Allstate NI expands Digital Hubs programme to build future tech skills

Allstate Northern Ireland is expanding its Digital Hubs programme to schools across Dungannon, Craigavon, Portadown and Lurgan, following the success of a pilot programme in the North West last year. The £80,000 investment will extend access to digital skills, industry expertise and technology opportunities across the region

The 2026 expansion will see Allstate invest £50,000 in technology equipment for participating schools in the new expansion areas, alongside a further £30,000 investment to support the wider Digital Hubs footprint across Derry and Strabane.

The programme is designed to give young people the digital skills, confidence, and experiences they need to participate in Northern Ireland’s increasingly digital economy, while widening access to opportunity regardless of geography or background.

Delivered in partnership with Software NI, schools, educators, industry partners, and technology professionals, the Digital Hubs programme provides students with practical experience using industry-standard equipment, alongside opportunities to engage directly with professionals working in technology.

The programme will also help students explore how technology can be applied to real-world challenges, demonstrating that digital skills are not only a pathway to a career but can be used to make a positive contribution to society.

As part of the 2026 programme, Allstate NI will launch a new digital competition linked to the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls agenda. The competition has been shaped by the latest phase of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Department of Justice and The Executive Office’s Power to Change campaign, which encourages people to recognise harmful attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls and consider how they can safely help.

Building on the campaign’s focus on everyday situations and safe bystander action, the competition will challenge students to use digital skills, creativity and problem-solving to explore how technology can encourage respect, help young people recognise harmful behaviour, and make safe responses and trusted support easier to understand.

The campaign’s CARE approach — Call it out, Alert others, Redirect attention and Engage after — provides a starting point for exploring different ways to help, with personal safety and seeking support from a trusted adult central to the messages for younger audiences.

The competition is intended to encourage young people to consider the wider potential of technology and how their skills can be used to address challenges within their own communities.

The 2026 Digital Hub launch events took place at the Everglades Hotel in late September and St Ronan’s College, Lurgan, at the start of October.

Through the programme, Allstate Northern Ireland aims to support the development of Northern Ireland’s future workforce, strengthen regional economic opportunity and inspire young people to consider how technology can shape both their careers and the communities in which they live.

Stephen McKeown, Managing Director and Global Vice-President, Allstate Northern Ireland, said: "The expansion of our Digital Hubs programme is about much more than technology. It is about giving young people the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to see themselves as part of Northern Ireland’s digital future.

"We know that access to opportunity can vary depending on where a young person lives, which is why regional access is such an important part of this programme. By bringing schools, educators, and technology professionals together, we can help young people develop practical skills, understand the opportunities available to them, and build connections with industry.

"We also want young people to see technology as a force for positive change. The new digital competition will challenge students to think creatively about a real societal issue and demonstrate how digital skills can be used to make a difference in their communities.

"By investing in schools and young people today, we are helping to build the skills and talent pipeline that Northern Ireland will need in the years ahead."

Chief Superintendent Gillian Kearney, Police Service of Northern Ireland, said: "The latest phase of Power to Change asks people to recognise the everyday words and actions online that can make women and girls feel unsafe or disrespected, and to consider how they can safely help when they witness this behaviour.

"This competition gives young people an opportunity to explore those messages through digital creativity. Whether their idea helps someone recognise harmful behaviour, understand a safe way to respond or find a trusted adult to speak to, it can help turn the campaign’s message into something practical for their peers.

"We want every young person to know that they deserve respect and that they are not expected to put themselves at risk to help someone else. Asking for support is a positive action, and adults have a responsibility to listen and help."

Neil Hutcheson, CEO, Software NI said: "This is yet another outstanding commitment from Allstate. The investments in digital hubs are carefully thought out, and part of a bigger plan to join the dots, ensuring equality of access for all pupils.

“As a founding member of Software NI, the Allstate team really understands the value of working as one when it comes to refining and improving our education system. This step will immediately benefit more children and teachers, while investing in our industry of the future."