Allstate Northern Ireland has launched a new initiative to support students and early career professionals who are beginning their journey in the technology sector.
The Early Tech Talent Meet Up provides a dynamic platform for young people to build essential career skills, explore emerging tech trends, and debate key topics including apprenticeships versus traditional degrees.The community also offers valuable networking opportunities to help attendees establish critical industry connections.
Recognising a gap in the sector for a dedicated space tailored to early career technologists, Allstate hosted the first meet up on 27 March at its Belfast office with over 100 attendees from local tech organisations such as Liberty IT, Kainos, BT and Aflac.
The event welcomed individuals from tech-focused organisations across the region, all coming together to learn, collaborate, and grow alongside experienced industry leaders.
The evening featured keynote addresses from Stephen McKeown, Vice President and Managing Director at Allstate, and Neil Hutcheson, Chief Executive Officer of Software NI.
Attendees also heard from Allstate graduate Lucy Doyle, who shared her experiences of transitioning from education to employment and explored alternative tech career pathways with Max Lilleyman and Callum Mohan from Kainos.
Each speaker offered a unique perspective on graduate roles, placements, insight programmes, and degree apprenticeships, illustrating the many routes available into the tech industry.
Designed to be shaped by its participants, the Early Tech Talent Meet-Up is part of Allstate’s commitment to supporting the next generation of technology leaders by equipping them with real-world skills and insights.
Following the formal sessions, guests enjoyed a networking reception, allowing conversations to continue in an informal setting and helping to forge strong, lasting connections.
Allstate will host the next Early Tech Talent event on 4 June, featuring insights into the development and application of AI software, the future of the AI industry in Northern Ireland, and practical advice from Jordan McDonald, CEO of Intrinsic AI.
Stephen McKeown, Vice President and Managing Director at Allstate said:
“At Allstate, we’re proud to launch the Early Tech Talent Meet-Up – an initiative designed to connect, support, and inspire the next generation of technologists. Creating a space where emerging talent can share ideas, build networks, and learn is critical to developing a strong, innovative tech community. This is a key part of our commitment to nurturing talent and investing in the future of technology both within Allstate and across the region.”
