The UK Government has announced a new package of initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers and encouraging more women and girls to pursue careers in technology.
The measures include a £4 million TechFirst Women’s Programme, which will support at least 300 paid placements in technology roles across the UK. The programme will provide career coaching, interview preparation and technical support to help women build the skills and confidence needed to enter or progress within the tech sector.
Alongside the placements, a new “returnship” scheme will help experienced software developers return to tech careers after time away from the workforce. The pilot programme, working with the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice, aims to tackle the “CV gap” many people face when trying to re-enter employment after a career break.
To inspire the next generation, the government is also launching a TechFirst Girls Competition, which will introduce thousands of 12- and 13-year-old girls to coding, artificial intelligence and digital problem-solving through national challenges and activities.
Women remain significantly under-represented in the technology sector, and research suggests the UK economy loses between £2 billion and £3.5 billion each year as women leave tech roles or move to other industries due to barriers and lack of opportunities.
The new initiatives form part of wider efforts to ensure the UK tech industry is more inclusive, helping businesses access a broader talent pool while inspiring more young people to consider digital careers.
🔗 Read the full announcement:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-breaks-down-barriers-to-help-more-women-and-girls-enter-the-tech-sector
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