Initiatives to encourage greater diversity in digital job roles across Wales have been highlighted at a meeting of a Senedd Cross-Party Group.

Facilitated by the creative-digital network Creative North Wales, the Cross-Party Group on Digital in Wales met at M-SParc, Anglesey, as well as online to discuss the current state and future prospects of the sector in the region.

The meeting heard about the importance of cross-party collaboration in exploring the potential of digital platforms across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, tourism, and skills development.

Tony Venus, Managing Director at Odag Consultants Ltd, highlighted initiatives underway to diversify digital job roles, including through promoting varied career pathways and practical digital education in schools.

Radio host, DJ and producer Owain Llyr, Director of Gweledigaeth, also outlined their work with local schools to inspire young children to consider working in the creative-digital sector.

But Catrin Owen, director of marketing and website developers Tropic, spoke about the need to do more to encourage women into the digital sector.

“I believe it’s very important for young people, especially women, to be inspired by people they can relate to,” said Catrin. “When a girl sees other women thriving she knows it’s possible to build a rewarding career of her own. We need to work on creating opportunities for the next generation of women to take leadership roles in creative industries. You have to see it to believe it.”

John Jackson, CEO of Esports Wales, a community interest company which aims to develop esports in Wales, spoke about the organisation's efforts to challenge stereotypes around the sector’s demographic reach.

Tom Burke, M-SParc’s Digital Innovation Manager and Creative North Wales Network Manager, said:

“We were proud to give an opportunity for creatives across North Wales working in the digital sector to not only celebrate the amazing work they do but put questions directly to the Cross Party Group and to Creative Wales. It was good to talk about the work we're doing to grow the creative cluster here with Gogledd Creadigol – Creative North Wales, and we're keen to hear from anyone interested in finding out more.”