The UK government announced a nationwide rollout of 10,000 work experience placements in the digital and tech sector. The initiative is part of the newly published Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan.
TechFirst Programme and Industry Backing
Some of Britain's key tech employers, including Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Cognizant, AtkinsRéalis, Arm, Kainos and QinetiQ, are backing the drive to open up 10,000 opportunities over the next three years. All secondary schools are now able to access the government programme TechFirst, with an ambition to reach 1 million students by 2028.
Secondary students will receive workshops, skills sessions, career talks, industry workplace experiences, tech clubs, and inter-school competitions as part of the initiative.
Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport published the Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan, setting a target of 20,000 entry-level jobs a year. The plan aligns government, industry and education providers to build skills for future roles in the UK's digital and tech sector.
Additionally, the government announced the TechFirst Women’s Programme, aiming to support 300 women with mentoring, skills development, and matching with live vacancies to secure paid roles lasting at least six months by March 2027.
Ada Computer Science Platform
Students will also receive access to the digital learning platform Ada Computer Science. The platform is delivered in partnership between the UK Government and the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
From the end of the 26/27 academic year, the platform will replace the Isaac platform currently funded by the DfE as part of the National Centre for Computing Education.
Key facts and where they come from
- 10,000 work experience placements are being opened up in Britain's digital and tech sector.
10,000 young people will get the chance to get experience under their belt, build up their CVs, and get their foot in the door of Britain's digital and tech sector.
- The TechFirst programme aims to reach 1 million students by 2028.
ambition to reach 1 million students by 2028 – a year earlier than planned – including 400,000 from the most disadvantaged schools
- The Digital and Technologies Jobs Plan sets a target of 20,000 entry-level jobs a year.
setting a target of 20,000 entry level jobs a year, aligning Government, industry and education providers
- The TechFirst Women's Programme aims to secure paid roles for 300 women by March 2027.
aim of securing paid roles lasting at least six months by March 2027.
