10,000 work experience placements announced to help young people enter the technology sector

The government has announced plans to create 10,000 work experience placements in the UK’s digital and technology industries over the next three years.

The initiative, announced on 21 October 2026, aims to help young people gain workplace experience, strengthen their CVs and explore employment opportunities in technology.

Major employers including Microsoft, Cisco, IBM and Arm are supporting the programme.

Expanding access to technology careers

The placements will give young people opportunities to learn about working in the technology sector and develop skills that could support their future careers.

The government has also announced an expansion of its TechFirst programme, which aims to improve access to digital skills education.

All secondary schools can now access TechFirst, with the ambition of reaching one million students by 2028, including 400,000 from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Activities available through the programme include digital skills workshops, careers talks, technology clubs, workplace experiences and access to online learning resources.

Addressing barriers to employment

The announcement forms part of wider efforts to improve employment opportunities for young people, particularly those who are not currently in education, employment or training.

Providing access to work experience can help young people understand different career pathways and develop confidence when entering the workplace.

For voluntary and community organisations, the programme may provide opportunities to signpost young people towards technology careers and encourage greater participation in digital learning.

Read more: Government announcement on technology work placements