Ulster University Business School has launched the continuation of the award winning ‘Talent Hub’ (TH26). Now in its fourth year this project is an authentic industry led collaboration with employers from across the region and has ongoing support from Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. The partnership focuses on connecting talented students with local employers to help them build their professional networks whilst committing future talent to the North West region. Building on the previous success, the TH26 aims to extend the NW talent pipeline by supporting students with an entrepreneurial flair to connect and develop links or collaborations in the NW this year.

Dr Mary Crossan, Talent Hub Lead & Placement Tutor said in support of the continuing Talent Hub Initiative:

“Ulster University Derry/Londonderry were delighted to continue this year with the success of the Talent Hub Project. The excellent work of the Talent Hub in the North West area, is growing year on year, with the development into the entrepreneurial space too, allowing students a choice in their progression pathway. The continuing collaborations and partnerships with industry will be key to the TH26 and its success.”

The TH26 is focused on developing the transition from education into the world of business by supporting students to secure a placement year or entrepreneurial placement opportunity through Ulster University. This academic year more than 130 second-year students will complete workshops delivered by academic experts and key businesses and innovators from Derry~Londonderry and its surrounding areas.

The series of workshops has been created to empower students to engage with and develop the skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities they need to succeed in their career choices whilst engaging with businesses to ensuring the next generation of talent is aligned with developing industry requirements and needs.

Sessions will aim to focus on a different aspect of essential career development themes, aligned to student career aspirations whether that be in employment or as an innovator or entrepreneur. The TH26 will help students to develop their confidence and professional skills, build networking skills and business connections. There is a key focus on what local employers expect from potential employees and supports to navigate areas from improving CV’s to sharpening their interview skills, with authentic learning opportunities in the classroom which started at the launch with Bethany Atkins (Londonderry Chamber of Commerce) and will continue with employers throughout the semester.

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of Derry Chamber of Commerce added:

“Londonderry Chamber of Commerce continue to facilitate this key collaboration with our corporate partner Ulster University, to the benefit of everybody involved – business, academia and the students who take part in Talent Hub.

Talent Hub is a great initiative and a prime example of how partnerships between employers and educators help to create a thriving and confident talent pipeline in the Northwest.

Paddy McLaughlin, Employability Consultant at Ulster University stated that:

“The Talent Hub is an excellent opportunity for Ulster University students to make a head start on their career aspirations and expectations. From an employability perspective, input is specifically designed to take students through contemplating their own confidence and skill sets, ensuring they are ‘application ready’, while also addressing the importance of online presence in an increasingly AI-influenced world.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Talent Hub 26 and connecting with students do get in touch. Local businesses with possible placement or graduate opportunities or those working in the innovation and entrepreneurship space can contact Dr Mary Crossan, Ulster University to learn more about the ‘Talent Hub 2026’ and get involved or register to attend the networking and employer supported events by emailing m.crossan@ulster.ac.uk