI ecosystem, including a significant number of experts from Newcastle College University Centre and NCG.
CEO Liz Bromley opened the event, setting the tone for two days of ambitious discussion and shared purpose. Executive Principals Tony Lewin and Gerard Garvey delivered keynote speeches, alongside Scott Mulholland, Chief Information, Data and Estates Officer, who explored the Group’s digital transformation and the opportunities ahead.
Members of the Newcastle College Principalship team joined Digital Technology Lecturers and students to contribute to panel discussions on AI‑focused education and training, sharing insight into the skills employers will need in the very near future. Their contributions demonstrated the depth of expertise across NCG and the vital role its staff and students play in shaping the region’s future workforce.
Sessions led by experts from organisations including Sage, Hedgehog Lab, UKAI and Digital Catapult examined the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption, the future workforce pipeline and the technical capabilities required to support sustained economic growth.
A shared commitment to strengthening partnerships between employers and education providers ran throughout the event, reinforcing how essential collaboration is to building an AI‑ready workforce.
Reflecting on the College’s role, Jon Ridley, Principal of Newcastle College and Newcastle College University Centre, emphasised the responsibility of anchor institutions to drive innovation, embed AI into curriculum design and support the region’s economic wellbeing.
He said: “This conference has demonstrated the power of bringing education, industry, and civic partners together with a shared commitment to shaping the region’s future workforce. Newcastle College University Centre students graduate work-ready. They hone their skills with emerging technologies, working with business on live briefs experiencing the expectations of the workplace.
“We encourage students to challenge the boundaries of their skills and knowledge, developing courage to innovate and confidence to thrive in an AI-enabled economy. At Newcastle College University Centre, we champion innovation and create opportunities that drive growth, inclusion and long-term prosperity for our region.”
The event showcased powerful examples of how industry and education can work hand in hand to ensure learners graduate with cutting‑edge, industry‑led skills that support business growth and competitiveness.
The closing panel, featuring members of the AI Growth Zone Task Force, reinforced a clear message: the North East has the talent, capability and ambition to become a UK leader in AI‑enabled economic growth. As investment accelerates and thousands of new jobs emerge, Newcastle College and Newcastle College University Centre will continue to play a central role in preparing the workforce of the future.
This milestone event was made possible by the dedicated staff and talented students who contributed as speakers, panellists and facilitators. Their insight, professionalism and enthusiasm were central to the conference’s success and showcased the strength of expertise across NCG.
Crucially, the event also demonstrated the power of working hand in hand with employers. These partnerships not only give our learners access to cutting‑edge industry knowledge, they strengthen our influence, fuel innovation across the region and firmly establish NCG as a leader in shaping the future of AI skills.