TechFirst Women's Programme
Supporting more women to begin - and return - to a rewarding career in tech.
The TechFirst Women’s Programme supports women to start, return to and progress in technology careers across the UK. It provides training, careers support and access to paid employment opportunities in high-growth technology sectors.
The programme aims to support at least 300 women into paid technology roles, helping to increase the participation and retention of women in areas where they are currently underrepresented. It will also support employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access a wider pool of skilled talent.
About the programme
The programme supports women at different stages of their careers, including those:
- entering the technology workforce
- changing career
- returning to work after a career break
- looking to progress into a technology role
It opens opportunities in high-growth areas of technology, including:
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- cyber security
- engineering biology
- quantum technologies
- semiconductors
- advanced communications
What support is available
Participants will receive tailored support to develop the technical and professional skills they need to move into technology roles.
This may include:
- technical training and upskilling
- mentoring and coaching
- careers and interview support
- job matching
- support when starting a new role
- ongoing support to help participants remain and progress in employment
Participants will then be matched to paid roles with local employers.
For employers
The programme will work with employers seeking to recruit talent into technology roles, with a particular focus on SMEs.
Participating employers will receive support with recruitment and matching, as well as training and support to help candidates successfully move into and progress in their roles.
Employers taking part must provide paid technology roles that last for at least 6 months and provide at least 25 hours of work a week. Roles can be offered in person, remotely or through hybrid working arrangements.
How to apply
For participants
If you are interested in starting, returning to or progressing your career in technology, you can apply to join the programme.
Apply to the TechFirst Women’s Programme
For employers
Employers with suitable technology vacancies can register their interest in recruiting through the programme.
Register your interest as an employer
About TechFirst
TechFirst Women’s Programme is part of TechFirst, the government’s flagship tech skills programme opening pathways into the UK’s fast-growing tech sector.