Sky to create 400 new jobs in Leeds as digital hub opens

Sky has chosen Leeds to be the location for a brand new, world-class technology facility.

The technology hub, which will create up to 400 jobs at the cutting edge of digital technology, will be focused on creating and developing Sky’s next generation of websites and apps across its offering.

Based at Allied London’s Leeds Dock, in the city centre, ‘Sky@Leeds Dock’ will establish a dynamic and creative environment that will transform the way Sky’s technology teams, responsible for hugely popular products like Sky+ and Sky Go, operate.

The hub will also include a new Software Engineering Academy, aimed at those starting out in a career in technology. The Academy offers graduates an accelerated learning programme, providing practical, on-the-job training including opportunities to develop and support software for teams across Sky, including Sky News and Sky Sports.

24 graduates and eight apprentices from the north of England will be recruited to the Academy this year, and expansion will also take place in the coming years.

The opening of Sky@Leeds Dock reflects Sky’s commitment to the city of Leeds, and will bring the total number of employees based in the city to over 1000, creating a world-class facility in the north of England.

The hub’s creation marks the increased importance of technology to Sky’s business, and is designed to meet the customer demand for new ways to access their favourite content, on mobiles and tablets, and on the move.

Matt Grest, head of technology, Sky@Leeds Dock, said: “The creation of Sky@Leeds Dock is a major commitment to our technology business, and to the city of Leeds.

“We are creating one of the largest digital communities in the UK, offering people in the North of England a unique opportunity to help shape Sky’s award-winning digital products, reaching millions of Sky customers around the UK.

“Leeds is thriving, with a burgeoning technology sector, and we’re confident our new hub can make a huge contribution to the city, and to our business.”

The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Business, Skills and Innovation, added: “I’m delighted that Sky is furthering its investment in Leeds with the creation of 400 new jobs and a new technology hub. The announcement is a boost to the digital economy of the entire Northern Powerhouse, and will undoubtedly help to cement Leeds as a leading technology cluster.”

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